NBA Pick'Em players on Sleeper, Underdog and PrizePicks can gain an edge by leaning on reliable NBA projections, updated NBA injury reports and accurate NBA starting lineups for today's four-game slate.
Whether you're tracking fantasy basketball rankings, consulting a fantasy basketball cheat sheet or checking NBA depth charts, today's matchups offer plenty of actionable angles.
Using tools like an NBA lineup optimizer, NBA player projections and the latest fantasy basketball news can help shape smarter picks. As always, staying aware of NBA rumors, sleepers and breaking NBA news is key when evaluating today's props.
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NBA Pick'Em Today
Boston Celtics vs. Utah Jazz: Jusuf Nurkic over 24.5 points + rebounds + assists, Sleeper, 11:30 AM CT
Nurkic has been playing at a high level of late and is beginning to settle into the Jazz's offensive scheme while playing next to Lauri Markkanen in the frontcourt. The numbers back Nurkic up, as he's tallied 29 or more points + rebounds + assists in five of his previous six outings, with the lone exception being the Dec. 20 game against the Magic (17 P+R+A). The Celtics' most significant weakness lies at the center position, and Nurkic shouldn't have problems winning most of the duels against Neemias Queta. With 29 P+R+A in eight of his previous 11 contests, and averages of 12.1 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game over that span, Nurkic should be able to hit this line more often than not.
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Deandre Ayton over 9 rebounds + assists, PrizePicks, 11:30 AM CT
The Lakers need all their best players to step up due to their recent struggles and the absence of Austin Reaves (calf), and Ayton needs to do his job as well. The big man isn't expected to carry the Lakers offensively and will have a tough matchup against Jalen Duren, but he should be able to contribute with rebounds and assists, something he often does. Ayton has tallied 10 or more R+A in five of his last seven appearances, and he recently had 13 in Sunday's win over the Kings. He's had at least eight rebounds and assists in all but two of his last 15 games, so there's enough statistical evidence to support a good floor in this line. If he's able to win the duels on the glass against Duren, Ayton should have a realistic line at hitting this line.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard under 42.5 points + rebounds + assists, Underdog, 11:30 AM CT
Leonard is coming off an epic 55-point performance in the win over the Pistons on Sunday, but don't expect the veteran forward to repeat that outcome against the Kings. Not because Sacramento presents a stronger challenge defensively than Detroit, but because Leonard is primed to regress sooner rather than later. The veteran forward has hit the line in three of his last four games, but before that, he had achieved this mark in only one of his previous 12 appearances. The regression will hit Leonard hard in this one, and while he'll still play a significant role on offense for the Clippers, he might not be able to fill up the stat sheet as he's been doing of late. Even with the explosive 55-point effort on Sunday, Leonard is averaging "only" 28.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game over his last 10 games, and that falls short of this 42.5 P+R+A by a decent margin.
