Thursday’s NBA Sleeper Picks Player Predictions: Lauri Markkanen, Anthony Edwards, Jaren Jackson Jr. (2/15)

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 (2/15)

Lauri Markkanen (F/C – UTA): 1.5 steals + blocks

You gotta love Lauri. Markkanen is finding a way to keep this total as one of the standout values on the board whenever the Utah Jazz play. In fact, Lauri Less than two StOcks has become more reliable than a Nikola Jokic double double, especially when multiplier is factored in. Lauri blocked his first shot in 13 games last night but failed to couple it with a steal, making it 19 of his last 22 where he has failed to hit two StOcks. With one StOck in six of his last seven games, we will continue to see the line posted at 1.5. Take advantage for as long as this lasts. The Less on Lauri is a staple play until further notice. Light up the Less for Thursday night.

Pick: More

Anthony Edwards (G/F – MIN): 26.5 points

Ant-Man just dropped 41 on the Blazers last night, so there is zero hesitation tapping the More tonight. Yes, he managed just nine points in their meeting earlier this season, but that was a 27 minute outing where he only needed to take nine shots during a beatdown on the Blazers. Edwards has poured in 26 or more points in three of his last four games and appears set for another scoring explosion tonight. He has been listed as questionable, and it is the game before the all-star break, so there is some rest risk here, but as long as Ant is playing, he needs to be fired up. Superstars like to go into the break on a high note if possible, so Ant will be looking for another 30+ point night if he plays. Stamp the More on Ant for Thursday night basketball.

Pick: More

Jaren Jackson Jr. (F/C – MEM): 0.5 blocks

JJJ has seen his blocks per game take a massive nosedive this season, but much of that can be attributed to being forced to be the number one option on offense due to the injuries to Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. He still blocks enough shots to be a value at a 0.5 total, but it is apparent why this is not listed at 1.5. JJJ has blocked at least one shot in five of his last six games, in nine of his last 11, and in 16 of his last 19 overall. Milwaukee has allowed 1.21 blocks per game to the power forward position and 1.72 per game to opposing fives. Jab the More on JJJ for Thursday night’s action.

Pick: More

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.


Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts

Raju Byfield is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Raju, check out his profile and follow him @FantasyContext.