It’s a nine-game, eighteen-team NBA slate on Saturday, with plenty of big names taking the floor. Stars to watch include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic. With so many squads suiting up, there’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings Sportsbook, including DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s matchups.
Karl-Anthony Towns more than 23.5 points
The Knicks are one of the NBA’s hottest teams, reeling off six straight wins. However, New York has seen a dip in production from Karl-Anthony Towns. Over the center’s last four games, he’s averaged 19.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Those numbers, while solid, are a clear dip from his MVP-caliber season-long statistics.
Look for the big man to break out of his slump against a woeful Washington defense. This season, the Wizards are giving up the most points (121.8) and the fifth-most points in the paint (51.0) to opponents. This game could be over by the third quarter, but Towns is well-rested after playing no more than 32 minutes in each of his previous four appearances. It’s difficult to bank on KAT going cold, especially against one of the worst teams in basketball.
Cade Cunningham more than 9.5 assists
The Pistons aren’t world-beaters, but they have earned some respect after a decent 14-17 start. As it stands right now, the team is in contention for a play-in spot in the top-heavy Eastern Conference. Leading the charge for Detroit is Cade Cunningham. The former first overall pick is doing a bit of everything, putting up 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 9.7 assists through 27 games.
Cunningham’s skill as an all-around player gives him a high fantasy floor. That’s especially true as a passer, where he’s collected more than ten assists in six of his previous eight contests. That trend should continue tonight against a Nuggets squad surrendering a league-high 30.0 assists per game to opponents. Detroit’s face of the franchise should continue his push for an All-Star game selection against a surprisingly weak Denver defense.
Josh Hart more than 8.5 rebounds
Josh Hart might be the least talented member of New York’s starting five, but he makes up for it with plenty of hustle. The gritty wing does a little bit of everything for the Knicks, producing 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists through 30 outings this season. The eighth-year pro’s statistical output can be hard to predict on a nightly basis, but he’s certain to leave his mark on any given game.
Hart’s game is well-rounded, but what sets him apart is his skill on the glass. At just 6’4″, the Villanova product has a legitimate claim as the best pound-for-pound rebounder in the association. That should come in handy tonight against a Wizards team giving up the most boards to opponents (57.6). Even in a potential blowout, Hart should find a way to make his mark in this one.
Colin Sexton more than 4.5 assists
Even on a rebuilding Jazz team, Colin Sexton is still making an impact on on offense. Through 29 games, the former Cavalier is averaging 17.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 48.1% shooting from the field (43.4 3PT%). Those numbers are even more impressive when considering the guard’s modest workload of 28.3 minutes per game.
While Sexton has earned his reputation as a score-first player, he’s beginning to show improvement as a passer. Over his previous four outings, the Alabama alum has notched five or more assists. Tonight’s matchup isn’t easy, as the 76ers are a solid defensive unit. However, it seems as though the Jazz are willing to hand the keys on offense over to their talented point guard. Sexton should be able to clear this modest number on Saturday night.
Royce O’Neale more than 5.5 rebounds
Devin Booker (groin) is set to miss another game for the Suns, opening up minutes for the rest of the roster around Kevin Durant. That includes eighth-year pro Royce O’Neale. The two-way wing has been a crucial piece for Phoenix, contributing with 10.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists while playing solid defense.
O’Neale is difficult to back as a scorer, as his point totals can fluctuate from game to game. However, he does offer plenty of value on the glass tonight. Saturday’s game is a golden opportunity for the veteran, as the Warriors are giving up the sixth-most rebounds to opponents (54.1). There should be plenty of physical play between two solid defensive teams in this one. In other words, it’s the kind of matchup a player like O’Neale thrives in.
Nikola Jokic more than 1.5 three-pointers made
The Nuggets aren’t the same super team of years past, but Nikola Jokic hasn’t slowed down one bit. The three-time MVP is having another standout season, putting up 30.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists to go with a 56.9% shooting from the field. Among the 29-year-old’s many eye-popping statistics, an NBA-leading 48.7% three-point percentage stands out.
The Joker should continue his success from deep in tonight’s contest. The Pistons are giving up 14.4 three-pointers per game to opponents, tied for the fourth-worst mark in basketball. Jokic has hit two or more shots from beyond the arc in four of his previous five outings. In a matchup between a moveable force and an unstoppable object, side with the latter.
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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