The Atlanta Hawks are hoping the number 1 pick can explode again like a few days ago, but it’s a pick 20 from a few years ago that has grabbed my attention.
Best Bet
Chicago Bulls @ Atlanta Hawks (11:30am)
Jalen has been on a tear this season and looks to be ready to explode into mainstream NBA stardom. A breakout season last season saw him double his rebound and assist output from the year previous and he tripled his points production.
Now in his fourth year the Duke Blue Devil has become one of Atlanta’s first options and is constantly involved in their offence with Trae Young. His minutes have increased to 36+ per game and his production has followed suit. So far averaging 10.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season I don’t see anything changing here against the Bulls.
He has cleared this line 7/10 this season, and on multiple occasions has cleared it with rebounds alone. Last game he only managed the 1 assist, but the rebounds were still high. He has been closing on a triple double this season and I’m looking for JJ to bounce back in a big way.
SGM – Johnson 8+ rebounds/ Johnson 4+ assists/ Vucevic 15+ points = $2.75
Next Best
Utah Jazz @ San Antonio Spurs (9:00am)
After an interrupted start to this season Lauri returned last game against Milwaukee. After missing 3 games due to back spasms it was a rather pedestrian return. The good news is that he got through 29 minutes, and didn’t appear affected at any stage by the back.
Markkanen had 7 boards in the return and has averaged 7.2 so far in 5 games, this includes a game where he left early and only lasted 17 minutes before half time. Starting the season, he went 9,8 and 9 rebounds and I see him getting around this mark against San Antonio. The Spurs are a formidable rebounding side ranked 8th with Utah slightly ahead at 6th. But this bet is bolstered by the Spurs ranking dead last for FG% meaning there should be plenty of rebounds for all. Look for the 1-7 Jazz to push San Antonio to the line in this one and Markkanen to play high 30 minutes.
SGM – Markkanen 6+ Rebounds/ Barnes Under 11.5 Points/ Champagnie 10+ Points = $3.60
Value Bet
Utah Jazz @ San Antonio Spurs (9:00am)
He has established himself into the starting minutes required to hit this line. Champagnie has forced his way into this Spurs lineup and will need to keep producing if he is to hold onto that spot.
Devin Vassell is rumoured to be returning for this one but I would imagine they would take a cautious approach and he will be on a minutes restriction. Even with Vassell returning that should impact rookie Stephon Castle and Malaki Branham more than JC.
Last start he had 14 points, he is averaging 10 attempts per game this week and has made 5,3 and 4 triples across his last 3 games. He has cleared this mark twice this season and flirted with it on multiple others. If the 3 ball is working he can easily have 15 here against Utah.
Saturday NBA Multi
Spurs/Cavs/Hawks
$2.47
