NBA SGP: +800 Phoenix Suns vs. Brooklyn Nets
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Legs 7 & 8: Nic Claxton 10+ Points & 10+ Rebounds
We’re looking for Nic Claxton to get us a double-double tonight, as he’s done in 12 of his last 16 games. Claxton only had seven rebounds in the previous matchup against the Suns, but knowing Nurkic likely won’t have 22 rebounds again, I envision that the opportunity will be there for Claxton to snatch three more rebounds to notch yet another double-double.
Legs 1 & 2: Kevin Durant 20+ Points & 4+ Assists
Kevin Durant returns to Brooklyn tonight, and although KD is saying on social media that he wasn’t a Net long enough to have this qualify as a return, KD’s arrival in Brooklyn completely changed the organization. His departure essentially made it irrelevant again. Some tension will be felt as soon as he steps on the floor. We’ll look for him to give us 20 points and four assists, as he’s only had 20 points in two of his last four games thanks to lower shot volume, but tonight’s environment will be worth a few extra shot attempts. Looking at his assists, we’re comfortable, given that he’s had at least four in 21 of his last 25 games.
Leg 3: Bradley Beal 15+ Points
Bradley Beal has had 15 points in 10 of 15 games in January. He’s due for some positive regression shooting-wise, as he’s shot under 40 percent from the field in three straight games. Beal can put up numbers in bunches, so part of me trusts that he’ll find a way to 15.
Leg 4: Devin Booker 4+ Rebounds
Devin Booker had six rebounds against the Nets when these two teams squared off in December. He currently finds himself on a ten-game streak of grabbing four rebounds. That’s good enough for me to have confidence in him!
Leg 5: Jusuf Nurkic 10+ Rebounds
Jusuf Nurkic has only averaged 9.7 rebounds per game across 14 games in January, so my confidence lies in his season-high 22 rebounds against the Nets last month in 31 minutes. 22! Even though he’s averaging about 26 minutes per game this month, I don’t expect Kevin Durant to be playing as close to the basket, knowing he may want to fly up and down the court in his return. I’m comfortable expecting Nurkic to get us ten boards.
Leg 6: Mikal Bridges 20+ Points
There is still a little revenge for Mikal Bridges against his old team, so we’ll look for him to give us 20 points along the way. Bridges is amidst his best scoring month of the season as he’s averaged 24 points per game in January, largely thanks to his shooting volume from deep. Over his last ten games, Bridges has averaged just about ten shots per game from beyond the arc, so if that continues, I expect there to be little issue in cashing this leg.
Legs 7 & 8: Nic Claxton 10+ Points & 10+ Rebounds
We’re looking for Nic Claxton to get us a double-double tonight, as he’s done in 12 of his last 16 games. Claxton only had seven rebounds in the previous matchup against the Suns, but knowing Nurkic likely won’t have 22 rebounds again, I envision that the opportunity will be there for Claxton to snatch three more rebounds to notch yet another double-double.
Legs 1 & 2: Kevin Durant 20+ Points & 4+ Assists
Kevin Durant returns to Brooklyn tonight, and although KD is saying on social media that he wasn’t a Net long enough to have this qualify as a return, KD’s arrival in Brooklyn completely changed the organization. His departure essentially made it irrelevant again. Some tension will be felt as soon as he steps on the floor. We’ll look for him to give us 20 points and four assists, as he’s only had 20 points in two of his last four games thanks to lower shot volume, but tonight’s environment will be worth a few extra shot attempts. Looking at his assists, we’re comfortable, given that he’s had at least four in 21 of his last 25 games.
