We have an eight-game slate today with six teams playing the second leg of a back-to-back. After putting up a dud last night, Luka Doncic and the Mavericks will visit the Washington Wizards, where we could see the highest regular season game total of the year. The total for this one is 243.5, as both teams are top 6 in pace and bottom 5 in defensive rating. Picking the right projections can be a tough task, but with the help of OddsShopper’s NBA PrizePicks Optimizer and some diligent research, we have you covered. Let’s dive into the best PrizePicks NBA picks and player projections for Wednesday, starting with Jayson Tatum.
PrizePicks NBA Player Predictions | Nov. 15
Jayson Tatum, M/L 4.0 Assists
The two best teams in the East will square off for the second time this season. Boston lost the first game by 3 points but had 28 assists, while Tatum had six of those. Philadelphia allows the fourth-most assists to the forward position at 16.6 per game. In his last four games against the 76ers, Tatum has recorded six, six, nine and four assists. Tatum is averaging 8.1 potential assists per game. For an added bonus, Jaylen Brown is questionable tonight with an illness. If he’s unable to go, keep in mind that Tatum’s assist percentage jumps from 14.5% to 22.9% without Brown.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Jayson Tatum More Than 4.0 Assists
Daniel Gafford, M/L 16.5 Points + Rebounds
Daniel Gafford is in a great spot tonight against a tired Dallas team that got worked by New Orleans last night. We touched on the total and pace of this game, and that will surely provide lots of stat padding for all. Plus, Dallas ranks 27th in opponent offensive rebounds allowing more than 12 per game, while Gafford is averaging 2.6 offensive rebounds over his last five. This Dallas defense is pretty bad, as it also allows the fifth-most points in the paint. As for Gafford, 6.8 of his 8.3 points per game come in the paint. He’s averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds per game at home.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Daniel Gafford More Than 16.5 Points + Rebounds
Dereck Lively II, M/L 9.5 Points
Similar to Gafford, Dereck Lively II is in a favorable matchup on the opposite side of this game. Washington ranks 29th in opponent offensive rebounds and has allowed the fifth-most opponent points in the paint. If you look at the surface stats, Lively is only averaging 8.3 points per game, but he he’s been in significant foul trouble in 60% of those games. Luckily for Lively, the Wizards ranks 25th in drawing fouls and attempt just 15.6 free throws per game, which also ranks 25th. He’s averaging 16.1 points per 100 possessions, and with both teams top 5 in pace, Lively should get 10 or more points tonight.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Dereck Lively II More Than 9.5 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.
