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 (1/29)
Nikola Jokic (C – DEN): 0.5 double doubles
He may no longer be the NBA’s double double king, but he remains a walking triple double threat, which makes this total akin to a free multiplier booster most nights. He will not hit every game, but he has recorded a double double in 40 of 46 games. Domantas Sabonis double double, which is also on the board for tonight is the better play but is more likely to expire by the time you read this. The Joker has recorded a double double in nine straight games and is averaging 12.0 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game on the season. Tonight, he faces off against a Milwaukee Bucks team surrendering 14.43 rebounds per game to the center position. Hit the More on Jokic for Monday night.
Pick: More
Lauri Markkanen (F – UTA): 1.5 steals + blocks
Markkanen has recorded more than one StOck just once in his past six games. He has failed to hit two StOcks in 11 of his last 14 games. Lauri averages 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game on the season. Markkanen has proven to be a near all-star talent, but defense is not and will likely never be his calling card. He can get in passing lanes and blocks the occasional shot, but he is far from consistent in either department, so giving him the same total OG Anunoby was getting until today, albeit at a low multiplier, entices action on the Less. Light up the Less on Lauri for Monday night.
Pick: Less
Jarrett Allen (C – CLE): 16.5 points
Two Less plays in one day? Say it ain’t so. Evan Mobley is due back tonight, and while he is expected to be on a minutes restriction, his return is going to directly impact Allen’s scoring output. Allen is averaging 13.4 points per game with a healthy Mobley and 16.4 points per game without him. Jarrett has been even better in January, averaging 17.3 pointers per game, hence the current total. This is a total to consider trailing until it falls under 15. Jab the Less on Jarrett for Monday night basketball.
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.
