Germantas Kneita
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With an 11-3 record over my last four Pickswise articles, I’m going to try and keep the good vibes going with tonight’s nine-game NBA slate. Some truly exciting games to look forward to with the contest between the Bucks and the Suns being a standout. The last time these teams met it finished 125-124 so we could definitely be in for another tight high scoring game here.
Check out the full previews for all of tonight’s games here. And now, let’s take a look at my four selections for this NBA slate.
Nikola Vucevic over 2.5 threes (-112)
Nikola Vucevic has been lights out for the Bulls, and with Zach LaVine being ruled out, he has taken on a bigger offensive responsibility. Part of that responsibility has been spreading the floor and Vucevic has been fantastic in doing so lately. He has managed to knock down three or more threes in seven of his last eight games. He is shooting a touch over 49 percent from deep so far this month.
The Boston Celtics have allowed opposing teams to make 13.5 threes per game over their last 10 contests. That mark puts them 22nd in the league. Tristan Thompson is not the most comfortable big in the league when it comes to defending on the perimeter. He was torched for four threes by Marc Gasol in just 20 minutes of action for the Spaniard last week and Vucevic should have a similar level of success here.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics.
Isaiah Stewart over 11.5 rebounds (+136)
The Detroit Pistons have already confirmed that Mason Plumlee will be rested tonight which will allow them to unleash their rookie Isaiah Stewart once more. The Pistons center has grabbed a combined 33 rebounds over his last two games and is averaging nine boards in just over 24 minutes this month. Without Plumlee, he is likely to see around 32 minutes of action which should be enough time for him to clear this over.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons.
Bradley Beal over 2.5 made threes (+132)
Whilst he has struggled to make shots from deep in some of his recent games, Bradley Beal bounced back in his latest outing. He knocked down four of his six attempts against the Pistons and will now take on another favorable opponent in the Thunder. Even during his slump, Beal has not stopped taking the long ball, as he has not attempted fewer than five shots from there this month.
Over the last 10 games, the Thunder are allowing teams to make 15.6 three-pointers per game, good for 26th in the league. They are doing a terrible job of contesting these efforts allowing opponents to make close to 40 percent of their shots from there. They are coming off a game where they allowed Gary Trent Jr. five makes from deep, and with Beal scoring 30 or more in four straight contests, he should be able to do something similar here.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Washington Wizards.
Joel Embiid over 12.5 rebounds (+102)
Joel Embiid seems to be regaining his rebounding instincts as he now has back-to-back games with 13 rebounds or more. He has also seen an increase in his minutes, with him playing 36 in the last game against the Clippers. If he is to play a similar amount tonight this total should once again fall against a Warriors team that lacks a dominant interior presence.
With James Wiseman out, the Warriors have been rolling with Kevon Looney at the five, or Draymond Green in small line-ups. With Embiid on the floor, the latter would not really be an option here. They have recently given up big rebounding night to Nikola Jokic and Moses Brown, who each recorded 12 boards, whilst Jarrett Allen managed 14. With his size advantage, I expect nothing less than that from Embiid here.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers.
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