As the NBA Playoffs continue, we turn our focus to Josh Hart of the New York Knicks and Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers. Both players are stepping into crucial Game 2 scenarios with their teams, and we’re examining their potential to meet or exceed expectations based on their points, rebounds, and assists (PRA) totals.
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PrizePicks NBA: Rui Hachimura – Josh Hart
Josh Hart | NBA PrizePicks Pick Today
The Knicks are set to host the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 PM, holding a 1-0 series lead. Despite Hart’s capacity for heavy minutes, projected at 41 or more, several factors lean towards him not surpassing the 30 PRA threshold:
Defensive Assignments and Team Dynamics: With Jalen Brunson expected to dominate ball-handling duties and Mitchell Robinson securing rebounds, Hart’s opportunities to accumulate significant stats might be compressed. He is likely to play a crucial but not statistically overwhelming role.
Game Context and Role: Hart’s role as a connector rather than a primary scorer or rebounder means his contributions might not be voluminous. Given the Knicks’ strategy and Hart’s place within it, his ability to surpass 30 PRA hinges on an extraordinary performance, which, while possible, isn’t anticipated under normal circumstances.
Opponent Adjustments: The Sixers will look to adjust from Game 1, potentially focusing more on limiting peripheral players like Josh Hart from getting easy stats. This could further impact his ability to contribute across the board.
Given these points, choosing less on Hart’s PRA seems prudent as the likely game flow and his role don’t favor a high-scoring, rebounding, or assisting night.
PrizePicks Pick Today: Josh Hart LESS Than 30 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Rui Hachimura | NBA PrizePicks Pick Today
Conversely, Rui Hachimura and the Lakers find themselves trying to even their series against the Denver Nuggets after a Game 1 loss. Hachimura, set to play around 32 minutes with potential for more, is in a favorable position to exceed 17.5 PRA.
Rebound Potential: After a disappointing first game, expectations are for Hachimura to increase his impact, particularly if the game’s pace or flow changes in his favor. His baseline of minutes provides a solid foundation for achieving this.
Increased Responsibility: With the Lakers needing more from their role players, Hachimura’s contributions become crucial. His scoring and rebounding in particular need to be at or above average for the Lakers to compete effectively.
Game Flow and Matchup: The fast pace and style of the Nuggets might allow Hachimura more opportunities to accumulate stats, particularly if he improves from Game 1 and plays more towards the upper limit of his minutes range.
Choosing more on Hachimura’s PRA is backed by his expected rebound in performance, the Lakers’ need for his effective play, and the potential for a minute increase in a critical playoff game.
PrizePicks Pick Today: Rui Hachimura MORE Than 17.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
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