The NBA playoffs continue with three marquee matchups on Thursday. To tip things off, Jalen Brunson’s Knicks travel to Detroit for Game 3 against Cade Cunningham’s Pistons. Elsewhere, the Thunder look to take a commanding 3-0 lead on the road over the Grizzlies. As a nightcap, the Nuggets and Clippers continue their dramatic best-of-seven set in Los Angeles.
There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections before tonight’s contests!
Ausar Thompson more than 9.5 points
A gritty Pistons win on Monday was made possible down the stretch without Ausar Thompson. The two-way forward picked up six personal fouls, forcing his exit midway through the fourth quarter. The same issue hampered Thompson in Game 1, as he accounted for five personal fouls. When the 22-year-old is actually on the court, he’s a game-wrecking presence on defense. Matched up against Jalen Brunson, the wing has held his own.
On offense, it’s unclear what the Pistons will get out of Thompson on any given night. Through 59 games, he’s averaged 10.1 points on 53.5% shooting from the field. In eight of his last nine outings, Thompson has compiled 11 or more points. Detroit will need its best defender on the floor for as long as possible against New York’s superstar. If Thompson stays out of foul trouble on Thursday, there’s a good chance his scoring success continues.
Mikal Bridges more than 1.5 three-pointers made
Mikal Bridges had a chance to tie things up with a wide-open three-pointer in Game 2. Unfortunately for he and the Knicks, the shot was not on point. Still, the wing enjoyed a solid performance on Monday, recording 19 points and five rebounds over 38 minutes. It’s been an up-and-down first season in New York for the 28-year-old. Through 82 games this season, he’s averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 50.0% shooting.
The key to Bridges’ success on offense is usually determined by his accuracy from three-point range. That hasn’t been the case so far in this series, going 3-for-13 (23.1%) from beyond the arc. However, the fact that he took 11 attempts from deep in Game 2 is a positive sign. Opponents have connected on 36.6% of their three-point attempts vs. Detroit, tied for the fifth-highest mark in basketball. Bridges has knocked down three or more treys in four of his six meetings with the Pistons this season. Hitting on just two long balls shouldn’t be too difficult for New York’s third option.
Chet Holmgren more than 8.5 rebounds
Through two games, Oklahoma City has dominated the Grizzlies. One of the biggest advantages for the Thunder in this series has been down low. The two-headed monster of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have cleaned up on the glass. Since Game 1, OKC is winning the rebounding battle 109-85 over Memphis; Holmgren leads all players with 21 boards.
When healthy, few big men come close to Holmgren’s all-around skill. The seven-footer is a solid shooter, terrific rim protector and a willing passer. He’s also an adept rebounder, averaging 8.0 boards in just 27.4 minutes per game this season. Chet has notched at least nine rebounds in each of his previous four meetings with Memphis. There’s nothing to suggest that trend won’t continue in Game 3.
Jaren Jackson Jr. more than 20.5 points + assists
If the Grizzlies have any shot at making this a series, they’ll need more production from Jaren Jackson Jr. As has been the case for everyone on Memphis, it’s been a mixed bag for the big man. Following an atrocious four-point effort on Sunday, JJJ tallied 26 points in Game 2. Still, the former Defensive Player of the Year hasn’t made much of an impact as a rim protector.
Clearly, the Thunder have done an excellent job at keeping Memphis’ offense in check. OKC’s elite perimeter defense will keep the ball out of Ja Morant’s hands. That should lead to more touches for Jackson Jr., who can score down low and from long distance. The All-Star has reached 21 points + assists in four of his previous six meetings with Oklahoma City. In a must-win Game 3, expect a vintage JJJ performance.
Jamal Murray more than 5.5 assists
Despite rostering three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have been written off by most analysts. That’s due in large part to a lackluster supporting cast that’s failed to play consistent basketball all season. If anyone on Denver’s roster can catch fire at this time of year, it’s Jamal Murray. The guard has earned his reputation as a postseason performer, and now is the perfect time to step up. Over 67 career playoff games, the Canadian has posted 24.1 points and 6.2 assists while shooting 45.8% from the field.
The Clippers are a tenacious defensive unit, allowing the fifth-fewest points per game to opponents (107.8). However, Murray has found success as a passer in this matchup. In four of his last five matchups with Los Angeles, the 28-year-old has dished out at least six assists. In a game that will come down to every possession, Murray should handle the ball on almost every Nuggets possession. Acting as lead distributor, this number feels like a realistic target for Denver’s number two star tonight.
Kawhi Leonard more than 1.5 steals
So far, Clippers-Nuggets has been the standout series of these NBA playoffs. Los Angeles came away the winner in Game 2, thanks to the individual excellence of Kawhi Leonard. The six-time All-Star dropped 39 points, three rebounds and five assists on Denver. As always, The Claw made his presence felt on defense, recording three steals. Unburdened by his usual minutes restriction, the veteran has logged at least 39 minutes over his last three appearances.
It’s no secret that the Nuggets struggle to defend; however, their offense can also look sloppy at times. Look no further than Monday night, when the Clippers forced 20 turnovers. Leonard has notched at least two steals in nine of his last 15 contests. In addition, the 33-year-old is averaging 2.4 steals over his last five meetings with Denver. Assuming Kawhi stays on the court for close to 40 minutes, he should force several mistakes on Thursday night.
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.
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