Another eight games sit on the NBA slate for Thursday, January 9. A marquee matchup between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies will be one to watch, with one of my picks eyeing Alperen Sengun.
Up north, I’m expecting a lot out of Scottie Barnes and Darius Garland as the Toronto Raptors host the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Keep reading for my best NBA picks for DraftKings’ Pick6.
DraftKings NBA Pick6 Picks for today
The first three picks are our favorite plays for a 3-player lineup. If you want to play a 6-player lineup, use all six stat projections below.
🔼 Kevin Durant More Than 25.5 Points
🔽 Tyler Herro Less Than 5.5 Assists
🔼 Collin Sexton More Than 21.5 Points
🔼 Scottie Barnes More Than 16.5 Points
🔽 Alperen Sengun Less Than 10.5 Rebounds
🔼 Darius Garland More Than 6.5 Assists
Click on each pick to read full analysis.
DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball lineup for January 9
Kevin Durant 25.5 Points: MORE
Kevin Durant has been a regular entry for me lately, but it’s for good reason. Durant is balling out this season and continues to produce on a nightly basis over the last couple of weeks.
The future Hall of Famer is averaging a team-best 27.4 points per game and has scored more than 25.5 in five of his last seven appearances.
Durant dropped 26 on the Hornets on Tuesday evening and averaged 27 points per night in two games against the Hawks last season, who Phoenix play tonight. The Suns are also returning home for this contest, and KD averages 28.5 ppg in the desert as opposed to 25.7 on the road.
Tyler Herro 5.5 Assists: LESS
Tyler Herro is having a career year for the Heat, and with Jimmy Butler seemingly on his way out, it’s clear Herro is now the main man in South Beach alongside Bam Adebayo.
However, the former Kentucky standout has dished out less than 5.5 assists in four of his last five games. Yes, Herro is a solid facilitator, but a lot of the scoring load is on his shoulders, especially when Butler isn’t playing.
Collin Sexton 21.5 Points: MORE
Collin Sexton has found his name in trade rumors, and that’s almost a testament to the type of player he is. In 35 games (33 starts), he’s averaged 17.9 ppg on 43% shooting from 3-point land. Sexton’s total is set at 21.5 tonight and he’s scored more than that in three of the last five.
In four games this month, Sexton is averaging exactly 21.5 ppg.
Scottie Barnes 16.5 Points: MORE
This entry is a no-brainer. Scottie Barnes is the franchise cornerstone for the Raptors and averages 20.4 ppg. That’s why it’s a bit confusing to see his total this low tonight, but it’s a chance to make some money. Barnes has scored more than 16.5 points in seven of his last eight contests.
In the one where he didn’t, the forward put up 16. Although Barnes is averaging just 13.5 points against the Cavs this season in two outings, his recent play points to a respectable performance tonight on home court.
Alperen Sengun 10.5 Rebounds: LESS
Alperen Sengun is a force on the boards for the Rockets. However, the recent trends point to a quiet night for him on the glass, as Sengun has grabbed less than 10.5 boards in four straight games.
The Rockets face the Grizzlies here, who are second in rebounding. Sengun did have 15 rebounds against them way back in October, but he’s also averaging 9.8 boards on the road as opposed to 10.9 at home.
Darius Garland 6.5 Assists: MORE
Darius Garland is doing it all for the Cavs this season, who just ended the OKC Thunder’s 15-game winning streak while extending their own to 11 victories. The guard has averaged 6.7 assists through 35 contests and I’m expecting Garland to drop dimes on the Raptors tonight.
The ex-Vanderbilt star has dished out more than 6.5 assists in six of his last seven. He compiled seven dimes in the win over OKC and even had 14 on NYE against the Lakers. Toronto is allowing 31 assists per game over their last three and struggles defensively.
Jon Metler's DraftKings NBA Pick6 lineup for today
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