Bryan Armetta makes his DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections before Saturday night’s NBA games tip off.
There’s only a handful of days until Christmas, which means the NBA regular season is starting to heat up. Saturday’s twelve-game slate offers up a merry mix of MVPs, All-Stars, and playoff contenders. Among the highlights, Clippers vs. Mavericks could turn into a shootout between former teammates James Harden and Kyrie Irving. With so many squads taking the floor, there’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings Sportsbook, including DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s loaded slate.
Kyrie Irving more than 35.5 points + rebounds + assists
With Luka Doncic ruled out for a second straight game, the Mavericks will lean on Kyrie Irving tonight. The 32-year-old may not be the driving force behind his team’s success, but he’s still more than capable of carrying an offense. Dallas’s star guard has gotten off to a solid start this season, putting up 23.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 50% shooting from the field.
A stout Clippers defense will be a challenge, as they’ve given up the fifth-fewest points in the NBA (107.4). Still, over Irving’s last ten outings without Doncic, he’s averaging 29.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists, going over this P+R+A total eight times. Expect the eight-time All-Star to deliver for a Dallas team in need of superstar production.
Karl-Anthony Towns more than 13.5 rebounds
Following a 133-107 win over the Timberwolves, the Knicks will face a far easier task tonight against the Pelicans. Fresh off of a dominant return to Minnesota (32 points, 20 rebounds), Karl-Anthony Towns will look to keep the good times rolling agaijnst a miserable 5-23 New Orleans squad. This season, the big man has posted MVP-caliber numbers of 25.0 points, 14.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists through 25 games.
New York’s star center has dominated the glass recently, grabbing 15 or more rebounds in each of his last seven appearances. That includes the last time these two teams played on December 1st, in which KAT snatched 19 boards in just 24 minutes of play. Even if this one gets out of hand, Towns is talented enough to reach this total before the fourth quarter.
Nic Claxton more than 21.5 points + rebounds + assists
It’s been an up-and-down season for Nic Claxton, as injuries and inconsistent playing time have made it tough to trust the center. However, there have been some encouraging signs over the past few weeks. After coming off of the bench for much of November, the big man has started each of the Nets’ last seven games. During that time, he’s put up 11.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Claxton had a disappointing seven-point, five-rebound showing against the Raptors on Thursday. However, he was ejected from the game with over eight minutes to go in the second quarter. The Jazz, tonight’s opponent, are giving up 120.5 points per game, third-most in the NBA. Assuming Brooklyn’s center can stay on the floor, he’s got a great chance of clearing this P+R+A total against Utah.
Tyler Herro less than 23.5 points
In a season dominated by Jimmy Butler trade rumors, Tyler Herro has been a saving grace for the Heat. The sixth-year pro is having a breakout campaign, averaging 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists on efficient 47.5/40.9/86.0 shooting splits. While there was always talent, it’s clear that the Kentucky product is emerging as Miami’s go-to option on offense this season.
Even for the most dynamic scorers, tonight’s game is a tough draw. This season, the Magic are giving up the second-fewest points (103.6) and the fewest three-pointers made (11.6) in basketball. Through fourteen career matchups vs. Orlando, Herro has gone over this point total just once. As good as Miami’s guard has been, history suggests that this is a fade against an elite defensive unit.
Taurean Prince more than 1.5 three-pointers made
Other than a blowout loss vs. the Cavs on Thursday, the Bucks have been one of the association’s hottest teams. While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will (deservedly) get most of the credit, don’t sleep on Milwaukee’s role players. That includes Taurean Prince, playing for his sixth team in nine seasons. The former Lakers wing has been terrific from deep, currently leading the league in three-point percentage (51.1%).
Despite his success from beyond the arc, Prince doesn’t take too many shots (3.6 3PA). That might not matter tonight, as Washington’s defense is awful by just about any metric. This season, the Wizards are allowing 15.2 three-pointers per game, sixth-worst in the league. Even if this game becomes a blowout, there should be plenty of looks for Milwaukee’s veteran sharpshooter.
Dennis Schroder more than 4.5 assists
The Warriors pulled off the first big trade of the season, acquiring Dennis Schroder from the Nets in exchange for De’Anthony Melton and draft compensation. For a Golden State team in need of another ball-handler next to Steph Curry, the move makes plenty of sense. The 12-year veteran has been terrific this season, posting 17.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists on 44.2% shooting from the field.
Head coach Steve Kerr wasted no time getting Schroder involved, placing him in the starting lineup for Thursday’s game against the Grizzlies. While the guard didn’t shoot the ball very well (16.7% FG), it was encouraging to see him tally five assists in just 22 minutes. The Timberwolves are a difficult defense for any player to navigate, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see Schroder log 30+ minutes as a primary distributor.
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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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