NBA Underdog Pick’em Player Predictions: Friday (4/5)
As we head into the dog days of the NBA schedule, we have been gifted another full slate of games tonight with 12 across the Association.
So, let's spare no time and jump right into some of our favorite picks for April 5!
Jordan Poole Under 11 Rebounds + Assists
Even though it has taken the full season to get going, Jordan Poole has certainly shown way more production recently. The matchup against the Trailblazers is also a fantastic spot for any player. The issue is that over the last 18 games, the Washington shooting guard has only surpassed this number five times. With season averages of 4.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds, this number is weighed heavily by recency bias, and this doesn't seem like a contest where passing will be first on his mind. With only five games left, this could be one of the last opportunities to get up as many shots as possible.
Jalen Suggs Over 3.5 Assists
Let's be honest: Charlotte is down bad! Orlando, on the other hand, is rolling as they set their sights on the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Jalen Suggs has increased his play-making recently, including four assists or more in four out of five games. When these two teams faced off on March 19, Suggs dished out six assists in only 26 minutes on the floor. If this game can stay close at all, the Orlando guard should easily eclipse 3.5 assists.
Devin Booker Over 2.5 Three-Pointers
This number should probably be higher, especially considering Devin Booker has sunk 13 three-pointers on the way to 92 points over the last two games. What a time to be alive! The asking price tonight is more predicated on the 1.8 average and opponent (Minnesota Timberwolves), not the fact the Suns shooting guard is absolutely locked in right now, and the team is fighting for playoff seeding. Over the last seven games, Booker has failed to surpass this number in only two of those contests. If this is another 40+ point performance, expect this to be the last time you will only need him to knock down three shots from deep.
Bradley Beal Over 10.5 Rebounds + Assists
We stay within the same game and focus on a somewhat overlooked detail in recent contests. Bradley Beal has turned into an offensive weapon, shying away from the tremendous scoring prowess he is known for and putting more emphasis on play-making and crashing the boards. In the last 10 games, the veteran guard is averaging 7.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds. There has only been one game over that span in which he hasn't exceeded 10.5 rebounds + assists. If Jusuf Nurkic happens to miss this game (Questionable), this will open up even more opportunities for Beal.
Zion Williamson Under 39.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
During the previous game on Wednesday against Orlando, Zion Williamson suffered a finger injury, and his status is questionable going into tonight. With no structural damage being reported, there's optimism that the New Orleans power forward will not miss time. This is a good spot to hedge your pick if you’re putting together a combination of selections. If Williamson doesn't play, it's just voided, and you don't lose anything. However, if he is on the court, 39.5 points + rebounds + assists are extremely high for someone dealing with a finger injury. That’s especially the case when they are opposing a team, the San Antonio Spurs, that has already been eliminated from playoff contention and could be down big by the fourth quarter.