Welcome back to the best NBA PrizePicks predictions. Tons of players got moved at the NBA trade deadline yesterday, creating ample opportunities for us to find value on Flex Friday. We have a $20 protected flex play available today, and the optimal way to utilize it is with a risk-free six-man flex entry, offering a chance to earn 25X your entry fee. Tonight, we have six NBA games with totals ranging between 232 and 242.5. Two games have spreads above 14.5, while three have spreads of fewer than two points. Let’s dive into the best PrizePicks NBA picks and player predictions for Feb. 9, starting with Brandon Ingram. 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: Brandon Ingram & More
Brandon Ingram M/L 23.5 Points
Since being traded from the Lakers in 2019, Brandon Ingram has consistently made them pay, averaging 24.4 points per game in 14 matchups. With the Lakers struggling against shooting guards recently, Ingram is poised to enhance his revenge resume tonight.
The Lakers have allowed a league-high 27.7 points per game to opposing shooting guards over their last 15 games and rank just 19th in defensive rating during that stretch. Averaging 21.3 points per game this season, Ingram has shot 54.8% from the field in his last five games and is likely to continue this efficient stretch in a favorable matchup tonight. With just a 2.5-point spread and a decent total of 233.5, the books anticipate a tight game. Ingram’s usage is a tick lower than Zion Williamson’s, but his 6.7 net rating and 33.3 minutes over the last 10 games lead the Pelicans.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Brandon Ingram More Than 23.5 Points
Nick Richards M/L 22.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Nick Richards has seen an increase in minutes and opportunities due to the injuries the Hornets have faced this season, posting a 20.3 PRA average in 29.9 minutes over the last 15 games.
Tonight, the Hornets will face the Bucks, who have struggled on defense, ranking 20th in defensive rating and 22nd over the last five games since Doc Rivers took over coaching duties. However, Brook Lopez, who ranks third in the NBA with 2.7 blocks per game, is back in the lineup for the Bucks after missing three of the last four games. With Rivers as the coach, the Bucks have improved their defense, ranking sixth in opponent points in the paint since he took over.
Checking OddsShopper, the under is one of the top plays available for PrizePicks, with a 2% EV and true odds of -125.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Nick Richards Less Than 22.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Dillon Brooks M/L 21.5 Fantasy Score
Dillon Brooks might be my least favorite player in the NBA. However, with Valentine’s Day approaching, I can have a change of heart for one night. Brooks is not a particularly strong fantasy points-per-minute performer, averaging just 0.70 on the season. Still, he’ll see more opportunities tonight in a favorable matchup against the Raptors.
With Fred VanVleet and Tari Eason both out for Houston, Brooks gets a boost to 0.84 fantasy points per minute. Brooks is averaging 31.1 minutes per game and is expected to see closer to 35 tonight. In the three games VanVleet missed, Brooks averaged 30.43 fantasy points and attempted 8.3 three-pointers, compared to just 4.8 in other games (I also like the projection of more than 1.5 3PM).
Toronto has struggled in the last month, ranking 30th in defensive rating and allowing 13.3 threes per game (19th). Specifically, they struggle against small forwards, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Houston ranks 17th in pace this season but sneakily ranks fourth over the last 10 games. I love the Rockets-Raptors matchup for fantasy tonight and will include more players from this game in my 6-man flex.
Best PrizePicks NBA Player Prediction: Dillon Brooks More Than 21.5 Fantasy Score
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