The NBA features a trio of Game 2s on Tuesday night: Hawks vs. Celtics, Knicks vs. Cavaliers and Clippers vs. Suns. NBA analyst Munaf Manji has found a pair of PrizePicks plays for you – find his analysis for Jalen Brunson and Ivica Zubac below.
A quick refresher if you aren’t familiar with PrizePicks: You can combine up to five different player squares to pay out up to 10x your entry.
You can do a Flex Play or a Power Play. A Flex Play gives you lesser odds, but you can win money if you do not nail every pick. A Power Play is all-or-nothing.
Here’s how I would approach today’s games in the NBA Playoffs slate.
What is PrizePicks? A daily fantasy operator — meaning they’re available in more states (30) than sports betting is! — PrizePicks offers a unique opportunity for action on player squares in which you combine two or more plays together.
Jalen Brunson More Than 24.5 Points
Brunson is coming off a 27-point performance in Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brunson spent much of the first half in foul trouble before taking over in the second half.
The Cavaliers' perimeter defense has struggled to defend Brunson. Let's not forget he scored a career-high 48 points against the Cavs during the regular season. Additionally, Brunson's footwork and skill set is something the Cavaliers' perimeter defense has issues with.
Despite having one of the best defenses, the Cavaliers allowed close to 26 points per game to the point guard position over the final month of the season. With Julius Randle dealing with an ankle injury, I expect Brunson to be one of the more consistent scorers for the New York Knicks.
If we take a look at what Brunson was able to do in the first round of the playoffs last year (with the Dallas Mavericks), he was able to score at will with Donovan Mitchell matched up on him. Brunson should continue dominating the Cavaliers and I expect him to have another big scoring night.
Ivica Zubac More Than 10 Rebounds
In Game 1 between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns, Zubac dominated the glass. He finished the game with 15 rebounds, four of which were offensive rebounds.
Dating back to the regular season, the Suns struggled to keep big men off the glass as opposing centers averaged 15.7 rebounds per game. Over the last five games of the regular season, Zubac averaged 10.4 rebounds per game.
Phoenix lacks the size to contain Zubac, and while they have Deandre Ayton, the Arizona product has been dominated on the boards. Since the All-Star break, six different big men have gone above this projection against Phoenix.
The Suns allowed 15 offensive rebounds in Game 1 to the Clippers. If Zubac is able to stay out of foul trouble, Ty Lue will give him the minutes needed to dominate the rebounding department.
