Welcome to Sleeper Picks. Sleeper’s newest offering promised plenty of entertainment and action, and they delivered. We will break down our top three picks for tonight’s NBA action. Sleeper is quickly becoming one of the most popular season-long fantasy platforms, and they are expanding into other areas based on demand. Each week in this space, we’ll talk about some strategy for the new platform while providing our favorite NBA more/less picks.
NBA Sleeper Picks Player Predictions (12/15)
Brandon Ingram (G/F – NOP): 23.5 points
Ingram is an easy More play if Zion Williamson misses another contest with the ankle injury. Averaging 23.6 points per game on the season, B.I.’s average shoots up to when Zion is sidelined. He scored 40 points in the Pelicans last contest, boosting his average sans Zion to 30 points per game. Make sure Zion is sitting before locking this in, but if the mercurial young big sits as expected, bump the More on Ingram for tonight’s slate.
Pick: More
Gordon Hayward (G/F – CHA): 17.5 points
Hayward has been hot recently, scoring 17 or more points in each of his last five games. He is doing his part in helping to fill the scoring void left by LaMelo Ball‘s absence and is primed for another solid game tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans. New Orleans has allowed 20.27 points per game to the small forward position this season, giving the surging Hayward an excellent opportunity at another 17+ point night. Hit the More on Hayward for Friday night.
Pick: More
Jordan Poole (G – WAS): 17.5 points
Poole has been struggling more than usual lately, and a distinct drop in volume coupled with his trademark inefficiency has left him in a slump. He is dealing with an ankle issue and is listed as questionable, but he played 31 minutes last game, so it would be a surprise if he was held out. Poole has scored 11 or fewer points in each of his last three games and will likely need to go back to taking 18+ shots if he wants to score 18 points tonight. He is not aggressive enough in getting to the basket (zero free throw attempts last game), which hurts both his efficiency and the amount of volume needed for him to hit the More. Poole should eventually figure it out, but it may take a new coaching staff or a trade for a no-nonsense veteran before we see Poole return to his Poole Party form. Push the Less on Poole for Friday night.
Pick: Less
Writers note: The lines are constantly changing on Sleeper (and sometimes expiring), so there is a high probability that one or all of the numbers may no longer be the same when you open your app. There are excellent values when they are first posted, with the only catch being that they are not all released at the same time. Vigilance could provide a solid return on investment this season, literally.
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Raju Byfield is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Raju, check out his profile and follow him @FantasyContext.