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 (5/1)
James Harden (G – LAC): 14.5 points (alt line)
The multiplier on this one is nothing to get excited about but should be considered regardless due to the extremely high probability of hitting. Harden has been locked in, scoring 21 or more points in each game of this series, making this alt line a value laden proposition despite the 1.05x multiplier. Alt lines are worth a look as multiplier boosters on days with two or fewer games, especially in an environment where we are required to make two or more predictions. Hit the More on Harden for Game 5.
Pick: More
Jayson Tatum (F – BOS): 5.5 1st quarter points
Tatum has been quiet in the first quarter in this series, recording six or more points just once in the four games this series. He scored five or more points three times, but with the number back at 5.5 for Game 5, there is much less value to be had on the More. Still, with Kristaps Porzingis out and, as a result, some of the Celtics’ offensive firepower sapped, Tatum is going to need to step up for Boston to slam the door shut on the depleted Miami Heat’s bid to make this a series. Tatum is averaging 6.5 points per first quarter in this series, thanks to his 14 point outburst in Game 2. Tap the More on Tatum for Game 5.
Pick: More
Derrick White (G – BOS): 16.5 points
White went off in Game 4 and is expected to maintain an expanded role tonight with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined. White hoisted a season-high 26 shots in Game 4, and while he almost assuredly will not see that level of volume again tonight, he should still have enough to hit the 17 points required for this total. White has scored 20 or more points in two of the four games this series, but this play is all about how he maintained his momentum from the first quarter after Kristaps went down. Hit the More on White for Game 5.
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.
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Raju Byfield is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Raju, check out his profile and follow him @FantasyContext.