Basketball fans will be treated to an eight-game, 16-team NBA slate on Thursday night. Among the marquee matchups, a battle between the surging Pistons and ice-cold Warriors deserves some attention. Later on, a battle of Western Conference contenders commences in Memphis, with the Grizzlies hosting the Rockets. With so many big names suiting up, there’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s matchups!
Darius Garland more than 2.5 three-pointers made
Fresh off of a rousing win over the Thunder on Wednesday, the Cavaliers continue to sit atop the NBA with a 32-4 record. Among the many factors behind Cleveland’s outstanding campaign, Darius Garland’s progression deserves mention. The former All-Star has always been a special player, but he’s taken his game to new heights this season: 20.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists on efficient 49.4/42.9/91.7 shooting splits.
While Cleveland’s point guard is known more as a creator, he’s set up nicely for a big scoring game tonight. The Raptors struggle to defend on the perimeter, giving up the fourth-most points (118.8) and the fifth-most three-pointers made to opponents (14.1). Garland has gone over this total in 18 of his 35 appearances this season (51.4%), so there’s no reason to think he can’t do it again vs. one of the game’s worst defenses.
Naji Marshall more than 4.5 rebounds
The Mavericks have been forced to get creative with their rotations, as both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are currently injured. That’s forced several role players into expanded roles, including Naji Marshall. The former Pelican, signed this offseason, has put up 10.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists during his first season in Dallas.
The forward’s counting numbers don’t stand out, but they are impressive when considering he averages just under 24 minutes per game. Head coach Jason Kidd has started Marshall in each of Dallas’ last two outings, so there’s no reason to expect anything different tonight vs. the Trail Blazers. This season, Portland is giving up the seventh-most rebounds to opponents (53.2). Marshall has cleared this number in seven of his last ten appearances with more than 28 minutes played. At such a low number, this makes too much sense as an over play.
Rudy Gobert less than 1.5 blocks
For all their flaws, the Timberwolves still have one of the NBA’s elite defenses. This season, Minnesota is surrendering 107.7 points per game, the fourth-best mark in basketball. As always, the main catalyst is center Rudy Gobert. The big man’s flaws have been discussed ad nauseam, but he’s still one of the greatest rim protectors in league history. This season, he’s posted 10.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks through 36 games played.
In the Frenchman’s most recent outing on Tuesday, he tallied six rejections against the Pelicans. That likely won’t be the case tonight vs. Orlando; opponents are averaging just 4.0 blocks vs. the Magic, second-fewest behind the Bucks. As good as Gobert is at defending inside the paint, a grind-it-out affair vs. a scrappy opponent likely means less possessions, and therefore less opportunity to swat a few shots.
Tyler Herro more than 5.5 assists
Jimmy Butler’s extended hiatus has opened up plenty of touches for the rest of Miami’s roster. That includes leading scorer Tyler Herro, currently enjoying a career year. The sixth-year-pro is putting up 23.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 46.9% shooting from the field (40.1 3PT%). Now, with even more control of the Heat offense, there’s no telling what kind of numbers the Kentucky alum can put up.
Although Herro’s reputation as a sharpshooter is deserved, he’s an underrated passer. That should come in handy tonight against the Jazz, who have given up the third-most assists to opponents this season (28.6). When these two teams met on Saturday, a 136-100 Utah victory, the guard dished out six dimes over just 29 minutes of play. Assuming this game is more competitive, Herro could clear this number before the start of the third quarter.
Dereck Lively II more than 8.5 rebounds
As if Dallas’ injury woes couldn’t get any worse, a recent ankle injury to Daniel Gafford has left the team thin at center. Luckily for the Mavs, second-year man Dereck Lively II is more than capable of stepping up. The Duke product has enjoyed a solid sophomore campaign, recording 8.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks to go with a stellar 69.9% field goal percentage.
Assuming Gafford sits out again (currently listed as questionable), there should be ample opportunity for Lively on the glass. As mentioned before, the Trail Blazers are giving up the seventh-most rebounds to opponents this season (53.2). The 20-year-old has notched 8.4 boards over his last five appearances; he can easily clear this number against a Portland team that struggles to box out.
Ryan Dunn more than 9.5 points
Lost in the discussion over Bradley Beal’s benching is what the move will mean for the rest of the Suns’ roster. With an open spot in the starting five, Ryan Dunn has emerged as a valuable fantasy asset. The rookie has started in Phoenix’s last three games mainly due to his defense, yet he’s averaged over 11 points during that time.
It’s difficult to trust the Virginia alum on offense, as he’s never been the most gifted scorer. However, in the right matchup, opportunity often takes precedent over talent. That might be the case tonight against Atlanta; the Hawks are giving up the third-most points (119.8) and the most three-pointers made (15.5) to opponents. For a player that takes more than 60% of his shots from beyond the arc, Dunn is set up nicely to reach double-digits tonight.
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 b.armetta) 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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