Although a productive initial year, Banchero’s productivity has declined since. Since the beginning of February, the Magic big has averaged 29.2 points, rebounds, and assists (PRA), but has fallen short of this mark in 14 of his 21 games.
A showdown with the Wizards is undesirable for the Duke product. The Washington frontcourt, powered by Kristaps Porzingis’ defensive resurgence, has allowed the fifth-fewest PRA to opposition power players over the previous 30 games.
Today’s Greatest Bets on NBA Players Props Co-authors: Paolo Banchero and Jaylen Brown
Banchero’s 12-for-36 field goal percentage against the Wizards this season has kept him beneath this threshold in both games. I anticipate more of the same today, as I forecast Banchero’s PRA to be 28. I feel comfortable playing this line below 30.5.
In 15 games with a new Nets roster, Johnson has averaged 15.1 points per contest. In nine of 15 encounters, he’s scored less points than this mark. He’s produced larger totals on occasion.
As a sharpshooter who derives the majority of his points from secondary action (spot-up shots and handoffs), Johnson will face a difficult challenge against a Cavs team that restricts output from these play types. The Cavaliers allow the seventh-fewest fast break points per game, which is another mainstay of Johnson’s repertoire.
Although the North Carolina product is capable of microwave scoring, I don’t see any value to it now. I anticipate Johnson to score 13 points and would bet -130 on this line.
During the All-Star break, Brown has exceeded this line in seven of his last twelve games. And while this points prop is consistent with his season average of 26.7 points per game, the matchup’s upside is the tempo.
The Kings are tenth in Pace and sixth in the last 15 games. Brown has scored at least 27 points in 13 of his 22 games this season against Pace’s top 15 teams, including 10 of his last 13 attempts.
Tonight, I anticipate Brown to again approach 30 points. I would play this line past 27.5.