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 (5/9)
Derrick White (G – BOS): 14.5 points (alt line)
White has been electric since Kristaps Porzingis went down, making one ask themselves once again if the Spurs broke up Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, and DeMar DeRozan because they knew Victor Wembanyama was coming. Regardless, White has been a force for the Celtics, scoring 25 or more in each of his last three games. He has some value at his normal line of 18.5, but we’d like to see at least one more game of high-level play before we start tapping 19+ point totals on a player who averaged 15.2 points per game during the regular season and has scored 16 or less in two of his six playoff games. Stick with the alt line for tonight despite the lower multiplier. Dap the More on Derrick for Game 2.
Pick: More
Jarrett Allen (C – CLE): 9.5 points (alt line)
Allen is dealing with a rib injury, but if he suits up tonight, this alt line will be one of the best on the board. Allen has scored 15 or more in each of his playoff games, which would usually be enough for us to tap the More on the regular total of 13.5. However, if he does return tonight, there is a chance he is eased back into action and does not see the sort of volume he would on a normal night. Jab the More on Jarrett for Game 2.
Pick: More
Evan Mobley (F/C – CLE): 9.5 points (alt line)
Mobley was rock solid in Game 1, scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds, and one block. He has scored 10 or more points in eight of his nine playoff games and should be good for at least double figures tonight, regardless of whether Jarrett Allen plays. He is often frustratingly passive, but the Cavaliers are going to need to exploit his matchup advantage if they are planning on getting back in this series. Mash the More on Mobley for Game 2.
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.
