NBA Player Prop & Pick
RJ Barrett, Under 18.5 Points
| Odds | u18.5 Points (-112) |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| Books Available | FanDuel |
The Knicks and Wizards start the second-half of the regular season in a Friday night matchup in the nation’s capital. For this game, I’m keyed in on RJ Barrett’s points total as my favorite prop of the night.
Barrett is averaging 19.7 points for the Knicks this season, including 18.5 points per game away from Madison Square Garden.
However, those averages are indicative of the almost 35 minutes he’s averaged per night. With the Knicks swinging a deal for Josh Hart, Barrett has found his minutes floor less secure.
In the three games with Hart active, Barrett has played 34, 24 and 32 minutes. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has shown a willingness to keep Barrett on the bench late in the fourth quarter, opting instead to roll with Hart.
Also, this isn’t the best matchup for Barrett. The Duke product struggles against length, which is exactly what the Wizards possess on their front line. In fact, the Wizards allow the second lowest field goal percentage on shots within six feet of the rim (60.2%).
Barrett struggles with his shot efficiency as is (47% shooter on layups, and 34% on jump shots). Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle both are in better spots to produce tonight.
In an iffy matchup, and with some uncertainty around his minutes, I’m loving the under on Barrett’s points line tonight. I’d play this line to -125.
Pick: RJ Barrett Under 18.5 Points (-112) |
