Ricky Dimon
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We are tipping off the NBA week with a huge 11-game slate on Monday, highlighted by a double-header on NBA TV. It begins with this showdown between the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks before the Dallas Mavericks visit the Sacramento Kings. Both contests are getting the same game parlay they deserve. Let’s take a look at the best such option for Suns-Knicks, and be sure to also check out our full game preview for picks on the side and total.
Knicks ML (+118)
Julius Randle Over 26.5 points (-106)
RJ Barrett Over 4.5 rebounds (-144)
Chris Paul Over 8.5 assists (+110)
Part of the value in same game parlays, of course, is that all of its components can be correlated if you so choose. That is some of the plan here, as productive performances by Julius Randle and RJ Barrett would obviously go a long way toward a New York victory. At the same time, plays that aren’t correlated drive up the overall payout of the parlay. That is the case with picking Chris Paul to once again dish out a whole bunch of assists, but even if he does there is no reason why the Knicks can’t take care of business.
Knicks ML (+118)
The Suns have dropped two straight games and three of five overall. Tonight they are playing the second leg of a back-to-back situation, this time against a Knicks team that currently holds the longest active win streak in the league (nine in a row). New York boasts a very strong home record, too, winning 21 of 31 at Madison Square Garden this season. Phoenix could be without Jae Crowder, as he has missed the last two contests because of a sprained ankle. He is a key part of their defense and would play a role in trying to contain Randle and Barrett. The Knicks are winning games thanks in part to their incredible depth, with five players currently averaging at least 14 points over the last week. During the same stretch Randle has been a monster, putting together averages of 29 points 10 rebounds, and nearly five assists per game.
Julius Randle Over 26.5 points (-106)
Randle has been nothing short of awesome in 2020-21, and he has been especially awesome in April. The former Kentucky star is averaging 27.3 ppg this month, with a whopping six 30+ point performances in the last seven contests. That includes a 44 spot against Dallas and a 40-point binge at Atlanta’s expense. Randle has been on fire from long range, and Phoenix just let Brooklyn score 60 points in the paint so he should be able to do plenty of damage around the rim as well.
RJ Barrett Over 4.5 rebounds (-144)
The Suns have been a disaster of late when it comes to rebounding the basketball. Over the past three games, they are third-to-last in the association in total rebounding. Phoenix’s only reliable rebounder is Deandre Ayton (10.7 rpg), as no one else is averaging more than 4.8 rpg. Ayton will have his hands full with Randle and Nerlens Noel, which should free up Barrett to crash the boards hard from his small forward spot. The former Duke standout grabbed 12 rebounds against Toronto this past weekend after finishing with six against Atlanta earlier in the week.
Chris Paul Over 8.5 assists (+110)
Paul is averaging 8.7 assists per game over the course of the entire season, and there is no reason why he can’t distribute at least nine on Monday. The all-star point guard has recorded eight or more in four consecutive contests, including 13 last Monday against Milwaukee. Paul has reached the double-digit mark four times in the past nine outings and on six occasions during the month of April. The one thing New York’s stout defense allows on a consistent basis is assists. It is 21st in the NBA in opponents’ assists per field goal made at 61.7 percent. In the Knicks’ most recent effort against Toronto on Saturday, the Raptors assisted on a ridiculous 31 of 36 baskets.
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