Five games are set to tip off across the NBA on Thursday, with ten different teams taking the floor. Among the matchups to watch, MVPs will battle in Milwaukee when Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks host Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets. Later, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves visit the surging Lakers at the Crypto Center. There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections before tonight’s matchups!
Jimmy Butler less than 19.5 points
So far, the Jimmy Butler trade has been a resounding success for the Warriors. The Dubs have won six of their last seven games, often by double-digits; the team’s record is currently 31-27. The former Heat star has been terrific during that time, averaging 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists over six games.
While Golden State could easily reel off another win on Thursday, points might be hard to come by. The Magic have earned their reputation as an elite defense, allowing the second-fewest points per game this season (103.5). Over Butler’s last three meetings with Orlando, he’s reached 20 points only once. On a Warriors offense with more mouths to feed than Miami, it’s hard to see that trend changing tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo more than 47.5 points + rebounds + assists
Contenders are set to clash in primetime when the Bucks host Denver. Both teams are built similarly, relying on a Hall of Fame talent to carry the entire offense. For Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been unguardable this season, making a strong push for his third career MVP award. Through 45 games, the forward has posted 31.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 60.9% from the field.
A superstar such as The Greek Freak can fill up a stat sheet in a hurry. It also helps that the Nuggets have multiple weaknesses to exploit. This season, Denver has surrendered the most assists (29.3) and seventh-most points (117.5) per game to opponents. Antetokounmpo has reached 48 points+rebounds+assists in 25 of his 45 appearances (55.5%). He should hit this total once again vs. one of the NBA’s worst defenses.
Jose Alvarado more than 5.5 assists
‘Disaster’ would be an understatement when describing the 2024-25 Pelicans. New Orleans has been decimated by an almost biblical plague of injuries, sidelining stars such as Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray. Trading Brandon Ingram to Toronto this month has only exacerbated the lack of available talent in the bayou. On the bright side, several role players have been granted a bigger workload. That includes Jose Alvarado; despite his defense-first reputation, the point guard has emerged as a solid playmaker this season.
The only (healthy) ball-hander for the Pelicans is CJ McCollum, so there’s a clear need for a distributor. During his previous five appearances, Alvarado has produced 6.6 assists. Thursday’s opponent, the Suns, certainly aren’t a defensive juggernaut. Phoenix has allowed 31.7 assists over its last three games, the third-highest mark in basketball. It won’t take much for New Orleans’ two-way menace to make an impact as a passer.
Devin Booker more than 27.5 points
As previously mentioned, the Suns don’t offer much in terms of defense. Or depth. Or chemistry. So what does Phoenix have? Two of basketball’s best scorers. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker might not be enough for a playoff berth, but the pair are certainly entertaining. The latter has served as the team’s primary ball-handler, while still putting up plenty of buckets. This season, the four-time All-Star has recorded 26.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.
D-Book isn’t guaranteed a big game every night, but he’s a walking threat from anywhere on the court. The guard accounted for 28 points in each of his last three contests. That should continue on Thursday against a Pelicans defense allowing the sixth-most points per game (117.9). Booker has reached at least 52 points during his previous two meetings with New Orleans. A little more than half of that total from the sharpshooter is all bettors need tonight.
Naz Reid more than 30.5 points + rebounds
Naz Reid isn’t a household name, but anyone who follows the association knows his importance to the Timberwolves. Last year’s Sixth Man of the Year winner is, on most nights, an over-qualified bench option. That hasn’t been the case for most of February, as starting center Rudy Gobert (back) has been injured. Without both Gobert and Julius Randle (groin), Minnesota’s front court depth is thinner than ever.
Reid has thrived as a starter this season, averaging 20.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists over 11 games. During those appearances, he’s reached 31 points+rebounds seven different times. There’s a good chance that continues vs. the Lakers on Thursday. Anthony Davis’ departure to Dallas has left Los Angeles with limited depth at center. A rotation consisting of Jaxson Hayes and forwards playing out of position doesn’t inspire confidence. Against underwhelming opposition, Reid is poised to flirt with another double-double.
LeBron James less than 39.5 points + rebounds + assists
The truest form of dominance is boredom. We’ve become so accustomed to massive numbers from LeBron James, even at the age of 40(!), that it’s become routine. The four-time MVP may not be in his prime, but he’s still one of basketball’s most dominant forces. This season, The King has put up 24.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists while shooting 52.0% from the field.
With all that being said, it makes sense to fade James on Thursday. Los Angeles will face a Timberwolves team that, while injured, can still make things tough on opposing offenses. This season, they’ve given up 107.4 points per game, fourth-fewest in the NBA. Over LeBron’s previous two matchups with Minnesota, he’s produced no more than 25 points+rebounds+assists. A better showing from the future Hall of Famer should be expected tonight, but will it be enough to clear this line? I’m not so sure.
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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