NBA Tuesday: 4 Player Props and Predictions for January 14
Two pivotal conference matchups take place this Tuesday night. Starting with the Eastern Conference duel, the Pacers ride their 6-game win streak back home as Cleveland and Evan Mobley will look to avenge Sunday’s loss in what could be a preview of a playoff series down the road.
Out West, Russell Westbrook has risen to a dominant level once again. Averaging nearly a triple-double in January alongside 18 PPG, this Mavs matchup is a perfect spot for Westbrook amid the Nuggets 3-game win streak.
F Evan Mobley (CLE) OVER 17.5 Points
Evan Mobley has truly been the centerpiece of this Cavalier dominance this season. This month alone, the Cavs big man has averaged over 21 PPG, including a 34-point outing against Dallas two weeks ago.
With Cleveland facing an Indiana Pacer defense that usually allows some damage on the inside, Mobley should be able to attack his matchup with the smaller Indiana wings such as Ben Sheppard to get some easy points off pick-and-roll switches.
C Brook Lopez (MIL) UNDER 11.5 Points
When watching the Bucks as of late, they have failed to utilize and find Brook Lopez similarly to the past few seasons. Lopez has played six games this month and scored 10+ points in just two outings.
He was held to 8 points against the Magic and just 5 points in the Bucks's blowout loss to New York on Sunday.
He’s simply not a part of their offensive game plan and sets at the moment and that is extremely concerning against this matchup with the Kings, who are seeking their 8th straight win.
G Russell Westbrook (DEN) OVER 13.5 Points
Somehow, someway, the legend of Russell Westbrook is alive and well with his revival in Denver. And what a revival it has been as of late. 26, 19, 25, 21 points for the veteran guard who is nearing a triple-double average this month.
Denver is 5-2 this month and because of this, Coach Malone will continue to give Westbrook plenty of minutes, especially tonight against a Dallas team that puts up plenty of points. Whether Kyrie takes the court or not, it’s a Westbrook night.
C DeAndre Ayton (POR) OVER 11.5 RA
Ayton and the Blazers are looking for anything positive on this upcoming home stand of three games, the first against Brooklyn.
The former Suns big man has had his fair share of ups and downs in Portland, but with the Blazers potentially in the ‘Tank-for-Flagg’ area of the standings, they might try to utilize these next few weeks to upgrade DA’s trade value, resulting in more minutes.
Before his injury on the 9th of January, Ayton surpassed the 12 RA mark in three straight games. Against a Nets team allowing over 27 APG (22nd) and 33 DRPG (18th), Ayton is in a great spot here should he play 25+ minutes.
