And we’re finally back. The 2025-2026 NBA season finally kicks off tonight on October 21st with a two-game slate featuring the Rockets visiting the Thunder and the Lakers hosting the Warriors. We’ve got an exciting pair of games that would be complete if LeBron James were healthy enough to face off against longtime rival Stephen Curry, but alas, we’ve got enough action tonight as well as the rest of the week to keep us entertained and ready to make our Pick6 selections.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the action this evening. One of the more unique features on DraftKings this year is Pick6 Fantasy Basketball!
This article will look at my top Pick6 plays for the October 21st slate. We simply choose whether a player will record more or less of the set statistic. Here are my six favorite plays for tonight’s action.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Less Than 6.5 Assists
This was an easy under for me. The reigning 2024-2025 MVP dished out a healthy career high 6.4 assists per game last season, but he will be facing a stout and newly revamped Houston Rockets team that features a notoriously lengthy starting five. The Rockets’ defense ranked fourth in the league last season, and it’s tough to envision that dropping much this season. If we combine the Rockets’ formidable defense alongside that unavoidable season-opening rust, then it’s tough to see SGA getting more than 6.5 assists tonight, a shade over his average last season.
On the contrary, the Rockets ranked 15th last season in assists allowed per game. I can easily see that improving this season with their length and personnel; they have intelligent defenders who are active and elite at jumping into passing lanes. Amen Thompson spearheads this effort in the back court, and I’d expect him to be glued to SGA all night, forcing the ball out of his hands, which usually is a recipe for high assist numbers. I’m still going under, though.
Luka Doncic More Than 30.5 Points
Nico Harrison, much to the ire of the Mavs’ fanbase, ejected Doncic from Dallas in stunning fashion last season. In a way Harrison is lucky that landing the number one overall pick, Cooper Flagg, has taken some amount of attention away from his decision to ship his franchise’s superstar to LA.
Doncic is back after doing his thing in EuroBasket, averaging a stunning 34.7 points. 8.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game despite losing in the quarterfinals to Germany. Doncic looks to be in prime form and should be ready for another MVP-caliber season with his new team, with which he has hopefully become accustomed to over the off season. He will take the bulk of the offensive duties and should be looking north of 30.5 points, especially with running mate LeBron James out for four weeks with a back injury. Doncic is as matchup-proof as they come and should exceed this point total even with defensive savant Draymond Green draped all over him.
Kevin Durant More Than 23.5 Points
This 23.5 mark feels too low for Durant. I know he’s adjusting to a new climate on a new team, but he has unquestioned freedom on the court as a walking bucket. It’s possible that this low O/U is due to speculation about Durant possibly conceding some shots to get his entire team involved and setting the tone for team basketball, but he’s a rare talent who can simply flip the switch whenever he wants. He’s only averaged under 23.5 PPG once during his rookie season. He’ll be facing a tough OKC defense that just won the title, but I’m expecting a statement game from Durant on opening night against his former team. Easy money.
What is DraftKings Pick6?
Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy variant where you build a lineup (your “Pick Set”) of at least two players and select whether 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 cannot pick the same player twice and you must select 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!
