RADIO
Monkey Knife Fight only has eight of Wednesday’s thirteen games posted, but nearly all of tonight’s highest projected point totals are available, so we at least have options. Sacramento and Indiana harbor a ton of pace between both rotations and defense should be lacking throughout, making this an easy game to take overs across the board on. It’s easier to target Tyrese Haliburton’s assists rather than his points, especially with a current point line sitting at 20.5. It’s not hard for him to hit that mark, he just doesn’t do it as consistently as he hits double-digit assists.
Although San Antonio - Oklahoma City isn’t posted yet, the young talent in that game is sure to shine since that’s basically the entirety of both rosters. Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are all safe bets and Gilgeous-Alexander is currently on a five-game 30+ point streak. There’s a really good chance it’s not ending against the Spurs.
MonkeyKnifeFight.com is always ahead of the curve with their canceling of contests amid postponements, so don't worry about wasting money on a player or game that might not play. As always, you can find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter with any questions, especially since lines and players are subject to change throughout the day.
Featured Promo: Our friends at Monkey Knife Fight are hooking you up. Get a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 using promo code BALLER with your first deposit, and also a free year of RotoBaller Premium access ($99 value)! Claim your 100% instant deposit match now, and use our prop picks to get off on a winning foot!
IND @ SAC
De’Aaron Fox (SAC) MORE 23.5 Points – Tyrese Haliburton (IND) MORE 20.5 Points
De’Aaron Fox had a small streak where he scored 93-points across three consecutive games and followed it up by scoring 49-points total across the next trio of games. Luckily, his projected point total reflects his recent play and 24-points in a high-paced, should-be-high-scoring game shouldn’t be too hard of a bounce back when his usage is still floating around 30% each night.
For Tyrese Haliburton, he’s posting massive stat lines and there’s no reason to shy away from betting on him. The Pacers rely on him too much, but betting on assists and not points forces us to rely on some inconsistent options as a result. Since the Kings backcourt defense isn’t very good, Haliburton’s points bet should be safe.
Play the Contest Now on Monkey Knife Fight
MEM @ MIN
Ja Morant (MEM) MORE 30.5 Points – Anthony Edwards (MIN) MORE 25.5 Points
This is the Super Bowl for these teams. Although Karl-Anthony Towns will miss the next couple weeks dealing with a leg injury, Anthony Edwards will have no reservations about taking up the extra usage. 26-points isn’t a stretch based on what he’s capable of, Edwards just has these games where he doesn’t reach his potential regardless of matchup. The Grizzlies defense is good, but assuming they’ll shut down Edwards when he’s expected to have to do so much is bold.
The same can be said about the matchup between Ja Morant and Rudy Gobert. Gobert is one of the best shot-blockers in the league, but when going up against a persistent threat like Morant, the offense tends to get last laugh. The Timberwolves defense gives most opponents all the chances they need to hit 30-points, it just depends on the shooter. In this case, there’s going to be more spacing with Towns out and Gobert won’t be able to shade and help as efficiently as he’s used to. Everything about this game is favoring a big night from Morant.
Play the Contest Now on Monkey Knife Fight
HOU @ DEN
Nikola Jokic (DEN) MORE 26.5 Points – Jalen Green (HOU) MORE 21.5 Points
The Houston Rockets defense is still their weakest point by far, but their energy on offense has managed to keep games somewhat competitive. That’s what we need from this game if we expect both Nikola Jokic and Jalen Green to hit their projected totals. Jokic has been all over the place in terms of stats, but they all stem from necessity. That’s what you get out of a team-player. Jokic will do what needs to be done, whether that means more diverse stat lines and feeding teammates or shooting everything and hitting 30-points. It’s hard to say which he will do each night, we can only bet on the opportunities. In this case, Jokic should have endless.
Jokic is inconsistent in the sense that you don’t know what he’ll do each night, but at least you’ll know he will produce. This far into the season, it’s safe to say the same about Jalen Green, only he’s much more point-reliant. We need him to have 22-points against the Nuggets and that isn’t a mark he hits consistently. He’s more than capable since there aren’t many defenders that can keep up, but if the game needs to stay close for Green to take the shots needed, chances are this game mimics Monday’s results.
Play the Contest Now on Monkey Knife Fight
ATL @ ORL
Trae Young (ATL) MORE 26.5 Points – Paolo Banchero (CHI) MORE 20.5 Points
If Trae Young is playing, you have to assume he’s hitting 30-points or getting close to it. The Magic defense isn’t going to hold up well against the Hawks offense, but Young’s last two games don’t inspire confidence on the whole, him hitting 30-points thing. On a positive note, the last time he faced the Magic he took 24 shots which rivals his shot attempts against some of the worst defenses he’s faced so far this season.
Paolo Banchero missed the last seven games and returned without missing a beat. This season, Banchero has only scored under 20-points four times, two of those times being his first two games back from injury, an extremely good sign from a rookie. Even with Orlando on a losing streak, that doesn’t really impact Banchero’s upside and facing the Hawks will be more of a test to his ability rather than chance for him potential to be maximized. Banchero will finish around the rim against some of the best defenders and the fact that he’s taken 17 shots in his last two games is just another sign for more good things to come.
Play the Contest Now on Monkey Knife Fight
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!
NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts
[jiffyNews category_include='9958' headline='More DFS Lineup Picks an
