A busy second half of the NBA season continues on Saturday with five games set to tip off. Among the matchups to watch, a primetime showdown between LeBron James’ Lakers and Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets is appointment viewing. There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections ahead of tonight’s matchups!
Josh GIddey more than 14.5 points
Despite suffering an overtime loss, the Bulls should feel some optimism due to the play of Josh Giddey. The guard, acquired this summer in a trade with the Thunder, generated 27 points and 16 rebounds against the Knicks. Through 52 games, the Aussie has averaged 12.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field.
Giddey’s all-around play is more of a focus than his scoring. However, a busy trade deadline has changed the entire Bulls roster. Without Zach LaVine (now with Sacramento), more touches have opened up for the rest of the back court. Since that trade was made on February 5th, Giddey has recorded 17.0 points over five games. Against a below-average Phoenix defense, Chicago’s top ball handler should hit a few buckets on Saturday.
Tyus Jones more than 5.5 assists
Speaking of the Suns, it’s been a rough 2024-25 campaign in the desert. Currently 11th in the West with a 26-29 record, it’s safe to say this season hasn’t gone to plan. Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker have produced, but quality role players are few and far between on Phoenix. One name that hasn’t disappointed is Tyus Jones. Signed this summer after a season on the Wizards, the point guard has been as advertised. Through 54 games, he’s posted 10.9 points and 5.9 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field (40.1 3PT%).
With that being said, the 28-year-old isn’t the most consistent player. Look no further than Thursday’s 1-of-9 shooting against the Spurs. Still, Jones is known more for his passing than his scoring. The guard has reached six assists in more than half of his outings this season (53.7%). That trend should continue tonight against a Bulls defense allowing 29.2 dimes per game, the second-highest mark in basketball. A porous Chicago defense will struggle to contain one of the association’s most underrated distributors.
Luka Doncic more than 7.5 assists
It was always going to take time for Luka Doncic to get back to speed after suffering a calf strain in late December. Still, Lakers fans have yet to enjoy a vintage performance from the Slovenian, partially due to a minutes restriction. Through three games with Los Angeles, the guard has averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Doncic’s cold streak could end on Saturday in a marquee matchup with the rival Nuggets. Head coach JJ Redick could give the superstar a greater workload after resting him in Thursday’s meeting with Portland. It helps that Denver has major issues on defense, allowing the most assists per game to opponents (29.3). Luka might need more time to find his shot, but there should be plenty of open teammates tonight.
Jamal Murray more than 22.5 points
We’ll stay in Denver, where Jamal Murray will hope to continue his stellar play. Following a rough start, the guard has enjoyed another solid season as Nikola Jokic’s running mate. Since January 1stt, the Canadian has generated 22.8 points and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 51.0% from the field (40.9 3PT%). Over the past week, he’s put on a show against the Trail Blazers (55 points) and Hornets (34 points).
That success should continue tonight against a mediocre Los Angeles defense. Murray has thrived in this spot before, averaging 23.1 points over his last ten meetings vs. the Lakers. Given how the guard has looked recently, it’s difficult to fade him against any team, let alone one that can’t guard the perimeter. Don’t be shocked if Denver’s second-best player is the MVP of this Western Conference showdown.
Donovan Clingan less than 9.5 rebounds
Deandre Ayton’s calf strain has left a significant void down low for the Trail Blazers. Luckily for Portland fans, the team used the seventh pick in last summer’s draft to select center Donovan Clingan. The UConn product, while raw on offense, has game-changing skills on the other end of the floor. Look no further than his per36 marks of 14.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. It might take some time, but this is a player with All-Defensive Team potential.
As good as Clingan might be going forward, his present production is less certain. On paper, tonight’s matchup with the Hornets should be promising, especially on the glass. This season, Charlotte has allowed the fifth-most rebounds per game to opponents (53.5). However, Portland’s young center has logged more than 21 minutes just once over his last ten outings. As a result, it’s simply too difficult to trust the big man in most fantasy basketball formats. Double-digit boards feels like a stretch, even against a team that struggles to box out.
Mark Williams more than 13.5 points
Speaking of young centers, Mark Williams is (somehow) still a member of the Hornets. Following a failed physical at the trade deadline, the Duke alum’s Lakers career was over before playing a single game in LA. Regardless of where he’s playing, the big man is still supremely talented. This season, he’s posted 15.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game while shooting 58.1% from the field.
While the aforementioned Donovan Clingan is a superb defender, he’s doubtful to play more than half of tonight’s game. While Robert Williams III is also a solid rim protector, neither player is unbeatable down low. Mark Williams played nearly 30 minutes against (who else) the Lakers on Wednesday. It’s a positive sign for fantasy managers, as Charlotte clearly isn’t taking the big man out of its rotation. While the 23-year-old had only ten points in that contest, I’m willing to bet we see way more buckets on Saturday.
What is DraftKings Pick6?
Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy variant where you build a lineup (your “Pick Set”) of 2+ players and select whether or not you believe each will outperform their listed stat projection. Enter your Pick Set in Pick6 contests to compete against other users. Get enough picks correct and win a share of cash prizes.
How to Play DraftKings Pick6
Create a Pick Set
Create a Pick Set by choosing 2+ players from the same sport and Pick Group (a set of picks available from a group of set competitions). For each player, simply select if you think they’ll have more or less than their listed stat projection. In each Pick Set, you can not pick the same player twice and you must pick players from at least two different teams.
Enter an Amount
Once you finalize your Pick Set, choose your entry fee amount. Your entries will be automatically distributed into available contests, subject to your confirmation.
Sweat Your Picks
When the games go live, use the My Picks tab to follow your picks in real time to track how your players are performing against their projections and how they stack up against other users.
Compete for Prizes
Make enough correct picks and win a share of the contests’ guaranteed prizes. Any prizes won will be credited to your DraftKings account after contests are finalized.
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