The NBA returns with a single contest on Wednesday: it’s the new-look Lakers hosting the Charlotte Hornets. LeBron James chose not to play in the All-Star Game last weekend, citing a sore ankle.
The veteran and former league MVP had the balance of the season in mind when he made that difficult decision.
James and Luka Dončić are the NBA’s best one-two punch, and only a healthy LeBron can guide the Lakers to the Finals. On Wednesday, against the Hornets, Dončić and his new teammate begin the so-called second-half of the season with a chance to inch up the standings in the Western Conference.
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The unofficial second half of the NBA fully begins tonight as the NBA puts on a slate of nine games. Many teams the experts are tabbing as title contenders will be on the hardwood on Thursday.
The Lakers are on the road to face the Blazers in a quick turnaround after a surprising loss to the Hornets that ended their 17-game home win streak. Hoops fans can also witness the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Suns in action tonight.
Social betting fans will find picks in the DraftKings Pick6 app. Locate the games and players you’re interested in, and select whether they will have MORE or LESS in a statistical category.
Pick6 is not only the NBA: make selections from college hoops (men’s and women’s), the NHL, European football, and more. The app is available in nearly every state.
Thursday, Feb. 20 DraftKings Pick6 Selections
We have at least three future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers* in our seven-part pick for Thursday night:
- Kevin Durant More Than 26.5 Points
- Jalen Brunson Less Than 28.5 Points
- Karl-Anthony Towns More Than 28.5 Points
- Nikola Jokić More Than 28.5 Points
- Joel Embiid Less Than 28.5 Points
- Jayson Tatum More Than 28.5 Points
- James Harden More Than 2.5 Three-Pointers Made
Before the All-Star break, Durant averaged 35.5 in two games for the Suns. The Thin Man is heating up, and with fresh legs, watch for him to pour it on against the Spurs in a matchup on TNT and MAX television.
In his 17th NBA season, KD is showing little sign of a slow-down: he’s averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He’s even getting up to block 1.4 shots per game, a figure closer to what he did in his prime.
No Lakers? No Lakers.
We’ve seen the names of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves a bit too much in our Pick6 lineup of late. Instead, we pivot like Hakeem Olajuwon to focus on Jayson Tatum, the talented forward for the Boston Celtics. How do you ensure you’ll be a player the opposing fans love to hate?
How about playing for Duke and then the Celtics?
Talk about blue (and green) bloods: Tatum is THAT guy who always seems to be in the middle of a game your team loses. Unless you’re a Boston sports fan. On Thursday, JT squares off in an east coast grudge match against the 76ers in Philadelphia. Don’t make an entry against him scoring 29 points or more.
Get all seven picks correct and it will result in 40X of your entry or more
As always with DK Pick6, your outcomes depend on how much your entry fee is, and how many other customers are correct with the same picks. Consult your Pick6 app for details when you make your NBA picks.
Note that the more picks you add to your nightly Pick6, the higher your outcomes boost. With 5+ picks, you’ll typically see your outcome returns at 20X or more. When you pick that many options, you can still earn rewards even if you don't get every selection correct. For example, in a seven-part pick, you’ll receive a reward if you get six or seven picks correct.
*Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić, and James Harden.
Where to watch
TV schedule for notable Thursday night NBA games:
- Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks, 7:30 PM ET: MSG; Chicago Sports Network
- Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers, 7 PM ET: YES; FanDuel Sports Network Ohio
- Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 PM ET: League Pass
- Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 PM ET: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast Atlanta; FanDuel Sports Network Florida
- Memphis Grizzlies at Indiana Pacers, 7 PM ET: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana; FanDuel Sports Network Southeast Memphis
- Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs, 9:30 PM ET: TNT; TRU; MAX
- LA Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers, 10 PM ET: KUNP; KATU 2.2; Spectrum SportsNet
Best DraftKings Pick6 Selection for February 20
Kavin Durant may seem long in the tooth. It may seem like he’s been in The Association forever. Heck, he played his first NBA game for the Seattle Supersonics, a team that no longer exists. But, don’t make the mistake of thinking KD is on the decline.
When Durant is healthy, and he’s rested, and properly motivated, he’s as unstoppable as any scorer the game of basketball has ever seen.
With more than a week off for the NBA All-Star break, Durant will be refreshed for this game against the Spurs and sophomore sensation Victor Wembanyama. Expect these two giants to exchange shake moves and dribble drives. But, the Old Grey Mare he is what he used to be: and Durant will pile on the points in San Antonio. Pick him to have MORE than 28.5 points in the PHO vs. SAS matchup.
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