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NBC Sports Sports Predictor now has a game for the basketball fan in mind with its new free-to-play NBA offering: “Pick n’ Roll”!
Every contest, of which there will be two each week, will give you a chance to win or split a $50,000 jackpot! But that’s not all. Download the NBC Sports Predictor app to join the party right now.
To help you out, here are the eight questions for Thursday’s NBA games, along with my breakdown and picks.
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#1 SUNS POINTS VS. CLIPPERS
0-104, 105-109, 110-114, 115-119, 120-124, 125-128 or 129+
The Suns allow a playoff-best 102.1 points per game through 12 games played, while the Clippers sit at 109.0 (8th). Game 1 featured fireworks, while Game 2 was a low-scoring nail-biter. At home, L.A. allows 112.1 points and averages 118.7 in the playoffs.
Expect a slight increase in scoring from both teams but not enough to think either surpass 120 points.
My Pick: Suns 110-114 Points
#2 SUNS ASSISTS VS. CLIPPERS
0-21, 22-24, 25-26, 27-28, 29-30 or 31+
Chris Paul may make his return to the series in Game 3, up to 2-0. He impacts how many assists the Suns will have and if he suits up, expect 25+ from Phoenix. CP3 averages 8.7 assists in the playoffs and the Suns average 27.5 in the series against the Clippers already.
If Paul plays, back the 27-28 or higher.
My Pick: Suns 27-28 Assists
#3 SUNS REBOUNDS VS. CLIPPERS
0-37, 38-40, 41-43, 44-46, 47-49 or 50+
Both teams have been solid in the postseason thus far, but with the smaller lineup of the Clippers, the Suns and specifically, Deandre Ayton should dominate the boards. The Suns grabbed 39 and 43 in the first two games.
I am also counting on more missed shots in Game 3 with rotational and defensive changes being made. I will take a shot on the 50+.
My Pick: Suns 50+ Rebounds
#4 CLIPPERS POINTS VS. SUNS
0-100, 101-108, 109-113, 114-118, 119-124, 125-129 or 130+
I am expecting a Clippers win here at home and based off the Suns’ 110-114 point total I selected, I will have to roll with the 114-118 for the Clippers as I expect another close game.
My Pick: Clippers 114-118 Points
#5 CLIPPERS ASSISTS VS. SUNS
0-20, 21-22, 23-24, 25-26, 27-31 or 32+
The Clippers posted 18 and 23 assists in the first two games of the series. Being back at home, they have averaged 23.9 per game thus far. I will back 25-26 as L.A. needs more than Paul George and Reggie Jackson to score.
My Pick: Clippers 25-26 Assists
#6 CLIPPERS REBOUNDS VS. SUNS
0-36, 37-38, 39-42, 43-45, 46-47, 48-49 or 50+
The Clippers grabbed 39 rebounds in both of the first two games, so why stop riding that trend? I expect L.A. to shoot better, so I will go with 39-42 for the third-straight game.
My Pick: Clippers 39-42 Rebounds
#7 TOTAL 3-POINTERS: SUNS VS. CLIPPERS
0-22, 23-24, 25-27, 28-29, 30-33 or 34+
There were 19 and 33 total three-pointers made in each of the first two games, so this might be the toughest question of them all. I will take a stab on the 23-24 number as I expect both teams to eclipse the double-digit mark, but not much more than that.
My Pick: 25-27 Total 3-Pointers
#8 SUNS VS. CLIPPERS: WINNER AND MARGIN OF VICTORY
Suns or Clippers? 1-2, 3, 4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 or 11+
The Clippers make a habit of going down 0-2 and coming back, so I will ride that trend here at home. I believe we will see another close game and with the spread at -1, I will settle for a 4-point victory with some late free-throws/buckets giving L.A. the win.
My Pick: Clippers win by 4 Points
