Five games between ten teams are set for Thursday across the NBA. With just four days before the end of the regular season, playoff positioning is up for grabs. A must-watch matchup will tip off in Detroit when the Knicks visit the Pistons. Later, the Timberwolves will look to earn their way out of the play-in with a victory over the Grizzlies.
There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections before tonight’s contests!
Dyson Daniels more than 14.5 points
Due to injuries and underperformance, it’s been a season to forget in Atlanta. Still, the Hawks are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference, having already clinched their spot in the play-in tournament. Trae Young is the clear face of this franchise, but Dyson Daniels deserves some praise as well. The two-way guard, acquired last summer from New Orleans, has been a revelation. Through 74 games, he’s averaged 14.3 points, on 49.5% shooting from the field (34.6 3PT%).
Considering the lack of healthy scorers in Atlanta, someone has to put the ball in the bucket. Lately, that’s been Daniels; the Australian has recorded at least 15 points in five of his last six games. On paper, the Nets are somewhat stiff opposition, allowing the 15th-fewest points per game to opponents (112.8). However, this squad has reached the ‘blatantly tanking’ portion of the season, so throw all stats out the window. The Great Barrier Thief can easily thrive on both ends of the court tonight.
Keon Johnson more than 12.5 points
Speaking of those rebuilding Nets, the team has taken a closer look at several players over the past month. That includes former first round pick Keon Johnson, who has become a mainstay in Brooklyn’s starting five. Since March 16th, the guard has put up 14.0 points while shooting 43.7% from the field (40.5 3PT%). That’s the second-highest scoring output on this roster, behind only Cam Johnson.
Even with a turnover-forcing menace such as Daniels, few teams in basketball defend as poorly as the Hawks. This season, opponents have generated the fifth-most points per game (118.8) and third-highest three point percentage (37.6%) vs. Atlanta. When these two teams met last month, Johnson dropped 22 points in 29 minutes. The potential for a similar outing tonight makes Brooklyn’s unlikely leading man a player to target.
Kyle Kuzma more than 18.5 points + rebounds
Fans and analysts alike were perplexed by Milwaukee’s trade for Kyle Kuzma back in February. The forward hasn’t been bad with the Bucks, but it’s fair to say he hasn’t elevated this group into title contention. Over his last 20 games, Kuzma has posted 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. None of those numbers make the 29-year-old an appealing fantasy basketball option.
There’s a decent chance Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) doesn’t suit up tonightopens in a new tab. If the Greek Freak sits, Milwaukee will need more production from the other members of its front court. In eight games without the two-time MVP, Kuzma has put up 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds. This season, the Pelicans have allowed the sixth-most points (117.9) and fourth-most rebounds (53.7) per game to opponents. A heavy workload against an atrocious New Orleans defense should lead to plenty of production for Kuzma on Thursday.
Brook Lopez more than 1.5 three-pointers made
We’ll stay in Wisconsin, where Brook Lopez hasn’t been listed on tonight’s injury report. As always, Milwaukee’s starting center has been a reliable presence for a team in need of defense and shooting. This season, the 37-year-old has recorded 13.1 points per game while shooting 51.2% from the field (37.4 3PT%). His 4.7 three-point attempts per game are fourth on the Bucks, behind Damian Lillard, Gary Trent Jr. and A.J. Green.
Thursday’s matchup should have every Milwaukee player licking their chops. The Pelicans are an abysmal defensive unit, surrendering the sixth-most points per game (117.9). New Orleans is especially bad at guarding the perimeter, allowing the second-most three-pointers made per game (14.6). Lopez has knocked down at least two shots from beyond the arc in four of his last five outings. Expect the veteran to make an impact from deep once again during tonight’s contest.
Naz Reid more than 12.5 points
If the new-look Timberwolves have one clear strength, it’s their depth. Minnesota has several difference makers on its bench, none more impactful than Naz Reid. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has enjoyed another terrific campaign. Through 77 games, he’s averaged 14.4 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 46.3% from the field (38.4 3PT%).
Minnesota’s backup big has an ideal matchup on deck tonight. Memphis plays at the NBA’s quickest pace (103.74), often leading to scoring opportunities for the other team. In each of his previous four meetings with the Grizzlies, Reid has notched at least 19 points. The 25-year-old has scored 13 or more points in 46 of his 77 outings this season (59.7%). There’s nothing that suggests a different outcome for the center ahead of Thursday’s high-stakes Western Conference showdown.
Desmond Bane less than 4.5 assists
Tonight’s high-stakes game in Memphis will likely come down to players not named Anthony Edwards or Ja Morant. For the Grizzlies, that means Desmond Bane will need to step up. The guard has struggled recently, dropping 20 points in just three of his last seven appearances. However, he’s averaged 19.0 points per game on efficient 48.2% shooting this season.
Continued scoring success is no guarantee against a ferocious Timberwolves defense. Bane can do damage as a passer, dishing out 5.4 assists per game. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old has had difficulty doing so in this matchup. Over 13 career games vs. Minnesota, Bane has accounted for just 2.8 assists. Keeping that in mind, this appears to be a prime fantasy basketball fade.
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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