The NBA Conference semifinals features two games tonight, with each home team in desperate need of a win. The Knicks are down another player and possibly their MVP as Indiana tries to take advantage with their first win of the series. The defending champion Denver Nuggets are also down 0-2 in their series against the Timberwolves. As the series shifts to Minnesota, Denver is hoping to get a little more from one of their injured star players. It’s madness in the NBA, and we have a 5x entry for Sleeper Fantasy NBA predictions today!
Sleeper Fantasy Predictions Today — NBA Slate
Pick on Sale: Anthony Edwards More Than 0.5 Points
This is our pick on sale for tonight’s action, but we still recommend playing the bottom two picks for a 5x entry.
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Pascal Siakam M/L Than 20.5 Points
O.G. Anunoby is out for New York, and Jalen Brunson may be out as well. The former’s absence opens a massive lane for Pascal Siakam to begin to breathe again. He should be able to take advantage of anyone guarding him, at the very least a relief from the defensive pressure put on by Anunoby. The Knicks are clearly dealing with a resurgent Tyrese Haliburton, so New York might be a little overloaded defensively, especially on Siakam. Even with Anunoby on him, Siakam struggled to 14 points in Game 2 and finished with 19 in the opener.
The biggest push here also comes from desperation. The Pacers are in must-win mode, and the game line has moved from -4.5 to -7. There’s a general belief this game will end in a blowout in favor of the Pacers. While Indiana may pull some starters in the fourth if that’s the case, based on Rick Carlisle filing an immense number of grievances about officiating, he’s likely to rub this one in. This could be the difference between a 19-point game versus a 25-point one for Siakam and absolutely makes it worth the play on Sleeper.
Sleeper Prediction: Pascal Siakam MORE Than 20.5 Points
Jamal Murray M/L Than 29.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
This is pretty much it for the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic and anything Jamal Murray has left despite the calf injury. Denver’s shocking losses put its back to the wall, but the biggest hurdle from a player standpoint is watching Murray struggle, be it due to injury or defensive strategy implemented by Minnesota. He’s left with little option but to play through this injury, as he’s done in each of the first two games of the series. The Nuggets are better with him on the floor as a court general, scorer or facilitator. He’s going to find a way to make an impact.
Murray is currently questionable despite playing already through the same injury to the tune of 35 minutes per game. The Nuggets know he’s banged up, so there’s going to be an adjusted game plan that better suits his strengths. He did that last game; despite struggling in both the scoring and passing departments, Murray finished with 13 rebounds. We like him to find spots tonight in a must-win game for Denver where Murray clears 33 minutes.
Sleeper Prediction: Jamal Murray MORE Than 29.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
