NBA Expert Picks Preview: Wednesday, Jan. 14
Glean insight from the best minds in the industry as they list picks they’ll actually be targeting in their tournament games, along with detailed analysis and reasoning.
Author Disclaimer: Please remember, these picks are not necessarily safe for your 50/50-H2H games. They are intended to separate yourself from the herd in an attempt to be contrarian and different. The most logical outcomes don’t always play out on a given NBA slate, so we are looking for the guys that may surprise, that few will roster.
Wednesday, January 14th
Point Guard
Mario Chalmers – Dwyane Wade exited last night’s game with a strained left hamstring and is looking doubtful for tonight’s game. Whenever Wade misses a game, Chalmers’ usage rate skyrockets. He will play heavy minutes, get plenty of opportunities, and has a bottom-barrel price tag.
Brandon Jennings – With Jrue Holiday ruled out, Tyreke Evans will very likely assume the starting point guard duties for the Hornets. In six previous head to head matchups against Reke, Jennings has averaged 23.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.5 steals. If you add in that Jennings is currently in fine form and playing with a ton of confidence, he makes for an excellent play tonight.
Shooting Guard
Tyreke Evans – On the flipside, Holiday’s injury and the trade of Austin Rivers leaves Evans as the only perimeter playmaker on the Hornets roster. The Hornets are very thin at guard, and barring foul trouble, Evans will likely see 40+ minutes of playing time and an astronomical usage rate. He is a “fade at your own risk” kind of play tonight.
Monta Ellis – Monta’s floor, with Rondo on the team, has been about 30 FP’s. Last night he flashed his upside with a monster game against Sacramento. Tonight he draws an excellent matchup against the Nuggets, who struggle to defend shooting guards, in what will be a fast-paced game strongly favoring Monta’s style of play.
Small Forward
Nicolas Batum – Last time out vs. the Clippers, Batum flirted with a triple-double, and ended up with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Batum handles the ball quite a bit for the Blazers, and while he doesn’t shoot much, he is an active player who plays heavy minutes and fills up the stat sheet. The LAC/POR game has the second highest O/U of the night, which only helps Batum’s value.
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