We have some early games today due to inclement weather, so we’ll get this out a little quicker today to make sure you can capture these spots for NBA Pick6. Let’s get right into it.
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 tonight’s slate. We simply choose whether a player will record more or less of the set statistic. Here are my favorite plays for tonight’s action.
Luka Doncic More than 33.5 Points
Doncic is sitting at 33.4 PPG on the season, so 33.5 is basically asking him to be Luka. The volume is the story: 22.4 FGA and 11.5 FTA per game give him more than one route to get there, even if his jumper isn’t falling tonight.
And the recent log isn’t subtle. His last five point totals are 33, 32, 38, 25, and 39, which is 167 total points and 33.4 PPG right on the nose. Chicago also plays in plenty of track meets, giving up 119.71 opponent PPG this season. Add in that the Bulls are allowing point guards to average 24.6 PPG against them, and Luka’s “problem” becomes whether he gets enough possessions. I’m expecting Doncic to continue his MVP campaign tonight.
Jalen Johnson More Than 43.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Johnson’s season baseline is 23.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and 8.0 APG, which is 41.7 PRA before we even start talking about matchup. So yes, 43.5 is a small tax on his average. The issue for Indiana is that he’s been living above this line anyway.
Just look at the last three: 50 PRA vs. Phoenix, 55 PRA at Memphis, and 50 PRA vs. Milwaukee. Johnson’s been a menace on the glass lately having gone for 15 or more rebounds in each of these games, and Indiana isn’t built to slow down high-activity forwards right now either; they’re conceding 118.2 opponent PPG, and PFs are putting up 22.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per 48 minutes against them. If Johnson stays in his current role and run, 43.5 is a number he can climb over without needing a career night.
Donovan Mitchell More Than 29.5 Points
Mitchell’s at 29.1 PPG on the season, so 29.5 is a tight line, but not unreasonably so. The case for “More” here is that his recent five-game sample is deceptive: 36, 33, 24, 19, and 13 points. That’s 25.0 PPG over the last five, but it also includes two duds with two clear “floor” games. In his last two, he’s at 34.5 PPG (33 and 36).
Orlando is not a layup line, but they’re also not an above-average defense. They’re allowing 113.9 points per 100 possessions, which is 14th in the NBA. Mitchell’s shot diet allows him to accumulate big scoring nights easily, due to the amount of threes he takes. He’s putting up 9.9 3PA a game, which is a career high. He’s cashing them at 38%, which is an excellent mark. The Magic are allowing SGs 22.3 points per 48 minutes, and if Mitchell’s shot volume looks anything like it has in the last couple, 29.5 is there to be taken.
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!
