Less than a quarter of the NBA regular season remains, with eight games set to tip off on Saturday. Among the matchups to watch, the scrappy Magic hope to earn an upset win over the Bucks. Later, historic rivals collide when LeBron James and the Lakers visit Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections before tonight’s contests!
Zion Williamson less than 23.5 points
Not much has gone right for the Pelicans this season. Due to injuries and underperformance, New Orleans sits near the bottom of the Western Conference with a 17-46 record. If anything has gone right in the Bayou, it’s the play of Zion Williamson, who suffered a hamstring injury on November 3rd. Since returning on January 7th, the two-time All-Star has averaged 25.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
As good as the power forward has been, his production isn’t a guarantee. Teams that can match Williamson’s physicality have a better chance at slowing him down. That includes the Rockets, who held the 24-year-old to only 20 points on Thursday. Houston has stymied opponents all season, surrendering the third-fewest points per game in basketball (106.6). Now, the two teams will meet again on Saturday night. Zion is a force of nature, but scoring is easier said than done against an elite defense.
Andrew Nembhard more than 5.5 assists
The Pacers wield one of the NBA’s best offenses, carried by the duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. While Indiana has star power, its best attribute is depth. Head coach Rick Carlisle has several quality role players more than capable of putting up buckets, including Andrew Nembhard. The 25-year pro is a jack of all trades, capable of scoring, passing and defending. Through 45 games, the guard has posted 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists.
The Canadian has thrived as a passer recently, dishing out at least six assists in three of his last four appearances. There’s a good chance that continues tonight against the Hawks. This season, Atlanta has surrendered 28.6 assists per game to opponents, fifth-most in basketball. When these teams met on Thursday, Nembhard accounted for ten assists. The guard should be able to reach just over half of that total tonight.
Davion Mitchell more than 8.5 points
On a mediocre Heat squad, Davion Mitchell has been a breath of fresh air. The guard, acquired from the Raptors in February, has thrived during his first month in South Beach. Over his last ten games, he’s recorded 10.0 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals. For a Miami team in need of ball handlers, Mitchell has already earned a spot in the starting lineup.
The former first round pick is a solid addition for Miami, but he’s known more for his defensive skills. Still, Mitchell has produced at least nine points in four of his last five outings. The Heat will host the Bulls tonight, one of the NBA’s most generous defenses. This season, opponents have scored 121.0 points per game vs. Chicago, second-most in basketball. This is a perfect spot for the two-way guard to make an impact on offense.
Jimmy Butler less than 19.5 points
The Warriors are a new team after trading for Jimmy Butler, establishing themselves as a Western Conference contender. Since making the move for Miami’s disgruntled star, Golden State has gone 9-2 over its last 11 contests. During that time, the forward has averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field.
Butler is important to the Dubs, but that doesn’t mean they’re dependent on his offense. The six-time All-Star has reached 20 points in just four of his 11 games with Golden State. That could end tonight vs. a Pistons team allowing the tenth-most points per game to opponents this season (115.2). Still, Butler has only hit the over on this total once during his previous eight appearances. History suggests the veteran is a fade once again on Saturday.
Brandin Podziemski more than 1.5 three-pointers made
We’ll stay in The Bay, where the Warriors will hope to continue their recent success. Butler and Steph Curry have received plenty of praise, but Brandin Podziemski’s progression has been crucial for Golden State. Since February 1st, the guard has put up 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Those numbers have been good enough to earn the second-year pro a spot in Steve Kerr’s starting lineup. As a result, Podziemski’s fantasy basketball floor has risen. In nine of his last 15 games, the 22-year-old has nailed at least two three-pointers. That trend should continue on Saturday against a Pistons defense that struggles on the perimeter. This season, teams have shot 37.0% from beyond the arc vs. Detroit, the fourth-worst mark in the NBA. Podz has a prime opportunity to make his mark from long distance tonight.
Payton Pritchard less than 16.5 points + assists
On a Celtics squad filled with stars, Payton Pritchard has turned plenty of heads this season. Over 62 games played, the 27-year-old has posted 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Most impressive has been the Oregon alum”s efficiency, shooting 47.9% from the field (42.4 3PT%). It’s no surprise that the guard is a favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year.
On paper, the Lakers should have difficulties stopping opposing guards; Luka Doncic isn’t exactly known for his defense. Somehow, Los Angeles has managed to become one of the NBA’s stingiest teams, holding opponents to just 113.0 points over its last ten games. Pritchard, for all his skill, has produced 6.2 points and 1.6 assists over his last five games vs. LA. Even if the guard sees a statistical increase tonight, it might not be enough. A revamped defense for the Purple and Gold shoul keep Boston’s second-unit star in check.
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.
Play at DraftKings Pick6 or by downloading the DraftKings Pick6 app on Apple or Google!
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