Germantas Kneita
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It’s Friday night, which means we’ve got a great 10-game slate of NBA games to look forward to. We’ve got plenty of thoughts on the side and total for each of those matchups, so be sure to check out our game previews, but right now it’s time to focus on player props.
Here are the four NBA player props we most like the look of for tonight’s action.
Jerami Grant over 19.5 points (-116)
Jerami Grant is going through the best scoring stretch of his career. Since scoring just nine points on opening night against the Timberwolves, he has managed to hit at least 22 points in his last seven games and is now averaging 24 points per game on the season. He has become the focal point of this Pistons offense, attempting 19 shots per game. He is also aggressive getting to the line, averaging five attempts per game, and knocking it down at a 90 percent clip from the stripe. Shooting overall has been a pleasant surprise with Grant as he is now also averaging over two and a half makes from deep as well.
The Phoenix Suns have proven to be a good defensive unit but in their last couple of games they have allowed opposing forwards to have big nights against them. In the last match against Toronto, Pascal Siakam scored 32 whilst O.G. Anunoby chipped in 20 — both above their season average. In the game prior, Paul George exploded for 39 points against them. I expect Grant to have a similar level of success tonight.
Austin Rivers over 11.5 points (+100)
The New York Knicks are rolling now, and it largely down to the efforts of Austin Rivers. He was able to knock down four three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone against the Jazz, which propelled the Knicks to an unlikely win considering the early deficit they were facing. Rivers is the biggest threat that the Knicks possess from deep, shooting 55 percent from there so far this season. In fact, in the last game, the Knicks made eight three-pointers overall, with five of them coming from Rivers.
Tom Thibodeau is a coach that prefers shorter rotations and with Rivers’ recent play he has made himself a key part of that, playing over 30 minutes in the last two games. I expect him to get similar opportunities here tonight against the Thunder as he looks to continue leading the Knicks bench.
Austin Rivers scores 14 straight down the stretch to lift the @nyknicks to victory. pic.twitter.com/PSHoyUaeuI
— NBA (@NBA) January 7, 2021
Cole Anthony over 5.5 rebounds (+106)
In his young NBA career, Cole Anthony has had some struggles shooting from the field, as can be expected with rookie guards coming into the NBA, but his rebounding has transferred over a lot more smoothly. Anthony is currently averaging an impressive five rebounds per game in just 21 minutes of action this season. His minutes are about to see a major boost for this game as Markelle Fultz suffered a season-ending injury against the Cavaliers. Back up guard Michael Carter-Williams has also been ruled out of the game against Houston due to a bone bruise and sprained ligament in his foot. This will mean that the rookie will be handed the keys to the car and should easily be expected to play 30 or more minutes tonight. As a result, expect an uptick in his numbers across the board, including his rebounds.
Gordon Hayward under 4.5 assists (-154)
Gordon Hayward was on fire in his last outing, scoring 44 points against the Atlanta Hawks. I expect him to have the same level of aggression tonight against the Pelicans, which should impact his assist numbers as he looks for his own shot more. That seems to have been a point of emphasis for Hayward lately as he comes to the realization that the Hornets need him to be a primary scorer on the team, with Devonte’ Graham struggling so far this season.
Hayward opened the season with three straight games where he recorded seven assists but has only managed to record five or more assists once in his last five games. The Pelicans have several high-level defenders on the roster, especially their guards, so I expect Charlotte’s backcourt to struggle somewhat, placing a bigger burden on Hayward’s shoulders to carry the offensive workload. Look for his downward trend in assists to continue.
Pickswise is the home of free NBA picks and predictions. We will cover all the big offseason news before making picks for every game during the 2021 season.
