There are 6 games on the NBA slate for us to enjoy on Saturday. The nights main event will be live on NBA TV. It will see the Milwaukee Bucks visit the Denver Nuggets in what will be a clash of the 2 teams atop of their respective conferences. Nikola Jokic is clearly in the running for his third successive MVP trophy. A strong showing tonight would make his case that much more compelling. Take a look at the first basket scorer prop I have picked out fo r that game below. And do not forget to check out the rest of our NBA picks too.
Over the last 10 games there has been a contrast between these sides in terms of the ability to win the ball from the tip. The Bucks have done so on 8 occasions while the Nuggets and Jokic have succeeded just 4 times. Look for the visitors to have the opening possession as a result. Do not be surprised to see Jrue Holiday take over from there. He will be matched against Jamal Murray here. Not only does he have a height advantage over the guard, Murray also has the worst defensive rating among the Nuggets starters. The hosts are not a great defensive unit, ranking in the bottom half of the league in defensive rating. If Holiday can put Murray and Jokic in a pick and roll situation early, he should have success getting to the rim and finishing.
Jonas Valanciunas has helped the New Orleans Pelicans win the opening tip 8 times over the last 10 games. And while he has had plenty of success converting the opening possession himself, he could have issues doing so tonight. He will be up against Ivica Zubac, who should prove a physical presence down low. With Kawhi Leonard picking up Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum could be asked to step up early. He had a strong performance the last time the sides faced off, scoring 22 points, and shooting 50% from 3-point range. With Valanciunas being one of the better screen setters in the league, he should allow McCollum to create enough separation to get his jump shot off first tonight.
In the last game between the sides, Walker Kessler was able to gain the opening possession for the Utah Jazz. With Domantas Sabonis helping the Kings win just 2 of their last 10 tips, look for the Jazz to have the opening possession once more. With the hosts 23rd in defensive rating over the last 10 games, one possession could very well be enough. Sabonis does not provide the Kings with great rim protection, with the Kings 29th this season in blocks per game. Considering Talen Horton-Tuckers ability to get to the rim and finish through contact, do not be surprised to see the ball in his hands from the start. With De'Aaron Fox potentially missing, the Jazz could look to try and get Sabonis in foul trouble. Who better to do that than a physical guard who thrives attacking down hill. Look for him to be involved early.