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 (1/30)
Pascal Siakam (F – IND): 18.5 points
Siakam has started to find his groove for the Pacers, putting up 19 or more points in each of his last three games. The transition game should be in full effect with Tyrese Halliburton set to be active, which means more than a few easy baskets for Siakam. Pascal has averaged 21.3 points per game in a Pacers uniform this season and should be good for at least 20 against a Boston Celtics team surrendering 20.23 points per game to the position. Slap the More on Siakam for Tuesday night.
Pick: More
Jonathan Kuminga (G/F/C – GSW): 19.5 points
Kuminga has been heating up for the Warriors lately, pouring in 20 or more points in six straight games. He is seeing consistent volume from the floor and appears to be transitioning into a key piece for Steph Curry and co. Tonight, he faces off against a 76ers team allowing 23.31 points per game to the power forward position. Only a poor shooting night should prevent Kuminga from hitting 20 for an offensively starved Warriors team. Hit the More on Kuminga for Tuesday night.
Pick: More
Lauri Markkanen (F – UTA): 1.5 steals + blocks
This might be one to ride with for the rest of the season. As echoed here yesterday, Markkanen can get in passing lanes and blocks the occasional shot with his length but is far from someone considered a defensive stalwart. I am not sure these StOck lines are ever listed under 1.5, but listing Lauri at the same number All-NBA defensive team selections like OG Anunoby were being tagged with until this past weekend screams value. Markkanen has recorded more than one StOck in just one of his past seven games and has failed to hit two StOcks in 12 of his last 15 contests overall. Markkanen is a bright talent, but most of his work comes on the offensive side of the ball. Roll with this total all year long or until they drop it to a lower number (or remove it altogether). Lock in the Less on Lauri for Tuesday 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.
