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Jump ahead: Game of the night | Picks and props | Analytics edge
Here’s what you need to know about Thursday night’s NBA slate
By Jim McCormick & Kyle Soppe
King Kuminga: Jonathan KumingaKuminga (available in more than 92% of leagues), is proving himself to be an option down the stretch. Kuminga has been able to score at least 16 in three consecutive games and also showed a range of skills. Tuesday night against the Clippers, he had six assists to his career record. In his last three games, he has shot 20-of 31 from the field and 6-of-12 at 3-point land. He’s had a 3PM in every game since the All-Star break, and has made 23-of 28 free throws.
Waiver Warriors Draymond Green And Gary Payton IIThey have been ruled out of Golden State’s match against the Clippers. This indicates a greater role for Jordan Poole(29% Available) Has accumulated at least four assists in three consecutive games and has made at least six 3-pointers in five consecutive games. Kevon LooneyAlso, this is a solid DFS bargain since it offers a viable route to 25 DraftKings Points in Green’s absence.
Steal ArtistYou can gain an advantage in head to head formats by identifying statistical specialists during a two-game slate. With Danny GreenBrooklyn’s defensive dynamo is out of tonight’s marquee gameup Matisse ThybulleAs the team’s primary point-of attack defender, Thybulle will be very busy. Thybulle (93% availabe) is leading the league in steal percentage. He also finds more utility on offense, thanks to Thybulle James Harden. He can assist those in category and roto formats as well as having real value in defensive props.
The Glue Guy Bruce Brown This week, Brown has been one the most-added players (85%). While Brown isn’t a fantasy-friendly player, he has been a valuable statistical contributor to the past week due to an increase in steal rates and strong passing production. Brown, much like Thybulle is a plug-andplay option during this limited Thursday slate.
Game of the Night
Line: 76ers (-4.5)
Moneyline: Nets (+170), 76ers (0-200),
Total:234.5 Points
BPI Projected Total:226 points
BPI Win% 76ers (72.1%)
Eliminated key players Ben Simmons, LaMarcus Aldridge, Danny Green
Notable: The Nets are currently 4-2 ATS behind the 76ers in the Steve Nash era. They failed to cover seven out of eight meetings prior to Nash’s arrival.
Best bet: Sixers Team Total Over 119.5. The Sixers are 5-0 straight up James HardenThe Sixers averaged 125.4 points per game in five of their games. In five of the five games Harden has been in, the Sixers have surpassed this total team score. Harden’s Sixers offense is top-notch. Joel Embiid Tyrese MaxeyTogether, they were on the floor with an offensive efficiency rating rating of 133.2 and defensive efficiency rating rating of 103.3. Because of their lack of defense, I like this pick. Brooklyn’s Defensive Rating (120.4), has increased in each of the three games since Durant’s departure. In the three games Durant played, the Nets allowed opponents to shoot 47.6% from the floor and 37.4% from the three-point line. They also allowed opponents to score 51.3 points in open court. — Erin Dolan
The best bet is 76ers and Nuggets MML Parlay (+212).Harden and Embid play on the 76ers’ 5-0 record. Their top 3 offense averages 120 PPG. KD and Kyrie are both available to the Nets. However, they rank 28th in defensive efficiency, which allows opponents shoot 55% from the field and 37% from downtown. Harden is expected to play tonight in Philly, against his former team. He couldn’t be happier to leave! Harden, Embid and Maxey are together a formidable force, shooting 55% from the pitch and 42% from 3. — Anita Marks
Fantasy Streamer: Georges Niang. Danny GreenNiang will be out for a week due to a finger injury. Tonight, Niang is streaming against the Nets. Niang (98.4%) has an average of 16.4 points, 4.6 rebound and 2.5 assists per forty minutes. Green’s season average of 22.3 minutes has been 22.3. Eric Moody
Line: Warriors (-2.5).
Moneyline: Warriors (-139), Nuggets (+1117)
Total: 220.5 Points
BPI Projected Total:226 points
BPI Win% Warriors (57.9%).
Eliminated key players Andre Iguodala, Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr.
Questionable: Will Barton (ankle)
Notable:Although the Warriors have not had the best results lately, the points have been good. The Overs have a 9-2 record in their 11 most recent games. This stretch includes a 3-8 record ATS and outright.
Fantasy Streamer: Austin Rivers (99.3% available)has played the Nuggets’ last two games with Will Barton out. He’s had 10.5 PPG, 1.5 SPG, 3.5 APG. 2.5 RPG. 2.0 3PG. And 2.5 APG. This could make him a reliable source of production for a short night. — Snellings
Fantasy Streamer: Moses Moody (98.4% available). He started the previous two games and is now getting more run with Gary Payton II out. Although he won’t get the same volume as Monday when all four starters were out, he still scored 30 points. However, he’s managed to average 11.3 PPG and 3.6 RPG in 24.3 MPG this season. — Snellings
The best bet is: Nikola Jokic triple-double (+120). Denver is the superior team right now. They have been unstoppable ever since the All Star break and rank in the top 7 offensively as well as defensively. Jokic is still vying for the MVP award and has the chance to dominate the paint against a Warriors defence that has no answer. Jokic has had a triple-double in his last three games. — Marks
Best bet: -2.5. Laying 2 points with the Warriors. Denver is now 5-7 on a back to back this season, with three straight wins without rest over Toronto and Portland. Denver’s win of 131-124 on Monday was not featured. Klay Thompson, Andrew WigginsOder Steph Curry The Warriors nearly pulled off an upset, but they were not able to. This is a tough spot for the Nuggets as they defeated the Kings 106-100 last night on the road. They will now have to play in Golden State in less that 24 hours. With a win over Clippers on Tuesday, the Warriors ended a five-game losing streak. Golden State will be rolling tonight with a win or cover over Denver thanks to the return of the stars and tired legs from Denver. Dolan
Analytics Edge
BPI Projected Maximum Totals
1.Philadelphia 76ers (116.2 points)
2. Denver Nuggets (114.1 points)
BPI projections of lowest levels
1. Brooklyn Nets (109.6 points)
2. Golden State Warriors (111,8 points)
BPI Top Probability to Win (straight up).
1. Philadelphia 76ers (72.1%)
2. Denver Nuggets (57.9%)