Top Picks for November 29

Following a day off in the NBA for Thanksgiving, the Association is back with a full 10-game slate.

Games take place all day today with the first contest starting at noon ET. Most notably, the Clippers will play the Timberwolves, the Heat will face the Raptors and the Lakers will play the Thunder.

There are several options for what to watch and even more opportunities to get involved in the action. One of the more unique features on DraftKings this year is Pick6 Fantasy Basketball!

This article will look at my top Pick6 plays for Nov. 29. We simply choose whether a player will record more or less of the set statistic. Here are my six favorite plays for Monday night’s action.

Austin Reaves More Than 22.5 Points, Rebounds & Assists

The Lakers will host the Thunder as one of the two late-night games. Los Angeles is 11-7 on the season and are fifth in the Western Conference. While there are a few players to choose from, Reaves is on the shortlist of those most positively impacted by JJ Redick’s new offense.

Reaves is averaging 17.1 points, 4.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. He has recorded more than 22.5 combined points, rebounds and assists in 12 of the 18 games thus far. Reaves has been even more impressive in home games, averaging 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. He also should be the beneficiary of increased offensive opportunities as Oklahoma City plays at the fourth-fastest pace in the NBA when playing on the road this season.

Reaves has gained more trust as a decision-maker in the offense and has seen an uptick in opportunities with the ball in his hands. The 26-year-old has not been afraid of the spotlight in big games and will be up for the challenge against an impressive opponent. Look for Reaves to record more than 22.5 combined points, rebounds and assists for the 13th time this season.

James Harden Less Than 22.5 Points

James Harden is coming off a throwback 43-point performance against the Wizards. This marked his first 40+ point performance since March 2021. While it was refreshing to see Harden still has this in the tank, expect some scoring regression tonight as the Clippers face the Timberwolves.

Harden is averaging 21.6 points per game this year and has been held to less than 22.5 points in 12 of the 20 games. The Clippers are producing 109.3 points per game which is the seventh-lowest number across the league. While Minnesota is in a bit of a rut, entering this game on a four-game losing streak, it’s still a defensive-minded team. Led by Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, their perimeter defense remains strong. Opposing starting points guards are shooting just 39.8 percent on the season which is the worst rate in the league.

In addition, opposing point guards are attempting just 3.3 free throws per game over the past 15 games which is the fifth-worst rate in the NBA. While Harden’s 7.3 free-throw attempts per game are not as egregious as his average in past years, this still is a notable part of his scoring production. Expect Harden to come back to earth a bit in this matchup and be held to less than 22.5 points.

RJ Barrett More Than 25.5 Points & Assists

The injury-riddled Raptors will face off with the Heat on Friday. Toronto will be without Gradey Dick, Immanuel Quickley and Bruce Brown which will give RJ Barrett even more offensive responsibility. The 24-year-old is averaging 22.8 points and 6.3 assists per game this season. Barrett has recorded more than 25.5 combined points and assists in 10 of the 16 games he’s played.

The most intriguing area of growth for Barrett this season has been as a playmaker. He has tallied as many as 15 assists in a game this season and reached double-digit assists four times. His 6.3 assists average is a career high. The Raptors are giving the former Duke product more offensive freedom, and he’s delivering for the team.

While I buy the playmaking uptick, expect Barrett to need to be in attack mode without Quickley and Dick on the floor. Barrett is also attempting a career-high 18.9 field goal attempts per game. Miami is a solid defensive team, but there will be too much volume on Barrett’s plate for him not to be productive. Look for him to record more than 25.5 points and assists for the 11th time this season.

Myles Turner More Than 16.5 Points

Despite spending the past few seasons in constant trade rumors, Myles Turner has grown into a key part of this Pacers team. He is averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Indiana will be without Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard, Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman. With a banged-up roster and an intriguing matchup with the Detroit Pistons, expect a strong offensive output from Turner.

Expect Pistons’ big man Jalen Duren to be Turner’s primary matchup. Duren has struggled when forced to guard the perimeter this season as his primary matchup is producing 1.4 made three-pointers per game. That ranks in the fourth percentile among centers. Turner is known for his ability to shoot from deep and is connecting on 39.8 percent of his long-range attempts while attempting 5.2 per game.

While 16.4 points per game is a solid output, the best offensive stretch of the season for the big man likely has not occurred yet. Turner averaged 17.1 points per game last year and 18.0 the season prior. Expect his perimeter ability to play a key role in this matchup and for Turner to record more than 16.5 points against this youthful Pistons squad.

Isaiah Hartenstein More Than 14.5 Assists & Rebounds

The Thunder signing Isaiah Hartenstein was one of the more notable offseason additions. The former Knicks standout was the answer to the rebounding issues that were prevalent in last year’s playoffs. These concerns were further highlighted following Chet Holmgren’s injury.

Hartenstein made his much-awaited Thunder debut after missing the first 15 games due to a hand fracture. He’s averaging 15.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 30.3 minutes per game through three games. Hartenstein has grabbed at least 10 rebounds in each game and his playmaking continues to shine as an under-the-radar part of his skill set.

This will be a tough matchup for Hartenstein as he faces off with Anthony Davis and the Lakers. However, these are also the exact games that the big man was brought in for. He has recorded more than 14.5 assists and rebounds in two of the three matchups thus far and this will be an opportunity to prove how he raises the ceiling of this Thunder team. Look for Hartenstein to record more than 14.5 rebounds and assists for the third time in four games.

Ivica Zubac More Than 14.5 Points

The Los Angeles Clippers turned the keys of the offense over to Harden this season, and Ivica Zubac has benefitted more than any other player. The veteran big man is averaging a career-high 15.7 points and 12.6 rebounds this season. Harden spoonfeeds Zubac around the rim, and the big has delivered in these opportunities. He also is attempting a career-high 11.5 shot attempts while shooting 61.1 percent from the field.

Heading into tonight’s matchup, expect Zubac to play a key role against the Timberwolves. Minnesota has not played up to their standard as a defensive-minded team this year. One area that the Clippers can exploit is the pick-and-roll against Rudy Gobert. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year has had plenty of defensive success but struggles when guarding in space. There is a case to be made that Harden is the best pick-and-roll ball handler in the NBA, and he will likely be playing more of a playmaking role tonight.

Zubac has recorded more than 14.5 points in 12 of the 20 games this season. While Zubac rarely creates for himself, Harden will get him easy looks in the paint. Look for Zubac to record more than 14.5 points again in this matchup and continue building his case as a Most Improved Player candidate.

What is DraftKings Pick6?

Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy variant where you build a lineup (your “Pick Set”) of at least two players and select whether 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 cannot pick the same player twice and you must select 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 seanbarnard) 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.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.Must be at least 18 years or older. Higher age limits may apply in some states. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid only in states where DraftKings Pick6 operates. Void where prohibited. For entertainment purposes only. Winning a contest on DraftKings depends on knowledge and exercise of skill. See terms at pick6.draftkings.com.