We started the new year by hitting on all three of our picks yesterday. Let’s keep the momentum going on Taco Tuesday with some winners from today’s six-game main slate. Tuesday’s action tips off in Philadelphia with Bulls vs. Sixers and the return of Joel Embiid. Embiid has missed multiple games in a row, but his presence back in the lineup has created a 10-point spread for that game. The slate is highlighted with a matchup between the Celtics and Thunder in Oklahoma City. These are two of the top four teams in the NBA, and with a total of 239.5, it should be a fun game to watch. We’ll close out the night in Sacramento at 10:00 PM ET with the Kings as 16-point favorites over the depleted Hornets. That one has blowout potential all over it, and it’s best to stay away from full-game props. Let’s get to the the best PrizePicks NBA plays, starting with Derrick White.
Selecting the right projections may be challenging, but with the assistance of OddsShopper’s NBA PrizePicks Optimizer and thorough research, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best picks for January 2!
NBA Player Predictions | January 2
Derrick White M/L 34 Fantasy Score
Derrick White is coming in hot with a 17.9 net rating that ranks 15th in the NBA over the last 10 games. He’s averaging 3.3 blocks + steals in that span, leading to 41.3 fantasy points per game. Sure, some of those games have been without Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, or Jayson Tatum, but White has been consistent all season, averaging 1.07 fantasy points per minute. He’s also scoring 1.5 points more per game on the road than at home. Tonight, he gets a great matchup against the Thunder in what could be a high-scoring affair.
The Thunder allow 10.5 three-pointers and the most points in the NBA to guards. They also allow a combined 8.8 blocks and steals to the position, which ranks bottom three in the NBA. Even with the Celtics fully healthy tonight, I like White to get more than 34 fantasy points.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Derrick White More Than 34 Fantasy Score
Jaren Jackson Jr. M/L 35.5 Fantasty Points
Jaren Jackson Jr. (JJJ) is averaging just 29.5 fantasy points in his last six games with Ja Morant back in the lineup. However, tonight’s matchup is a really good one against San Antonio. The Spurs rank dead last against forwards in points, 3-pointers, rebounds, assists, and steals. They allow 3.8 blocks per game to forwards, while JJJ is averaging 1.6 blocks per game.
The Grizzlies are favored by 10 points, and this game has a healthy total of 236. Even with Morant back in the lineup, the Grizzlies have a net rating of -14.4 over the last five games, worst in the NBA, and this game could stay close enough for JJJ to get his full allotment of minutes. I’m banking on JJJ getting to 36 fantasy points tonight with the help of a few blocks and steals.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Jaren Jackson Jr. More Than 35.5 Fantasy Score
Jalen Williams M/L 16.5 Points
In a game I’ll be watching on NBA League Pass, I want to have lots of action, and I really like Jalen Williams tonight. Forwards seem to do well against the second-best defense in the NBA, which allows the fourth most points and the third most three-pointers to the position. I’m expecting a high-scoring game because the Thunder rank fourth in pace while both teams rank top four in offensive rating.
Williams is having a great sophomore campaign, averaging 19 points per game at home while shooting 47.9% from three-point range. He recorded six games of 20 or more points in the month of December, including a career-high 36 against the Knicks. Williams gets to 17+ tonight.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Jalen Williams More Than 16.5 Points
Two-pick power plays and five-pick flex plays have the most expected value. If you’re looking for more picks, check out our PrizePicks Optimizer.
