:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67174099/1227940836.jpg.0.jpg)
The NBA has another great day of games lined up in the bubble this Saturday with five contests on tap, culminating in a potential showdown between Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final game of the night. The featured Sportsbook pool starts at 3:30 p.m. ET and includes picks and props from the final four games of the day.
There featured pool is a $10 Single-Entry NBA Pick’em Pool on DraftKings Sportsbook that enables DraftKings users to compete for prizes. To participate in the pool, simply choose winners on the matchups offered by the contest. The paid pool is only open to users in New Jersey and New Hampshire.
Users in New Hampshire can now also enter the Pro Football Pick ‘Em National Championship that has $1 million top prize. More details about the first-time contest on DraftKings Sportsbook and line movements for Week 1 in the NFL are located here.
DraftKings users can also get in on the NBA action by betting by downloading the DK Sportsbook app. For future pool action, check out DraftKings Sportsbook Pools.
Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets
- Game Result
- First-half Result
The Nuggets and Jazz are both banged up coming into this matchup and have struggled in the bubble as a result. Denver has been without Jamal Murray (hamstring), Gary Harris (hip) and Will Barton (right knee) for the past four games and won’t get Harris or Barton back for this one. Paul Millsap is expected to return after resting and Murray is questionable. The bright side for the Nuggets is that backup PG Monte Morris and Michael Porter Jr. have stepped up, helping the team go 2-2 in its four contests to remain the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The Jazz have gone 2-3 and were without four starters of their own in the team’s most recent loss to the Spurs as Rudy Gobert (rest), Mike Conley (knee), Donovan Mitchell (foot) and Royce O’Neale (calf) all missed the game. At least Gobert should be able to return, but the rest of the Utah starters’ status is still uncertain. Denver beat Utah in each of the teams’ first two meetings before the layoff and with Jokic, Porter and Morris, I have more confidence in the Nuggets’ ability to overcome their injuries more than the Jazz’s. You’ll want to double-check the latest news before tip-off, but unless Mitchell is back, I’m leaning Denver’s way in this one.
Choice: Denver Nuggets to win and lead at halftime
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers
- Game Result
- First-half Result
The Lakers’ big question mark for this contest is LeBron James’ availability after the All-Star was listed as questionable due to his groin soreness that kept him out of Los Angeles’ most recent game. The Lakers have also carefully managed the minutes of Anthony Davis in the restart, so Los Angeles may not be at full strength as the Lakers continue to prepare for the playoffs. The team also has nothing to play for now that Lakers have the top seed in the Western Conference wrapped up. The Pacers, on the other hand, have plenty to play for as Indiana battles the Heat and 76ers for the No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 spots in the Eastern Conference. Indiana won three straight after the restart before losing to the Suns in the team’s most recent game. The Lakers have little to play for, so I think in the end the Pacers will win, but Los Angeles has a good chance to lead at halftime if LeBron starts and they focus on getting their offense going in the first half.
Choice: Lakers to lead after first half, Pacers to win the game
Curious about when major leagues and events will return? Check out our DraftKings Sports Calendar for the latest updates.
Phoenix Suns vs. Miami Heat
- Game Result
- First-half Result
Speaking of the surging Suns, Phoenix has been the talk of the bubble, going 4-0 since the restart and surging into the race for the No. 8 seed in the West. Phoenix takes on the Heat as the Suns continue that chase and Miami has been dealing with injuries to its top two scorers Jimmy Butler (foot) and Goran Dragic (ankle). Butler has already been ruled out while Dragic is questionable. In addition, Kendrick Nunn (personal) has left the bubble and will also miss this contest, tilting it even further toward the Suns, who seem to be gelling and performing at the team’s best in this bubble environment. Especially without Miami’s full squad, I don’t see the Heat cooling off the Suns in this one.
Choice: Phoenix Suns to win and lead at halftime
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Game Result
- First-half Result
We don’t have word yet if the Bucks will play all their starters against the Mavs, so make sure to check availability leading up to tipoff. My guess is that Milwaukee will rest some players after wrapping up the No. 1 seed in the East with a 130-116 win over the Heat on Thursday. Dallas actually beat the Bucks in the teams’ meeting earlier this season which snapped the Bucks’ 16-game winning streak at the time. Unfortunately, Dallas hasn’t been in great form dropping three of four in the bubble despite exceptional play from Luka Doncic. Doncic is averaging 32.8 points, 11 rebounds and 9.8 assists in the four games since the restart and he should be enough to carry Dallas past Milwaukee, who should at least get Giannis a break in the second half to manage his minutes.
Choice: Dallas Mavericks win and lead at halftime
Which team will score the most points on August 8?
All eight teams in the above picks are listed in this prop, so based on your picks to win, you’ll cut the list in half. Based on my selections, I have the Suns, Mavs, Pacers and Nuggets. The Pacers and Nuggets face good defensive teams and will likely be in slower-paced games. Dallas has put up points with at least 110 points in each of the team’s games in the bubble, but the Suns have been even better with at least 114 points in each contest. Since I’m not sure the Bucks will push Dallas enough, I’m going with the scorching Suns to take down this prop as well.
Choice: Phoenix Suns
Participate in the pool here: DraftKings Sportsbook Pools
DraftKings is offering multiple ways for users to get in on the busy day of action on the hardwood, including the NBA $450 Saturday Shootaround [$100K to 1st] DFS contest.
Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.
For sports betting, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DK Sportsbook app.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is z.thompson) 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 I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.