NBA Underdog Pick’em Player Predictions: Friday (4/19)
As we delve into the last round of the NBA Play-In Tournament, we have only two games to breakdown. This is the time where roster rotations become incredibly condensed, which means big minutes for major contributors. Injuries to Jimmy Butler and Zion Williamson will also open up the door for extended play for their teammates, as their opponents receive a defensive reprieve due to their absence. So, let's spare no time in jumping right in to some of our favorite picks for 4/19!
NBA Underdog Pick’em Player Predictions
Tyler Herro Over 3.5 Three-Pointers
With the Miami Heat down one of their top offensive weapons, the opportunity arises for Herro to obliterate this number. This total comes across as more of a reflection of production in the regular season rather than the components that surround this specific contest. Other facets of production are accounting for an increase in usage and efficiency, yet it seems the 14 three-point attempts last game are being overlooked.
DeMar DeRozan Over 26.5 Points
The only thing that will stop Derozan from playing 40+ minutes tonight is foul trouble! The Bulls will need production across the board if they want to advance. This means their top star must be highly active as a scorer. Over the last 12 games the Chicago forward has exceeded 26.5 points in every one of those contests except one. With Jimmy Butler out for the game, this should create even more opportunity to score in this matchup.
Domantas Sabonis Over 3 1Q Rebounds
The Sacramento big man could be in for a monster outing tonight as his team looks to best the Pelicans and secure a spot in the Western Conference Playoffs. Sabonis finds himself in a prime spot with no backup to speak of beyond a few minutes from Alex Len. During the season, averages in the first quarter for rebounds and minutes totaled at 9.9 and 4.0. A slight increase to maybe 10.5 or 11 considering the importance of the contest should certainly put us over the mark of three rebounds.
Keegan Murray Over 26.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Murray looked phenomenal against the Warriors with a powerful star line of 32 Points, nine Rebounds, and six assists. The home-court advantage and love from the crowd will be absent as this contest will take place in New Orleans, though make no mistake about it, the Kings’ forward will be looking to repeat his last performance. With 20 attempts from the field, that was second only to De'Aaron Fox (25). If the attempts are hovering at 20 or more again, it's going to take an absolutely horrific efficiency performance for Murray to fall short.
Jose Alvarado Over 13.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Projections for minutes tonight fall in the range of 20-24. We are obviously partial to the higher end, though even if closer to 20, Alvarado has a very solid shot of producing enough to eclipse this total. Over the last five games, including a Play-In matchup with the Lakers, the New Orleans guard has surpassed this total in all but one of them. Even if the shot isn't falling, he's more than capable of finding production by attacking the basket, taking on a play-making role, and being active on the glass.
Enjoy the games tonight and have a great weekend!
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: