There’s just 4 games on the NBA slate tonight, but we do get to witness an exciting TNT double header. To start the night off, the Dallas Mavericks will be visiting the New Orleans Pelicans with MVP hopeful Luka Doncic in action. And then later in the night, there is a clash between Western Conference powerhouses Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns.
You can find all of our NBA picks here, but for now, take a look at my favorite player prop selections for Tuesday.
The New Orleans Pelicans could be missing a key pair of lengthy defenders tonight. Brandon Ingram has already been ruled out of the game while Herbert Jones is listed as day-to-day. Without the presence of these players on the floor, along with potentially Zion Williamson, Doncic could be set to dominate. The Mavericks superstar managed a combined 50 points, assists and rebounds in his season opener and followed it up with 49 in just 30 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies. Jones would represent the toughest defender the Pelicans would be able to throw at him. His absence or even injury hindrance should allow Doncic to dominate.
Jonas Valanciunas is due to play big minutes here, especially if Williamson is unable to suit up. His dominance on the glass should encourage the likes of Doncic to make a more focused effort to crash the glass, effectively ensuring his rebounding numbers stay high. With the struggles that Valanciunas has in defending the pick and roll, the Slovenian should get assist and 3-point opportunities when the Pelicans center drops into the paint. Overall, expect to see a very strong all-round night from the MVP hopeful.
Take a look at our full game preview for Los Angeles Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the perfect opponent for opposing team centers. They currently have a real lack of size on the interior. This has led to only 2 teams in the NBA giving up more second chance points per game and rebounds so far this season. The one man on the Clippers who will likely benefit the most from this tonight is Ivica Zubac. The Croatian opened his season in strong fashion, record a 14-point and 17-rebound effort against the Los Angeles Lakers. Tonight, he should have the opportunity to bounce back and recreate strong numbers once more.
Opposing centers are currently averaging 15.6 rebounds per game against the Thunder. With the Clippers 4th in the league in opponent field goal percentage and the Thunder 6th in the league in pace, there should be plenty of rebounds up for grabs in this matchup. If there is any opponent that Zubac should be able to play well against, its this Thunder team. Back him to have a big night tonight.
Check out our full game preview for Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans
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