It’s over-galore to begin our new NBA week. While Paolo Banchero should light up the Pacers' defense, expect wings Aaron Gordon and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to get their squads back on track with big wins and performances this Monday night.
Banchero led the Magic to two straight wins before suffering a tough loss away in Memphis in their last game. Shockingly, Banchero only shot the ball 13 and 12 times after their season-opening thrashing against Miami where the Orlando star scored 30 points after three quarters.
Look for Paolo to get back in rhythm offensively against an Indiana team allowing nearly 117 PPG this season as well as 45 points to Tyrese Maxey (76ers best player), 26 points to Jalen Brunson (Knicks best player), and 28 points to Cade Cunningham (Pistons best player).
This defense has major holes and in what should turn into a faster-paced game than the Magic are accustomed to, Banchero will be able to quickly take advantage of mismatches in the mid-range.
It’s no secret that the Denver Nuggets are stuck on the offensive end. After tough losses to the Clippers and OKC, Denver’s role players should be able to step up against a lesser defense in Toronto and pick up their first win of the new season.
While Jokic will get his, we are looking at Aaron Gordon to put together a big game. Gordon has put up just 17 and 23 PRA in his opening games, but this was against the Thunder and Clippers defensive units - two of the best in the league to start the year.
Against a Toronto team that lacks wing defenders, Gordon could easily put up 20 points in this one.
JJJ has played in fewer minutes than usual to start his season off. While displaying unbelievable efficiency, Jaquez is putting up 9.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 3.5 APG on 100% shooting from beyond the arc in just 20.5 MPG of play over two games.
With Miami facing a Detroit team that still looks lost on the defensive end, I’m expecting a big game from the young Miami star who averaged 13.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 2.8 APG in wins last year for Miami.
With the Chicago Bulls playing at a faster pace this season with Josh Giddey and Coby White at the guard spots, there will be more opportunity for Ja Morant to fill the stat sheet in this one.
Ja has only played 25.5 MPG through the Grizzlies’ 2-1 start but with a rest day on Sunday, I’m looking for an increased workload for one of the most athletic players in the league.
In what looks to be a close game on paper, Morant should be able to navigate the Bulls' defense consisting of Giddey, LaVine, and White in the backcourt and find the 30.5 PRA mark easily. This is our best bet of the night.