It all comes down to this: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder, battling for the NBA Cup. While there’s only one game on Tuesday, there’s still plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings Sportsbook, including DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s exciting matchup in Las Vegas.
Giannis Antetokounmpo more than 12.5 rebounds
The Greek Freak is off to another terrific start, averaging a league-leading 32.7 points to go along with 11.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists. Somehow, Antetokounmpo has taken his game up a notch recently, putting up 30 points or more in nine of his last ten outings. That includes a 32-point, 14-rebound, nine-assists performance against the Hawks on Saturday.
However, Giannis’s scoring might not be the statistic to target against a terrific Thunder defense. Oklahoma City’s only true weakness is on the glass, having given up the most rebounds to opponents this season (57.5 RPG). The 6’11” Antetokounmpo is a matchup nightmare for any team, let alone one that prefers to play small ball. In a game that should bring playoff-level intensity, look for the two-time MVP to snag some boards on both ends of the floor.
Luguentz Dort more than 16.5 points + rebounds + assists
In the absence of big man Chet Holmgren, several role players have needed to step up for the Thunder. Lu Dort might be known more for his defensive ability, but he’s no slouch on offense. The efficiency isn’t great (41.1 FG%), but the six-year veteran is putting up 10.8 points, nailing a career-best 40.8% of his three-point shots. Oklahoma City can get by without the scoring, but having a solid shooter waiting on the perimeter makes an already great team that much harder to beat.
Dort is inconsistent, but that just makes him someone to target on a hot streak. The Canadian has posted 14.7 points over his last three games, including a 19-point showing against the Rockets. A reasonable P+R+A line gives the wing plenty of avenues to produce even if the shots aren’t quite falling. It also helps that Dort’s defensive skills will keep him on the floor against a certain All-NBA superstar…
Damian Lillard less than 23.5 points
Damian Lillard has silenced more than a few doubters this season. Despite claims that the 34-year-old was ‘washed,’ he’s come out of the gates strong, putting up 25.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists through 22 games. Most impressive has been the eight-time All-Star’s efficiency, posting stellar 45.0%/37.1%/91.6% shooting splits.
Unfortunately for Dame and the Bucks, Tuesday’s matchup isn’t very conducive to scoring. Oklahoma City is giving up the fewest points in the NBA (103.5 PPG), as well as the lowest shooting percentage from the field (42.4%) and from three-point range (33.1%). In short, it’s tough to imagine any guard, even a future Hall of Famer, going over 24 points against this defense. Lillard will remain heavily involved in Milwaukee’s offense, but he might serve as more of a distributor in this one.
Isaiah Hartenstein points + rebounds more than 23.5
Following the loss of Chet Holmgren to a hip fracture last month, it was fair to wonder if the Thunder would struggle. However, the team has thrived, winning 12 of 15 games without the third-year big man. Much of the credit needs to go to Isaiah Hartenstein, signed this offseason after two years with the Knicks. The center has been terrific since making his debut on November 20th, averaging 12.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Milwaukee has a solid defense, anchored by the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez down low. Still, there’s a lot to like about this spot for Hartenstein. He’s gone over this P+R total in seven of his ten appearances this season, as well as twice in three games against the Bucks last year. Unlike his time in New York, I-Hart has little competition for minutes, as the Thunder are undersized without Holmgren. Therefore, the seven-year veteran’s large workload should allow him to flirt with a double-double.
Khris Middleton more than 7.5 assists + rebounds
Khris Middleton is a difficult player to figure out right now. The three-time All-Star is still shaking off the rust, having played in four games since returning from an ankle injury. Still, it’s not the kind of start Bucks fans had in mind. The normally reliable sharpshooter has been anything but that, connecting on only 25.9% of his shots so far (7.0 PPG).
With that being said, Middleton has found a way to contribute in other ways. Despite playing just over 21 minutes per game, he’s tallied 5.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds. It’s only a matter of time before a player with this kind of track record gets going as a scorer, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically bet on points. A savvier play might be to back the wing’s all-around contributions, as he’s shown he can hit this number even on a reduced workload.
Alex Caruso more than 5.5 points
Acquired this summer as part of the Josh Giddey trade, Alex Caruso has fit like a glove in Oklahoma City’s lineup. Despite coming off the bench in all 17 of his outings so far, the former Bulls guard has played a key role on the NBA’s stingiest defense. The offensive statistics don’t stand out (5.5 points on 38.1% shooting), but it’s clear that OKC is a much deeper team with the two-time All-Defensive team selection in tow.
So why does it make sense to back Caruso as a scorer? Simply put, head coach Mark Daigneault is sure to leave his top perimeter defender in the game for an extended period of time to guard Damian Lillard. Not to mention, the guard has looked good on offense recently, chipping in six or more points in four of his last five appearances. This could be a bit of a sweat, but there should be enough opportunity for Caruso to deliver on a modest total.
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.
Play at DraftKings Pick6 or by downloading the DraftKings Pick6 app on Apple or Google!
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
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