Bryan Armetta makes his DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections before Thursday night’s NBA games tip off.
The home stretch of the NBA season continues on Thursday, with six games set to tip off. Among the matchups to watch, a primetime battle in Los Angeles between the Knicks and Lakers is must-see TV. There’s plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections before tonight’s contests!
Aaron Nesmith more than 1.5 three-pointers made
A Pacers team loaded with depth can be a headache for fantasy basketball managers. With so many mouths to feed, it’s difficult for anyone other than Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam to consistently produce. If one player has emerged as a reliable scorer recently, it’s Aaron Nesmith. Over his last seven games, the forward has averaged 15.9 points on 53.3% shooting from the field (40.5 3PT%).
The 25-year-old’s defensive skills guarantee playing time, even on a poor shooting night. That probably won’t be a concern on Thursday against an awful Atlanta defense. This season, the Hawks have surrendered the fifth-most points (118.8) and the fifth-most three-pointers made (14.2) per game. Nesmith has been deadly from deep, knocking down two or more treys in six of his last eight appearances. This two-way menace is set up for another productive evening from beyond the arc.
Zach Collins less than 2.5 assists
At long last, the Bulls finally committed to a rebuild at this year’s trade deadline. Chicago sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento as part of the three-team De’Aaron Fox deal, taking back a draft pick and veterans to match salary. On a barren roster, newly acquired big man Zach Collins has emerged as a fantasy basketball asset. Since joining his new team, the center has recorded 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
It’s no coincidence that Chicago’s newest big man has thrived with Nikola Vucevic (calf) sidelined; the two-time All-Star is listed as doubtful for tonight’s matchup. However, Collins might have some difficulty on offense against the Magic. This season, Orlando has held opponents to the second-fewest points (103.5) and the fewest assists (23.1) per game. The former Spurs center has recorded more than two assists in three of his nine outings as a starter this season. Expect that trend to continue against a tenacious defense on Thursday.
CJ McCollum more than 3.5 assists
As disappointing as the 2024-25 Pelicans have been, there’s still plenty of talent on this roster. Zion Williamson is New Orleans’ face of the franchise, but CJ McCollum is a solid secondary scorer. This season, he’s posted 21.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. With Dejounte Murray injured, the veteran has been forced to act as a lead ball handler.
Thursday presents a challenge for any guard, even one as experienced as McCollum. The Rockets have allowed the third-fewest points (106.6) and the fewest assists (23.1) to opponents this season. With that being said, the Pels have few other options to serve as a distributor. The 33-year-old has reached four assists in five of his last six appearances; he can easily do so again tonight.
Gabe Vincent less than 1.5 three-pointers made
The new-look Lakers have been the talk of the NBA, reeling off seven straight wins. While the discussion is obviously centered around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Los Angeles has plenty of depth. That includes backup Gabe Vincent, signed last summer from Miami. The point guard is a solid two-way presence for a team lacking impact defenders. However, his offensive statistics aren’t very impressive (5.6 PPG, 1.5 AST).
Vincent has seen more playing time recently, logging at least 20 minutes over his last four outings. That’s only led to a combined 22 points during that time. The Lakers will hope to get more production from the 28-year-old tonight against a vulnerable perimeter defense. This season, opponents have connected on an NBA-worst 37.5% of their three-point attempts against the Knicks. Still, it’s difficult to trust Vincent from beyond the arc; he’s made multiple three-pointers in 15 of his 52 appearances this season (28.8%). Given the guard’s inconsistency on offense, he’s a prime fade candidate on Thursday.
Mikal Bridges more than 14.5 points
Despite being a 40-win team, something has felt slightly disappointing about this year’s Knicks. If anyone is more emblematic of an inconsistent New York squad, it’s Mikal Bridges. The forward has enjoyed some big games during his first season in the Big Apple, but erratic performances have made him difficult to trust. Through 61 games, the 28-year-old has averaged 17.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 48.8% from the field. Over his last 11 outings, Bridges has reached 20 points only once.
New York’s offseason acquisition will look to get back on track against a mediocre Lakers defense on Thursday. This season, Los Angeles has surrendered 114.3 points per game, the 11th-highest mark in basketball. OG Anunoby (thumb) is currently questionable to play tonight; his absence could open up more touches for Bridges. The two-way wing has tallied at least 15 points in four of his previous five meetings with LA. Even if the Knicks are at full health, this feels like a very reasonable number.
Jarred Vanderbilt more than 4.5 rebounds
The Lakers fell short in their pursuit of a center at the trade deadline. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, as a failed physical nixed a potential deal for Hornets starter Mark Williams. Los Angeles is now forced to rely on a combination of Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt down low. While the later of the two lacks height (6’8″), he makes up for it with terrific rebounding and defense. This season, the seventh-year pro has recorded 5.4 rebounds and 0.9 steals over just 15.8 minutes per game.
A light workload makes it difficult to back Vanderbilt on a daily basis. However, the big man has proven he doesn’t need much time to snag a few boards. When the Lakers last played the Knicks on February 1st, Vando hauled in eight rebounds in only 14 minutes. On Thursday, he should see more time on the floor. Los Angeles’ ‘backup’ center only needs a handful of boards to deliver for fantasy managers; that’s a risk worth taking tonight.
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.
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.
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Once you finalize your Pick Set, choose your entry fee amount. Your entries will be automatically distributed into available contests, subject to your confirmation.
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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.
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