NBA Pick'Em players on Sleeper, Underdog and PrizePicks can gain an edge by leaning on reliable NBA projections, updated NBA injury reports and accurate NBA starting lineups for today's slate.
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.
Get The RotoWire Picks App: Search "RotoWire Picks" on your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
NBA Pick'Em Today (Thursday, Jan. 15)
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: LaMelo Ball over 26.5 points + assists, Underdog, 1 PM CT
Ball is coming off a 25-point, five-assist performance in the loss to the Clippers on Monday, Jan. 12, and he's been trending in the right direction of late. He has posted more than 26.5 points + assists in two of his last three contests, but he would've easily hit that mark again in the 150-95 blowout win over the Jazz on Saturday had he played more than 23 minutes. Ball is averaging 21.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game over his last 10 contests, and while he'll deal with a tough matchup in Luka Doncic and the Lakers, Ball is likely to hover around this line easily as the Hornets' main playmaking and scoring weapon. Ball is also averaging 19.8 points and 7.6 assists per game playing on the road, which should boost his chances of hitting this line, too.
Phoenix Suns vs. Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham over 31.5 points + rebounds, PrizePicks, 1 PM CT
Cunningham is the Pistons' leading scoring threat, and with a usage rate of 30.1, a top-20 mark in the league, he could easily reach the 25-point or even the 30-point mark with ease. Cunningham has missed the last two Detroit games due to a wrist injury but will be back Thursday and shouldn't have issues hitting this line of 31.5 points + rebounds. Cunningham has recorded at least 32 P+R in each of his last six games and is averaging 25.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.7 steals per contest over his last 10 outings. Cunningham isn't expected to have restrictions in this match, and given that the matchup against the Suns is favorable, Cunningham's chances of hitting this line are pretty high on paper.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Portland Trail Blazers: CJ McCollum over 2.5 assists, Sleeper, 1 PM CT
McCollum has played just two games for the Hawks since he was acquired via trade in a move that sent Trae Young (quadriceps) to the Wizards. McCollum has featured off the bench in both contests but has posted solid numbers -- 12 points and four assists in a win over the Warriors on Jan. 11 and a 25-point, three-assist outing against the Lakers on Jan. 13. McCollum should continue to play off the bench for the Hawks until further notice, but he's likely to continue seeing decent minutes and having a steady role in the playmaking department. Dating back to Dec. 1, which includes his tenure with Washington, McCollum has dished out three or more assists in 17 or 19 assists while averaging 3.9 dimes per game in that stretch. Don't be surprised if McCollum hits that line once again.
