NBA Picks

Donovan Clingan has recorded 31 double-doubles this season, the eighth-most in the NBA. He's had a double-double in six straight games while averaging 15.5 ppg and 12.5 rpb this month.

Cameron Johnson has tallied 15.4 points per game over the last 5 games, 3.7 higher than he's tallied in all games this year.. The Nuggets have been the highest scoring offense in the NBA this year.. The Nuggets have played at the 3rd-most up-tempo tempo in the NBA over the last 5 games.. The Nuggets are expected to see an increase in possessions in this game from facing the 8th-quickest tempo team in the NBA this year (the Trail Blazers).

Maxime Raynaud is averaging just 7.3 rebounds per game this season, so the line looks a bit ambitious tonight. The rookie has recorded Under 10.5 boards in four of his last five games.

The Brooklyn Nets have dropped six straight and now face the Sacramento Kings without their leading scorer, Michael Porter. The Kings have won and covered in five of the last six meetings between these teams, and I’ll roll with the Kings to cover. 

Washington plays at the 3rd-fastest pace in the league, and the combination of a fast tempo and leaky defense is why Washington is 7-3 to the Over in their last 10. 

The New York Knicks offense has been middle of the pack recently, but they’ll get clean looks all night long, and the faster pace ensures enough possessions to push this game Over the game total. 

 

This year, opposing starting PGs have posted 20.2 points per game (6th-highest in the NBA) against the Wizards, designating this as a favorable matchup for offensive efficiency.. The Knicks are expected to see a spike in opportunities in this contest from being pitted against the fastest pace road team in the league over the last 5 games (the Wizards).. The Knicks have been the best offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 25 games while at home (offensive rebounds maintain possession and can therefore provide additional opportunities for scoring and assists).. This year, the opposing team's starting PGs have attempted 4.0 foul shots per game (10th-most in the NBA) against the Washington Wizards, making it fairly effortless to get to the free-throw line.

Ayo Dosunmu has stepped up in a big way since Anthony Edwards went down, but he was starting to find his groove with Ant-Man on the court. Across his last five, Dosunmu has averaged 29.6 PRA, hitting the Over on this line three times and finishing with 26 once more.

Jayson Tatum just made his return from a 10-month rehab, and unsurprisingly, hasn't looked great so far. Tatum is shooting 29% from three - well below his career average of 37% - and has made Under 2.5 threes in three of his last four games.

Even if Victor Wembanyama has a hold on the Defensive Player of the Year award for the foreseeable future, Barnes belongs in the conversation this season, and I’m counting on another strong effort at that end of the floor tonight.

There’s nice value for this Over, with Barnes averaging 7.9 RPG this year and grabbing 7+ boards in three straight games. Toronto has the rest advantage and that should show up on the glass here, particularly with Phoenix’s injuries on the wing. The Suns also take the fifth-most 3-pointers in the NBA, so there will be long rebounds to corral.

The Toronto Raptors have won three of their last four games and are getting strong scoring production from Brandon Ingram. The Phoenix Suns enter on a four-game losing streak and continue to deal with injuries. Look for the Raps to sweep the season series.