As the NBA Playoffs progress, tonight’s focus is on Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers and Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers. Both players are pivotal as their teams return home facing deficits in their respective series. Here’s why we’re betting less on Maxey but more on Hachimura in their crucial Game 3 matchups.
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PrizePicks NBA Picks & Predictions Today: Tyrese Maxey & Rui Hachimura
Tyrese Maxey | NBA PrizePicks Pick Today
Despite Maxey’s strong performance in Game 2, the overall slow pace of both teams and the Knicks’ robust defense pose significant challenges.
Minutes Projection: Tyrese Maxey is set to play 43 minutes, providing limited scope for additional playing time to boost his stats.
Defensive Environment: The Knicks’ slow pace and defensive prowess could stifle Maxey’s opportunities, particularly in scoring and assists.
Number Consideration: With a projected PRA of 33.8 against a number of 37.5, the likelihood of Maxey exceeding this seems low given the defensive context and game pace.
Given these factors, choosing less on Maxey’s 37.5 PRA is prudent, reflecting the tough matchup and Philadelphia’s need for a more distributed offensive effort to overcome the Knicks.
PrizePicks Pick Today: Tyrese Maxey LESS Than 37.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Rui Hachimura | NBA PrizePicks Pick Today
The Lakers, also down 0-2, head back to Los Angeles for a 10:00 PM game against Denver, creating a must-win situation.
Minutes and Environment: After logging 38 minutes in Game 2, a projection of 34 minutes with potential upside provides Rui Hachimura ample opportunity to impact the game.
Rebound Expectations: Despite underwhelming performances in Denver, the change in venue and additional rest could catalyze a better showing from Hachimura.
Projected PRA: With a projection of 21.5 PRA against a line of 17.5, there’s significant confidence that Hachimura will outperform expectations, leveraging his potentially increased role in a crucial home game.
Opting to chooze more on Hachimura’s PRA capitalizes on the anticipation of a rebound performance in a friendlier environment, where he’s previously succeeded, especially with the Lakers seeking to turn the series around.
PrizePicks Pick Today: Rui Hachimura MORE Than 17.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
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