Summary and High confidence Picks for Jan 21st
Hit rates were 90% for yesterday's article !
1. Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets - 07:00 PM ET
Summary: The Hornets have been winning games and playing harder lately (possibly with hopes of making the play-in tournament). The Cavs however are battling to maintain their 7th spot in the conference. With a few injuries on the Cleveland backcourt, Donovan Mitchell has to step up.
Notable injuries: Merrill, Garland, Strus
Donovan Mitchell: Expect 1 steal, 1+ 3PM, 32 PTS+REB or 39 Pts+Reb+Ast (His assists are trending up significantly due to the absence of Darius Garland)
Jarrett Allen: Expect 4+ REB (target 7+ rebounds due to recent performance). 20 PTS+REB, 14 PTS+AST
Miles Bridges: High usage player. Expect 4+ REB, 2+ AST, 10 REB+AST, 2+ 3pt. He has increased his three-point attempts significantly in the last few games and normally performs well against the Cavs in the assists category due to pace (target 4+ assists)
Ryan Kalkbrenner: Elite rebounder. Expect at least 5 rebounds (target 6+ REBS) or 14 PTS+REB
Lamelo Ball: Expect 2+ 3PM, 3+ AST (target 6+ AST), 24.5 PTS+REB, 26.5 PTS+REB+AST
2. Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics - 07:30 PM ET
Notable injuries: Josh Minott, Tatum , Mathurin, Toppin, Haliburton
Summary: Lots of opportunity on both teams with several injured players. The Pacer's are at the bottom of the standings and are pretty much out of playoff or play-in contention , so expect a lot of bench players and reserves to take up the usage. I expect most of the questionable players to play and the Celtics to win the game by a significant margin (Blowout risk)
Jay Huff: Elite steals and blocks. Expect 1+ BLK
Jaylen Brown: Elite points and rebounds (and the main team facilitator with the highest usage%). Expect 2+ 3PM, 25+ PTS, 6+ REBS, 2+ AST, 37.0 PTS+REB, 39.5 PTS+REB+AST. his rebounds and three pointers are trending up so target those combinations.
Sam Hauser: Expect 1+ 3PM (target 3+ 3PM) or 16 PTS+REB
3. Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks - 07:30 PM ET
Notable injuries: Day'ron Sharpe (Q)
Summary: The battle of New York. This should be a fun high energy game (the Knicks do not plan on losing this one - although they are currently on a 4 loss streak - lol)
Nic Claxton: Elite assists and rebounds. Expect 10+ PTS, 1+ BLK (trending up so target 2+ Blocks), 8+ REB, 4+ AST (trending up so target 6+ assists). 19 PTS+REB, 2.5 PTS+REB+AST.
Terance Mann: Expect 1+ 3PM, 3+ AST (trending up so target 4+ AST), 10 PTS+REB.
Egor Demin: Expect 3+ AST, 2+ 3PM
Josh Hart: Expect 3+ AST (target 5+ assists)
Mikal Bridges: Expect 10+ PTS, 1+ 3PM (target 2+ 3PM)
The picks below are powered by our new ML model (v0.3.1)
4. Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies - 08:00 PM ET
Notable injuries: Porzingis, Risacher
Summary: There is a low-key rivalry between these two teams (considering their trade history as well). The young players will be energized for this one. I expect the Grizzlies to win at home (close game).
Dyson Daniels: Expect over 5 rebounds (target 6 rebounds). His assists are also trending up so target at least 6+ assists
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Expect at least 2+ 3PM (Target 3+ PT based on trends), 2+ AST (Target 4+ assists) and 1 STL
Jalen Johnson: Expect 10+ PTS (target 20 PTS), 5+ assists (Target 7+ assists)
Jaren Jackson: Expect 22.5 PTS+REB+AST, 4+ REBS (target 5+ rebounds), 1+ BLK, 3+ STOCKS (steals+blocks)
Santi Aldama: Expect 5+ REBS (target 7+ rebounds), 1+ 3PM, 18.5 PTS+REBS, 2+ AST (he is doubtful - so consider him OUT)
Cedric Coward: His 3 point shots have increased lately so expect 2+ 3PT
KCP: Expect 1+ 3PT
5. Detroit Pistons at New Orleans Pelicans - 08:00 PM ET
Notable injuries: Levert (Q), Herbert Jones (OUT), Alvarado, Murray, Cunningham (Q)
Summary: Blowout risk present in this game. The Pelicans have one of the worst records in the league and the Pistons are solidifying their current season dominance.
Jalen Duren: 10+ pts (target 18 PTS), 5+ REBS (target 10 REBS). His playing time has increased recently leading to more shot attempts and steals and stocks (target 1+ STL or 2+ STOCKS). He is foul prone so be cautious (especially against Zion)
Ronald Holland II: Expect 1+ STL and 4+ REBS
Javonte Green: Expect 1+ STL
Tobias Harris: Expect 1+ STL
Daniss Jenkins: Expect 3+ AST, 1+ STL
Cade Cunningham: Questionable. Expect 8+ AST if he plays
Saddiq Bey: Expect 1+ 3PM
6. Oklahoma City Thunder at Milwaukee Bucks - 09:30 PM ET
Notable injuries: KPJ (Q), Turner (Q)
Summary: This should be a fun battle but I expect the Thunder to be victorious due to their poise. If the Bucks end up shorthanded, then this will be a blowout and star players on the Bucks will rest early.
Chet Holmgren: Expect over 10+ PTS (target 16 PTS), 8+ REBS, 1+ BLK or 9.5 REB+AST
SGA: Expect 36.5 PTS+REB+AST, 25+ PTS, 3+ AST, 1+ 3PM, 2+ stocks (STL+BLK)
Giannis: Expect Over 34.5 PTS+REBS+AST, 5+ REBS (target 8+ REBS) , 1+ STL
AJ Green: Target 2+ 3PM - He has inconsistent minutes so be cautious
Dort: Expect 4+ REBS
7. Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings - 10:00 PM ET
Summary: I expect the Raptors to win this one by a decent margin at the end. Barnes will be key in this game. Blowout risk is high and star players might be rested
Notable injuries: RJ Barrett (O), Sabonis (O)
Scottie Barnes: Expect over 35.5 PTS+REBS+AST, 15+ PTS, 6+ REBS (target 8+ REBS), 5+ AST (Target 6+ AST), 1+ STL
Brandon Ingram: Expect over 30.5 PTS+REBS+AST, 15+ PTS (target 20+ PTS), 4+ REBS, 24+ PTS+REBS, 2+ AST, (Target 4+ AST)
Zach Lavine: Expect 3+ 3PM, (Target 4+ 3PM)
Dylan Cardwell: Expect 1+ BLK or 2+ STOCKS (STL+BLK), 5+ REBS and increased usage without Sabonis
Demar Derozan: Expect over 25.5 PTS+REBS+AST, 3+ AST, 1+ 3PM, 1+ STL
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