Draftkings Best NBA Showdown Picks: Celtics vs. Pelicans

The Boston Celtics travel to the Smoothie King Center for a matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Prior to discussing my Draftkings picks for tonight’s Celtics vs. Pelicans game let’s review an important note regarding the rules for the single game showdown contests.

For those readers who are not aware, the rules and scoring for DraftKings single game showdown contests are vastly different than the traditional classic contests offered by the platform.

If you need to review the specific rules for the single game showdown contests feel free to check out the DraftKings website.

Here are my Draftkings picks for this evening’s Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans matchup.

Draftkings Player Picks

Captain-Jayson Tatum $9,800

Talented Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has posted outstanding DFS numbers for the Boston Celtics in 2024. In 73 games played this season, Boston power forward Jayson Tatum has averaged 31 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals a game. That is the kind of production I need from the captain position.

It should also be mentioned that Jayson Tatum will be facing a New Orleans Pelicans defense that has had issues containing opposing power forwards recently. In the last 30 games played in the NBA, the Pelicans are ranked a rather low 23rd in total Draftkings points allowed a game (51.32) to the power forward position.

I fully expect Jayson Tatum to continue playing outstanding basketball versus this vulnerable New Orleans Pelicans defense later today.

Flex Plays

Derrick White $7,800

Entering tonight’s game, the Boston Celtics are currently ranked first in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Having stated that, a big reason why Boston has played relatively consistent quality basketball all season is Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White.

Let’s dive into a recent sample size of Derrick White’s recent statistical data to get a better idea of his recent performance on the basketball court. In the Boston Celtics last three games played, White has averaged 19.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists a game.

Larry Nance $4,000

New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance has been a key contributor for this Pelicans team this month. Why? Two weeks ago, the Pelicans lost forward Brandon Ingram to injury. The unfortunate injury to Ingram has allowed other New Orleans Pelicans players (including Larry Nance) an opportunity to play more minutes.

How has Larry Nance played from a DFS perspective lately? In the New Orleans Pelicans last six games played, Nance has averaged 19.5 total Draftkings points a game.

I absolutely love Larry Nance’s Draftkings price of only $4,000. I think Larry Nance’s low price point presents the best fantasy value of any other player on this one game slate.

Additional flex plays I like: Zion Williamson $9,200: Jaylen Brown $8,400: C.J. McCollum $8,000: Herbert Jones $6,000.