Bryan Armetta makes his DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections before Thursday’s Mavs-Jazz matchup.
There’s just one game on tap Thursday, as the Mavericks visit the Jazz. Even though the options are limited, there’s still plenty of ways to get in on the action with DraftKings Sportsbook, including DraftKings NBA Pick6 selections ahead of tonight’s matchup.
Kyrie Irving more than 2.5 three-pointers made
Another year, same Kyrie Irving. The eight-time All Star is off to another solid start, averaging 25.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 54.5% shooting from the field. Most impressive has been the guard’s proficiency from distance; he’s shooting 54.1% on three-point attempts.
While Irving’s marksmanship is unlikely to continue over the course of a full season, his volume is also due for an uptick. He’s only attempted 5.5 shots from beyond the arc this season, which would be his lowest amount in over eight years. The Jazz have serious perimeter defense issues, allowing 37.2% shooting from three, the sixth-worst percentage in the NBA. Look for Kyrie to take advantage of that as an off-ball shooter tonight.
Keyonte George more than 13.5 points
Utah has struggled to establish an offensive hierarchy behind All Star Lauri Markkanen. While forward John Collins has played well down low, the team’s guard rotation remains uncertain. Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson are proven scorers, but second-year man Keyonte George might be the most talented of the bunch. The former Baylor Bear is an atrocious shooter (32.3 FG%), but his all-around game is appealing for the rebuilding Jazz.
George is slowly showing some improvement; through four games in the month of Novemeber, he’s put up 17.0 points. He also scored 17 the last time these two teams met on October 28th. It might not be pretty, but the young guard’s hefty role in Utah’s offense gives him a good chance at surpassing this total.
Daniel Gafford more than 10.5 points
The most under-reported storyline in Dallas might be Daniel Gafford’s growth on offense. While the big man has always been a quality defender, he’s put up a league-leading 72.5% field goal percentage on a career-high 12.4 shot attempts per game. The 26-year-old is generating 12.2 points in just 21.1 minutes (20.8 PPG per36).
Gafford brings a four-game streak of 15 or more points to tonight’s contest with the Jazz. The center has had 13 or more points in four of his last five meetings with Utah, setting him up for another solid offensive showing against a subpar opponent.
Cody Williams more than 7.5 points
Despite starting seven of ten games, Cody Williams has struggled to get going so far. The rookie is averaging just 3.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists despite playing over 22 minutes per game. Still, there’s enough reason to think the former tenth overall pick will only get better from here.
While Williams wasn’t the most polished prospect entering last summer’s NBA Draft, he’s a better player than what he’s shown so far. Shooting a miserable 26.4% from the field, the Colorado product is due for some positive regression. Even if he doesn’t score much tonight, this number is simply too low for any NBA starter. It’s not the most comfortable pick on the board, but I’m willing to bet that talent and opportunity win out in this spot.
Klay Thompson more than 16.5 points
All eyes were on Klay Thompson, who made his long-anticipated return to The Bay against the Warriors on Tuesday. While Golden State won the game, their former shooting guard tallied 22 points, his most since opening night. After such an emotional game, tonight’s contest appears to be a classic letdown spot.
However, Utah’s defensive shortcomings are simply too much to ignore. Aside from their previously mentioned difficulty defending three-pointers, the team is giving up the fifth-most points in the NBA (119.0 PPG). Klay has thrived in this matchup, averaging 25.4 points over his previous seven games against the Jazz. There’s little reason not to expect another great performance tonight.
Naji Marshall more than 4.5 rebounds
While the loss of Derrick Jones Jr. has played a role in Dallas’ slow start, Naji Marshall has been a solid contributor. Signed in the offseason from New Orleans, Marshall has been useful as a ‘glue guy’ surrounded by superstars. Recently, with P.J. Washington injured, the career role player has excelled as a starter. In his past four games, he’s posted 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds.
When the Mavericks visited Utah earlier this season, Marshall pulled down six boards in just 15 minutes. While such a small sample size doesn’t guarantee future success, it’s still reassuring. With a bigger role and an opponent that struggles to secure rebounds, Marshall could surpass this number before the fourth quarter.
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