The Jump: NBA QuickPicks Trends

It’s a stacked Sunday slate across the Association, with plenty of picks to be made and trends to analyze for QuickPicks entries. Let’s take a look at one projection from each game to consider in your entries on Splash Sports today. 

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

While many players will look at the Tatums, Browns, Brunsons, and Towns of this matchup, one projection here sticks out: Mikal Brides less than 16.5 points. Bridges hasn’t had more than 16.5 points in his last five games and hasn’t hit that mark since February 4th. Bridges has been decent against the Celtics this season, averaging 13.5 points against Boston in their two matchups this season. Bridges’ lack of scoring of late combined with pedestrian totals against the Celtics could make this projection one to consider.

Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks

Brought over in the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade, Max Christie has been a pleasant surprise to many Mavs fans. While he can’t replicate what Luka brought to Dallas, he’s been stuffing the stat sheet and playing great defense for the Mavericks. One projection to keep an eye out for in this matchup is Max Christie more than 1.5 three-pointers made. He’s gone over this number in four of his last five games, averaging 2.6 made threes in that span. 

Indiana Pacers vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Board man gets paid. Ivica Zubac is the player to keep an eye out for in this matchup. His rebounds projection is set at 11.5, which he’s gone over in four of his last five games, one of those being against the Pacers where he grabbed 15 boards. He’s averaging a solid 13.2 rebounds in his last five games, making this a tempting projection for today’s entries. Another stat to consider is his assists + rebounds total set at 14.5, which he’s hit in four of his last five.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat

We’re not trying to pick on Tyler Herro here, we’re just calling it as we see it. Herro’s turnover projection is set at 2.5, which he’s gone over in four of his last five games. Herro is averaging 2.8 turnovers in his last five. With Jimmy Butler gone and Herro having to handle more of the playmaking and ballhandling opportunities, this turnover number could continue to creep up. 

Atlanta Hawks vs. Detroit Pistons

Jalen Duren is a big man’s big man. He’s been an absolute monster on the glass for the Pistons since he entered the league, averaging 11.2 and 10.2 in his career. He’s been on a hot streak on the glass of late, plus, he’s dishing out some dimes in the process. His assists + rebounds projection is set at 14.5, which he’s soared over in his last five matchups, averaging 18.6 assists + rebounds in that same stretch. Combine that with a matchup against the undersized Hawks and Duren could be in for a feast on the glass this afternoon.

Toronto Raptors vs. Phoenix Suns

The Raptors' on-court product has struggled mightily this season, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some bright spots on the court. Ochai Agbaji has put together a solid performance of late, and his PRA projection could be one to consider today. The projection is set at 11.5, which he’s had more of in four of his last five, averaging 15.2 in that period. The Raptors young core often benefits from blowouts, giving them more time on the court to showcase their talent, something that could happen today against Kevin Durant and the Suns.

Orlando Magic vs. Washington Wizards

Known more for his bucket-getting rather than his rebounding ability, Jordan Poole has surprisingly put together decent rebounding numbers of late. His projection is set at 3.5 rebounds for today’s matchup against the Magic, which he’s hit in four of his last five. He’s been stuffing the stat sheet of late, so his assists and assists + rebounds projections could be ones to consider, having hit more on those projections in four of his last five.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs

With Victor Wembanyama done for the season and the future of their head coach uncertain, it’s difficult to tell what direction the Spurs are heading in this season. They could embrace the tank and throw their names in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, or continue to fight for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs with Fox and CP3 leading the way for a late-season push. One projection to consider today is three-point specialist Harrison Barnes’ three-pointers made at 1.5. He’s gone more than this number in four of his last five, averaging 2.6 in that stretch. 

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

The Cavaliers have been a difficult team to predict this season, not because of inconsistency, but because any given player can lead the charge on any given day. Take Donovan Mitchell’s points + rebounds + assists projection of 36.5 today. He’s had more than that number in just one of his last five games, averaging 34.6 over that time. With new DPOY favorite Jaren Jackson Jr. guarding the paint and potentially shutting down Cavs big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Mitchell has a chance of breaking that PRA trend today.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

SGA and Ant take their squads to battle in the last matchup of the day. Shai has been dishing the rock of late, averaging 7.2 assists over his last five matchups. His assists projection today is set at 6.5, one to consider in the marquee matchup of the day.