It’s Wednesday, and it’s time to redeem myself from yesterday’s picks that went 1-for-3. The Nuggets-76ers game went way over the projected total, finishing with 247 points, and Tobias Harris shot 80% from the field, adding six free throws. Today, we have nine games and a lot more options to choose from, including a 244 total in Los Angeles for Mavericks-Lakers. 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 PrizePicks NBA picks and player predictions for Jan. 17, starting with Jonas Valanciunas. Need more action? Our PrizePicks optimizer has plenty more picks waiting for you to view, and our PrizePicks guide can help you make the sharpest plays possible.
PrizePicks NBA Player Predictions: Jonas Valanciunas & More
Jonas Valanciunas M/L 30.0 Fantasy Score
The Pelicans will battle the Hornets tonight in New Orleans as 11-point home favorites. Jonas Valanciunas gets an incredible matchup against the Hornets, who allow the second most fantasy points to centers. The Hornets are still playing without Gordon Hayward and center Mark Williams, leaving Valanciunas to feast on backup Nick Richards.
Valanciunas is averaging 33.75 fantasy points over his last 20 games and tallied 54 against the Hornets on December 15. If you’re wondering, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum all played for the Pelicans in that game. What also works in our favor is that the Hornets got back LaMelo Ball over the weekend, and he will speed up the pace of this game.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Jonas Valanciunas More Than 30 Fantasy Score
Alperen Sengun M/L 9.5 Rebounds
The under on Alperen Sengun‘s rebound projection comes in as today’s top NBA play on OddsShopper. With a 5% EV and true odds of -135, this is a solid play on PrizePicks, especially considering the numbers. Sengun is averaging 8.9 rebounds on 16.1 chances this season, and he gets a tough matchup against the Knicks.
The Knicks rank fifth in rebounding and second since they acquired O.G. Anunoby. More specifically, the Knicks allow just 13.7 rebounds to centers, fourth-best in the NBA. The total for this game is just 221, the lowest of the day, while the Knicks are favored by six points.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Alperen Sengun Less Than 9.5 Rebounds
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Jayson Tatum M/L 14 First Half Points
The Celtics are 16-point home favorites against the 7-32 Spurs. The Celtics are 19-0 at home this season, looking to make it 20 behind Jayson Tatum and his 27.7 points per game. Due to this game having a high probability of a blowout, I’m looking at Tatum’s first-half points only. Tatum ranks fourth in the NBA, averaging 14.9 points in the first half this season and the matchup against the Spurs is too good.
The Spurs rank 24th in defensive rating, 21st in opponent points in the paint, and allow the fourth-most points per game to opposing power forwards. They allow 14.8 three-pointers per game to opponents while Tatum is attempting 4.8 threes in the first half of games. I like Tatum to come out hot tonight and put the Celtics up big at half.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Jayson Tatum More Than 14 First Half Points
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