A loaded four-game NBA playoff slate is on tap for Saturday. The fun starts this afternoon when the Heat host the Cavaliers in South Beach. Later, the Grizzlies will attempt to keep their season alive against the Thunder without Ja Morant. Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets hope to even up their series with Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers this evening. To wrap things up, the Warriors and Rockets travel to The Bay for Game 3.
There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections before tonight’s contests!
Jalen Williams more than 1.5 steals
It’s been a dominant start to the postseason for Oklahoma City. After winning their first three games against Memphis, the Thunder will aim for a kill shot on Saturday. If OKC manages to pull off a sweep, Jalen Williams will likely play a large role. For all his offensive prowess, the All-Star’s skills on the other end of the floor are underrated. This season, the 24-year-old has recorded 1.6 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.
Williams’ opportunistic defense is a threat against most teams. That’s especially true against a Grizzlies squad that will be without Ja Morant (hip) on Saturday. Memphis has turned the ball over 15.7 times per game this season, the third-highest mark in basketball. J-Dub has notched two or more steals in three of his previous five meetings with the Grizzlies. There’s a good chance that trend continues tonight in Game 4.
Santi Aldama more than 18.5 points + rebounds
It was an agonizing Game 3 for the Grizzlies, who blew the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history. Ja Morant (hip) has already been ruled out this afternoon, leaving Memphis in dire straits. Without their All-Star, a few lesser-known Grizzlies could get more touches on Saturday. Rookie center Zach Edey has struggled for most of this series, leading to more playing time for Santi Aldama.
Memphis’ backup big man has logged at least 30 minutes in each of his last two outings. During that time, he’s produced a decent, albeit unspectacular, 12.0 points and 5.5 rebounds. However, in 22 games played without Morant this season, Aldama has averaged 14.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Even against a ferocious Thunder defense, there should be opportunities for the Spaniard to contribute.
Kawhi Leonard less than 6.5 rebounds
The Clippers have reeled off two straight wins, thanks in large part to Kawhi Leonard. During that stretch, the six-time All Star has put up a combined 60 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. When healthy, Los Angeles’ leading man remains one of the most dominant forces in basketball. So far, the Nuggets haven’t had any answers for the future Hall of Famer in this series.
Another offensive explosion from Leonard is likelier than not tonight. However, the forward’s contributions elsewhere are less certain. In seven of his previous ten meetings with Denver, Kawhi has failed to grab more than six rebounds. The Nuggets are solid on the glass, holding opponents to the third-fewest boards per game (49.6). The Claw will have to carry the Clippers as a scorer and a passer on Saturday.
Norman Powell 3+ three-pointers made
Let’s stay in Hollywood, as the Clippers attempt to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Everyone knows the Clippers will go as far as Leonard and James Harden take them. Still, Los Angeles could use more production from some other names on its roster. Norman Powell has been good, not great, this postseason; he’s averaging 15.0 points on 44.7% shooting from the field.
The veteran sharpshooter is due for a vintage performance, especially against this defense. Opponents have connected on 36.6% of their three-point attempts against Denver, the sixth-highest rate in basketball. In four of his last six meetings with the Nuggets, Powell has knocked down at least three shots from beyond the arc. With all eyes on Leonard, Los Angeles’ secret weapon should have wide-open looks from deep.
Amen Thompson more than 3.5 assists
Warriors-Rockets is not a series for the weak-hearted. This physical, grind-it-out matchup will ultimately be determined by defense and play making. In that regard, a more experienced Golden State squad has the upper hand. However, Houston’s youngsters have plenty of savvy. That includes Amen Thompson, an all-around threat capable of nearly anything on a basketball court. This season, the 22-year-old posted 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
Since acquiring Jimmy Butler in February, the Warriors have been one of the NBA’s top defensive units. However, the forward is questionable to play tonight due to a pelvic contusion suffered on Wednesday. With or without the veteran guarding him, Thompson can thrive as a distributor. In eight of his last ten appearances, the forward has dished out at least four assists.
Draymond Green less than 6.5 rebounds
Once again, Draymond Green is the center of attention. This time, it’s due to some not-so PG chants from Rockets fans in Game 2. Now, at home in San Francisco, the veteran will attempt to do what he does best: wreak havoc. Even at the age of 35, Green remains one of basketball’s best defenders. It’s no coincidence that Houston has scored a total of 194 points through two games.
Unfortunately for Golden State, Draymond is a bit undersized in this spot. The Rockets are built around a big, physical front court, led by All-Star Alperen Sengun. This season, Houston has held opponents to the eighth-fewest rebounds per game (51.1). Green has snagged more than six boards only three times over his last ten outings. Keeping that in mind, it’s difficult to expect a productive day on the glass.
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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