Happy New Year, and here’s to a profitable 2024 for us all! We have a seven-game main slate today that tips off with the new-look Raptors in Toronto against the Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. ET. The slate is highlighted by Bucks-Pacers in a game with a total of 261.5, the highest of the season, surpassing the 257.5 total for their In-Season Tournament matchup back in December. Lastly, we’ll close out the night in Los Angeles for Heat-Clippers, with Kawhi Leonard questionable. Let’s get to the the best PrizePicks NBA plays, starting with Donovan Mitchell.
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 1!
NBA Player Predictions | January 1
Donovan Mitchell M/L 48 Fantasy Score
Donovan Mitchell is averaging 48 fantasy points over his last 10 games. The Raptors defense, which ranks 21st over the last 10 games, just got downgraded by a blockbuster trade on Saturday. They rank 23rd in points allowed and 27th in assists allowed to guards on the season, making this a favorable matchup for Mitchell, who boasts a 31.1% usage rate without Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Most books are juiced to the over on Mitchell’s 41.5 points + rebounds + assists, while some have it listed at 42.5. With his ability to steal the ball against a team that might need some time to get familiar with each other, Mitchell’s fantasy score is today’s top play.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Donovan Mitchell More Than 48 Fantasy Score
RJ Barrett M/L 23.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
RJ Barrett was traded from the Knicks to the Raptors on Saturday and is set to make his debut in his home country of Canada tonight. Barrett has played well in Toronto, averaging 27.9 points + rebounds + assists over six games with the Knicks. He’s expected to start tonight alongside Immanuel Quickley, who was also part of the trade with the Knicks. Barrett will fill the role of O.G. Anunoby, who had a 16.35% usage rate alongside Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes. Anunoby was averaging 21.6 points + rebounds + assists with the Raptors, while Barrett has a slightly better offensive rating and a much higher usage rate of 27.1%.
The matchup today against Cleveland is average, as the Cavaliers rank 17th against forwards on the season, and that has not changed over the last 10 games without Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Barrett is averaging 24.9 points + rebounds + assists on the season, and I’m banking on him having a good debut today. The odds are pretty even across the books with this one.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: RJ Barrett More Than 23.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Brook Lopez M/L 5.5 Rebounds
Given what transpired after the last Pacers-Bucks matchup with the game ball and Giannis Antetokounmpo, we could have a rivalry brewing. One projection that stands out to me is the rebound total for Brook Lopez. Although the Pacers are 8.5-point underdogs, they allow the 10th fewest rebounds to opposing centers and have the best field goal percentage in the NBA at 50.9%.
Lopez is averaging 5.1 rebounds on the season, 4.7 at home, and just 3.3 rebounds in the three matchups with Indiana this season. This is a top-rated play on OddsShopper’s Positive EV Bets tool, with -124 true odds. Less than 5.5 is the play here.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Brook Lopez Less Than 5.5 Rebounds
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.
