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NBA Pick'Em Today
Rockets vs. Thunder: Reed Sheppard over 10.5 points + assists -- PrizePicks, 2 PM CT
This is a very low line for Sheppard, as the second-year guard is expected to operate as one of the Rockets' primary ball-handlers and playmakers now that Fred VanVleet (ACL) will miss the entire 2025-26 season. Sheppard might see minutes off the bench and not start in this game against the reigning NBA champions, but even if that's the case, expect the sophomore guard to have enough touches and involvement on offense to surpass this 10.5 P+A line potentially. Sheppard posted 29 points (12-22 FG, 5-13 3Pt), six rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks in 29 minutes during Thursday's preseason finale against the Hawks, a game that showcased his upside, and he's likely to play a key role off the bench Tuesday. That means the sophomore guard is likely to see enough touches to reach this line even when playing off the second unit.
Warriors vs. Lakers: Austin Reaves under 27.5 points + assists -- Underdog, 2 PM CT
The Lakers will be without LeBron James (pinched nerve) on Opening Night, meaning Reaves will have to step up as the team's second option on offense behind Luka Doncic. That should translate to more opportunities for Reaves on paper, but it could also mean the offensive scheme will simply go even more through Doncic's hands -- thus limiting what Reaves can bring to the table. Even though Reaves had a breakout year in 2024-25, where he averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 73 regular-season games, he won't have a lot of opportunities to thrive if the ball is constantly in Doncic's hands. Reaves averaged 21.2 points per game since the All-Star break, and while the scoring haul might move him closer to this 27.5 P+A line, he might fall short on the assists category.
Warriors vs. Lakers: Jimmy Butler over 27.5 points + rebounds + assists -- Pick6, 2 PM CT
Stephen Curry will operate as the Warriors' go-to option on offense, but other than that, there should be plenty of shots, ball-handling situations and usage rate for Butler. The veteran forward might not be the player he once was, but he should still be someone capable of putting up a loaded stat line with contributions on both ends of the court. He averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 32.7 minutes per contest across 30 regular-season games for Golden State since being acquired from Miami before the trade deadline last season. Butler is listed as probable due to an ankle injury, but he's expected to suit up and handle his regular workload on Opening Night.
