There are 12 hours of basketball on deck this Sunday, starting with a battle between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies in London, England.
Magic forward Paolo Banchero headlines my NBA picks for Sunday, January 18, while I’ll also be targeting Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans and Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Paolo Banchero |
Double-double — Yes | +125 |
 Trey Murphy III |
Over 3.5 threes | +125 |
 Nikola Vucevic |
Over 3.5 assists | -130 |
Prop #1: Paolo Banchero to record double double
The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies continue their Eurotrip today when they tip off in London, England, just three days after their game in Berlin, Germany.
Paolo Banchero was a beast in Orlando’s win over Memphis on Thursday, posting a team-high 26 points and 13 rebounds to record his fourth double-double in his last six games, and sixth in his last nine.
The Magic forward has stepped up his rebounding in the new year, averaging 9.7 boards per game — about one more than his season average.
The Grizzlies are missing their main rebounder, center Zach Edey, and could also be without 7-footer Santi Aldama, which will leave them vulnerable on the glass.
Book Banchero for his second straight double-double in Europe.
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Prime Video
Prop #2: Trey Murphy III Over 3.5 threes made
The New Orleans Pelicans are not very good, but that’s allowed Trey Murphy III to put up plenty of shots as well as some impressive numbers.
The Pellies forward is averaging 30.3 ppg since the calendar flipped to January — tied for the fifth-best mark in the NBA over that span.
It’s Murphy’s three-point game that’s been particularly hot as he’s dropped Over 3.5 treys in three straight and six of his last seven outings while shooting 41.1% from long range.
Murphy has also attempted an insane 12.9 three-pointers per game in 2026 — six more than his next-closest teammate. If he keeps chucking, he’s bound to make at least four.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Pelicans+, GCSEN, Space City Home Network
Prop #3: Nikola Vucevic Over 3.5 assists
The Chicago Bulls are likely without their star guard Josh Giddey for an 11th straight game, which means they’ll have to step up by committee.
Fortunately, they’ve got Nikola Vucevic, a well-rounded center who’s averaging over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists this month.
The Bulls' big man has definitely stepped up his playmaking in Giddey’s absence, posting Over 3.5 assists in eight of his last nine appearances.
Vucevic is averaging 50.5 passes made per game, the third-highest mark among all centers in the NBA and, unsurprisingly, second on Chicago behind only Giddey.
Expect Vucevic to get plenty of touches and dimes tonight.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Chicago Sports Network, YES
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