There are nine games on the slate tonight, tipping off at 7 PM EST and concluding with a 9:30 PM Texas showdown between the Spurs and Rockets. We’ll also see LeBron James returning home to Cleveland, a game that’ll surely stir up some memories for Cavs fans. Let’s get right into Pick6 to find our selections for the day.
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.
Jaylen Brown More than 29.5 Points
Brown is sitting at 29.6 PPG on the season, and there’s no other way to put it, it’s just a remarkable job of stepping up to the plate in Jayson Tatum’s absence. Brown’s volume is doing a lot of the heavy lifting: 22.5 FGA and 7.3 FTA per game. His recent game log is a good snapshot of the range, his last five point totals are 20, 33, 27, 30, and 32.
Brown should continue his strong scoring season tonight against Atlanta. They’re allowing the sixth most points per game in the league with 118.7 OPPG, and are also conceding too many points to wings and guards: 24.5 points per 48 to SFs, and 24.8 points per 48 to SGs. I’m expecting Brown to capitalize on this matchup tonight as he keeps the Celtics firmly in the playoff picture, and also second atop the East.
LeBron James More Than 23.5 Points
I’d be remiss to not assume that LeBron’s had this one circled on his calendar. His return to Cleveland, the team that drafted him, is special every season. James’ scoring has continued to go down this season, and he’s now sitting at 22.4 PPG, his lowest mark since his rookie season. James is still capable of big scoring nights but has understandably taken a step back in his age. He’s eclipsed 23.5 points just twice in his last five games, but he’s still attempting 16.4 FGA per game. His three ball has also dropped off from last season, with him now shooting 32.8% from beyond-the-arc.
Cleveland’s defense hasn’t been a brick wall by results; they’re at 116.5 OPPG, which ranks in the bottom third percentile. If LeBron’s shot count drifts up even a little, 23.5 is well within reach against a soft defense.
Jalen Johnson Less Than 22.5 Points
Boston is allowing just 109.9 opponent PPG, which is the second lowest mark in the league. They’re also stingy against wings, with 22.3 points per 48 allowed to SFs and 23.6 to PFs.
Jalen Johnson can certainly score, and his newfound ability to stuff the stat sheet is sublime, but this matchup has consistently put him in handcuffs. He’s averaged 12.4 PPG in nine career games vs. Boston, and the most recent one on January 17 resulted in 12 points in 35 minutes. The Celtics have the 11th highest rated defense in the league, and while this is indisputably Johnson’s team, it’s tough to see him putting up over 22.5 tonight.
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!
