After eight months of grueling basketball, we’ve finally reached the NBA Finals. Out of the Western Conference, it’s the 68-win juggernaut Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Opposing Oklahoma City will be the Indiana Pacers, who blitzed through the Eastern Conference this postseason. Now, hoops fans will be treated to a battle between two fresh faces. Which side will make history and capture a championship?
Before the start of tonight’s contest, get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6! Let’s look at six different players fantasy basketball managers should be targeting ahead of Pacers-Thunder Game 1.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander more than 45.5 points + rebounds + assists
For all the discourse over his ‘foul-baiting’, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of basketball’s most dangerous players. The guard was unstoppable this postseason, averaging 29.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field. That was especially true during the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves. In four of the five games during that series, SGA scored at least 31 points.
It’s clear that OKC’s face of the franchise is a gifted scorer. However, all-around play is what separates him from every other point guard in the association. That’s been on full display for Gilgeous-Alexander in this matchup. During each of his last four meetings with Indiana, the Canadian has recorded at least 45 points + rebounds + assists. It helps that the Pacers play at one of the NBA’s fastest tempos, creating plenty of possessions for their opponents. Another busy stat line could be in store for SGA on Thursday.
Aaron Nesmith more than 17.5 points + rebounds + assists
In a postseason filled with role players stepping up, Aaron Nesmith has made a name for himself. Indiana might not be in the Finals without his absurd shooting performance against the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the wing has been terrific for most of these playoffs. Over his last 15 outings, Nesmith has put up 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. That’s been huge for a Pacers squad that doesn’t get consistent production outside of Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton.
Unfortunately for Indiana, Nesmith suffered an ankle injury during Game 5 against New York. While the 25-year-old did return to the court, he didn’t look like himself to close out the series. Hopefully, a week of rest will serve the sharpshooter well. The Thunder are stifling on defense, but that may serve Nesmith well tonight. If Oklahoma City makes things difficult on Haliburton and Siakam, there should be more touches for the rest of the roster. Look for the sharpshooter to have a busy day on both ends of the floor in Game 1.
Chet Holmgren more than 16.5 points
If there was a major weakness for the Pacers on defense last series, it was an inability to guard Karl-Anthony Towns. Over six games, New York’s center averaged 24.8 points and 12.2 rebounds. Granted, Indiana kept the big man in check during Game 6. Still, the team is likely relieved not to face the seven-footer in the Finals. With that being said, the Thunder have a talented big man of their own that could cause some problems.
Chet Holmgren doesn’t possess Towns’ offense skillset. Still, the former second overall pick is no scrub with the ball in his hands. Much like KAT, he’s also a terrific shooter, connecting on 37.9% of his three-point attempts this season. In addition, OKC’s coaching staff likely took note of Indiana center Myles Turner’s struggles during the Eastern Conference Finals. The Gonzaga alum scored 21 points in three of his five games vs. a terrific Timberwolves defense. Against a weaker Pacers front court, look for Chet to serve as a scorer in Game 1.
Bennedict Mathurin more than 7.5 points
These playoffs have been a roller coaster ride for Bennedict Mathurin. Indiana’s sixth man has done almost everything on the court, from multiple 20+ point games to getting ejected in the first quarter. After a brutal first few nights against New York, the forward scored a total of 43 points during Games 4 and 5. However, he followed that up with a lackluster four-point outing in Game 6.
At this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to which Mathurin will show up during the NBA Finals. Still, I’m more inclined to believe talent will win out in the long run. As previously mentioned, Oklahoma City excels at keeping the ball away from stars. That could lead to more opportunity for Mathurin and Indiana’s role players. It’s worth noting that the Canadian scored at least 13 points in each of his three career games vs. the Thunder. A low total of eight points feels more than obtainable for the sharpshooter tonight.
Alex Caruso more than 1.5 steals
For all their star power, the Thunder have gotten to this point due to their depth. Among the many savvy moves made by general manager Sam Presti, trading for Alex Caruso last summer stands out. The former Bulls guard isn’t someone who will stuff a stat sheet. However, the veteran’s elite perimeter defense and quality shooting has been crucial for Oklahoma City’s young roster. It’s been a terrific postseason for the 31-year-old, currently averaging 8.8 points on 45.8% shooting from the field.
Caruso’s offensive numbers, while helpful, aren’t his biggest contribution to the Thunder. Instead, it’s been his ballhawking skills, notching 1.8 steals on 22.5 minutes per game during the playoffs. That includes three different games with multiple takeaways during the Western Conference Finals. As previously mentioned, the Pacers love to play fast. While that didn’t burn Indiana against the Knicks, a far superior OKC perimeter defense will make things difficult. Even on a limited workload, Caruso should get his hands on a few passes tonight.
Obi Toppin more than 2.5 rebounds
On a Pacers team loaded with depth, Obi Toppin can often get lost in the shuffle. That’s not to say the power forward isn’t an important piece for Indiana, but he’s not the most consistent player. During the Eastern Conference Finals, in which Toppin averaged 9.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Still, most of his production was buoyed by an 18-point, six-rebound showing in Game 6. During the five prior contests, Obi reached double-figure points only once.
At this point, it’s difficult to count on Toppin as a scorer. That’s especially true against a formidable Oklahoma City defense. With that being said, I’d expect a more productive series on the glass from the 27-year-old. This postseason, Toppin has only averaged 3.3 rebounds per game. However, there should be more opportunity during the NBA Finals. This season, the Thunder allowed 54.3 boards per game to opponents, third-most in basketball. In addition, OKC’s depth down low is somewhat limited after Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Three rebounds is all it will take for Toppin to deliver for fantasy basketball managers on Thursday.
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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