Welcome to Bales’ Premium PrizePicks – NBA Player Props 1/31! Below I will discuss my NBA favorite plays for tonight’s slate!
Power Play
Jalen Brunson has looked outstanding when given the minutes this season. He’s averaging 16.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.0 steal on a per-36 minute basis. In his last 4 games with 30+ minutes, he’s averaging 35.5 fantasy points per game. Brunson scored 30+ fantasy points in each of those games. Luka Doncic has been ruled out tonight, leaving Brunson to play 30+ minutes, while finding a larger role in the offense. He gets a plus matchup against the Houston Rockets, who rank second in the NBA in pace and 15th in defensive rating. Brunson’s total is a bit low for this matchup, and he’s an outstanding option tonight.
Jonas Valanciunas will benefit from the suspension of Jaren Jackson Jr. tonight. Valanciunas is averaging 20.9 points, 14.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 blocks on a per-36 minute basis. He has suffered from limited minutes this season, but is expected to see 30+ minutes tonight. Valanciunas gets a great matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. They rank sixth in the NBA in pace and 25th in defensive rating. Valanciunas comes with elite double-double potential, and will benefit from the extra possessions in this game. This total is high, but he makes an elite option on this slate.
Play 1 unit on Jalen Brunson OVER 30.0 fantasy points and Jonas Valanciunas OVER 39.5 fantasy points to win 2.5 units (2.5x)
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