today's top choices for DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball: best picks for Friday, May 16, 2025
The NBA playoff grind narrows further this Friday, May 16, 2025, spotlighting an electrifying Game 6 between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. While Indiana and Minnesota have already locked in their Conference Finals spots, the battle for the other Eastern Conference slot intensifies. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Boston leans heavily on Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, while the Knicks pin their chances on Jalen Brunson’s leadership. DraftKings’ Pick6 fantasy basketball format adds a thrilling layer for fans eager to test their prediction skills. Let’s slice through the noise and spotlight the premier DraftKings picks primed to shape your fantasy lineup tonight.
DraftKings NBA Pick6 Picks: Key Plays for Celtics-Knicks Showdown on May 16, 2025
The Celtics, reeling from Tatum's absence, could hardly afford a more adaptable contributor than Derrick White. He's the linchpin in Boston's offensive engine, known for his sharp perimeter scoring. White clobbered four triples in the opening quarter of Game 5 and finished with 34 points on 7-of-13 from deep—a performance that hardly shocks given his playoff averages of 4.8 three-pointers per game at a 42.1% clip. Expect White to surpass that 4.5 made three-pointers threshold again as Boston sticks to its lethal three-point identity on this critical night.
- White's playoff three-point efficiency: 42.1%
- Increased usage due to Tatum's injury: 24.7% in playoffs
- Consistent deep threat; never below three 3PM in this series
Why Jalen Brunson Must Explode Beyond 36.5 Combined Points and Assists
The Knicks’ crown jewel, Jalen Brunson, shoulders the biggest burden in this series. His 26.8 PPG and 7.4 APG in the playoffs, albeit dampened by Game 5's foul trouble, can't be ignored. Historically, Brunson elevates his game after losses, averaging an impressive 30.4 points and 7 assists. New York’s supporting cast is uneven, so the ball flows through Brunson's hands more than ever. Betting on him to surpass 36.5 combined points and assists is a wise move for those chasing fantasy dominance.
- Brunson averages 29.4 points and 7.8 assists across 2025 playoffs
- Strong track record of bouncing back after losses
- Key player amid fluctuating performances from teammates
For more strategy on this high-stakes encounter, check out expert previews and predictions at Basketball Evolution Celtics-Knicks Picks and NBA Playoffs Live Updates.
Spotlight on Celtics' Frontcourt and Knicks' Role Players in DraftKings Pick6
Boston’s struggles in the paint have been glaring, with Kristaps Porzingis hindered by illness and production dipping drastically. Expect Luke Kornet to step up, matching his veteran savvy with a critical role in Game 6. Kornet's knack for rebounding has shone through this season, hitting over 6.5 rebounds in 24 games. Facing off against Mitchell Robinson, Kornet’s presence on the glass could tilt the momentum.
- Porzingis hampered by illness, scoring just 4.2 PPG this series
- Kornet averaged 5.3 rebounds in 18.6 regular-season minutes
- Essential counter to Knicks’ interior defense
Meanwhile, Knicks wing Mikal Bridges has underwhelmed, posting just 13.2 points per game and shooting an inefficient 39.5% overall. His shot volume remains scant, with a usage drop to 18.1% in the playoffs. The smart pick here is betting Bridges under 14.5 points, as the Celtics are honing their defense to stifle his sporadic scoring outbursts.
- Bridges' 25% 3P shooting this series vs Celtics
- Lack of consistent offensive role and opportunities
- Single 20+ point game in the series
Other High-Value DraftKings Pick6 Gambles: Jrue Holiday and Josh Hart
Jrue Holiday, adjusting to a bigger playmaking role post-Tatum, looks poised to exceed 3.5 assists. Holiday’s playoff averages sit at 4.1 dimes, supported by his polished court vision and experience. In recent Bruins sets, he’s been a focal playmaker operating from the post, a strategy likely to continue tonight.
- Holiday averaged over 3.5 assists in 33 regular-season games
- Stepping into increased offensive responsibility in playoffs
- Efficacious playmaker in clutch moments
Josh Hart's unheralded three-point surge adds intrigue. Normally a 34.2% shooter, Hart has improved dramatically, hitting 42.5% of his triples this postseason and scorching the nets for five threes in Game 5. Expect another high-volume triple night from Hart, making more than 1.5 made three-pointers a safe, savvy pick.
- Consistent deep threat with increased shooting volume
- Receiving minimal perimeter pressure from Boston defenders
- Poised to exploit the Celtics' perimeter defensive focus
These picks are ideal targets for DFS platforms like FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy Sports, ESPN Fantasy, CBS Sports, Sleeper, RotoWire, FantasyPros, Basketball Monster, and Sportsline. Leveraging these insights can make your DraftKings Pick6 lineup far more competitive.
Mastering DraftKings Pick6 Fantasy Basketball: Strategy and Tools for May 16 NBA Slate
DraftKings Pick6 offers a unique, peer-to-peer fantasy twist, allowing users to select if players will outperform listed stat projections. This format’s simplicity paired with strategic depth makes it a must-try for serious fantasy basketball followers.
- Create Pick Sets: Choose 2+ NBA players from multiple teams and pick ‘over’ or ‘under’ for stat projections.
- Entry Fees: Vary your entry amount for increased contest opportunities.
- Live Tracking: Use the ‘My Picks’ tab to watch your roster in action real-time.
- Win Cash: Accomplish enough correct picks to take home prize money via DraftKings.
Get started with DraftKings Pick6 by downloading their app on Apple or Google. For more NBA betting insights and expert analysis, visit Basketball Evolution NBA Betting Insights and NBA No Sweat Bets May 2025.
