NBA Underdog Pick’em Player Predictions: Friday (3/22)
With all the excitement surrounding the "Big Dance," it's easy to overlook tonight's eight-game NBA slate.
So, while your friends lament over brackets already busted after only the first day, let's get you primed and ready for some of our favorite Underdog Pick’em player selections for March 22.
NBA Underdog Pick’em Player Predictions
Bam Adebayo Over 0.5 Steals
This number has recently dropped from 1.5 over the last five contests, and ideally, that's exactly when we want to pounce. With one steal in all but three of his last 15 games, this seems like a great pick to go over. Steals and blocks can be trickier selections. However, this number seems way too low for Bam Adebayo, who may be out there for 35 minutes and only needs an errant pass to come his way.
DeAndre Ayton Under 31.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
I hoped this number would be a little higher in case this game stays somewhat close. Yet DeAndre Ayton managed only half this number in their last matchup (only two nights ago). Expectations are that this contest plays out much of the same way, with the Trail Blazers continuing their slide further down in the standings.
The Clippers are tied for the sixth-best defense in the league, and projections seem to agree with the Portland center only perceived to total around 26 points + rebounds + assists. The bulk of this number would have to come through points scored, and over 20 just seems too rich considering the opponent.
Paul George Under 33.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Staying within the same game and reasoning behind taking an under, Paul George projects to fall just short of this number against Portland. It's not that he hasn't smashed recently; it's simply due to a decrease in minutes if the Clippers are up big going into the fourth quarter. Los Angeles is gearing up for a playoff run, and providing the opportunity to rest major contributors to their success will only benefit them in the long run.
Stephen Curry Over 27.5 Points
Stephen Curry is in a paced-up contest, and the asking price is under 30 points scored? Is this real life? This is absolutely a favorite pick for tonight, especially with point guards clearing their points totals in the last eight of the last 10 games against Indiana. In their last meeting, Curry scored 42, so we wouldn't fault those who maybe wanted to take a gander at the points + rebounds + assists (36.5) as well.
Pascal Siakam Over 0.5 Three-Pointers
This number seems to be the result of failing to record one three-pointer in four games straight games, more than the opponent and expected pace of the game. Siakam knocked down two three-pointers in his last contest against Detroit, and we are hoping he's back to form again tonight. Against Golden State on Feb. 8, the Indiana Forward sank two threes on four attempts. We only need one of those tonight!
Have a great weekend, and enjoy the absolute smorgasbord of basketball across the NBA and NCAA!
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Friday: