NBA Pick'Em players on Sleeper, Underdog and Pick6 can gain an edge by leaning on reliable NBA projections, updated NBA injury reports and accurate NBA starting lineups.
Whether you're tracking fantasy basketball rankings, consulting a fantasy basketball cheat sheet or checking NBA depth charts, today's matchups offer plenty of actionable angles.
Using tools like an NBA lineup optimizer, NBA player projections and the latest fantasy basketball news can help shape smarter picks. As always, staying aware of NBA rumors, sleepers and breaking NBA news is key when evaluating today's props.
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NBA Pick'Em Today
Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets: Trae Young over 27.5 points + rebounds + assists, Sleeper, 12 PM CT
Young hasn't received the green light to play Thursday against the Hornets, but all signs point to the star floor general suiting up and making his return from almost seven weeks sidelined due to an MCL injury sustained in late October. Given that Young could have some rust for not playing in such a long time, the low line isn't surprising. However, this is also a favorable matchup for the star point guard.
The Hornets aren't known for being a top-tier defensive team, and Young's creativity and three-point shooting are two traits he'll rely heavily upon to build his confidence once he gets back on the court. Young averaged 20.8 points, 9.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game in the four complete games he appeared in before sustaining the injury. Even when factoring in the risk of a potential minutes restriction and some rust associated with a lengthy absence, this still looks like a low line, so we're backing Young to hit the over here.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kawhi Leonard over 25.5 points + assists, Pick6, 12 PM CT
Leonard has been playing really well of late and has been one of the brightest spots in a struggling Clippers team. He has scored at least 20 points in eight games in a row, highlighted by a three-game stretch in which he reached the 30-point mark between Nov. 28 and Dec. 1. With averages of 26.9 points and 2.9 assists per game, Leonard's recent body of work suggests he might be able to hit this line. However, the reduction comes from the fact that he'll be facing an elite defense like the Thunder's.
Leonard will have his hands full regardless of whether he plays as a three or a four, with matchups against Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren on the horizon. The Clippers need Leonard to be at his best if they're going to pull the upset in Oklahoma City, so expect him to have a high usage rate once again. Over that aforementioned eight-game stretch, Leonard is averaging 20.8 field-goal attempts per game.
Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Ingram under 25.5 points, Underdog, 12 PM CT
Ingram has been one of the Raptors' best players this season, and while he went through a rough patch of late, he seems to be turning things around in recent games. After a stretch of five games in which he was unable to hit the 25-point mark, Ingram has responded with 28 or more points in three straight contests, including a 28-point effort against the Heat the last time out.
The problem is that Ingram is shooting 54.4 percent from the floor on 19.0 shots per game over that stretch. To put things into context, he's making "only" 47.2 percent of his 17.1 field goals per game this season. His efficiency has been very high, but it has to come down at some point. Ingram should be one of the primary scoring weapons for Toronto in this matchup, but don't be surprised if this line hits the under simply due to natural regression.
