P.J. Washington O/U 15.5 Points vs. Hornets
Another player returning to the lineup tonight is P.J. Washington of the Hornets. Washington missed the previous game due to welcoming his first child and is expected to play the final seven games of Charlotte’s season in preparation for the postseason.
NBC’s model projects Washington to score 16.4 points in 32 minutes tonight. However, when I add my expected minute mark of 35, his points projection jumps to 17.9.
Washington should see a minute increase with Miles Bridges and Cody Martin, possibly Devonte’ Graham too (doubtful) all out. When he plays 30 minutes or more, Washington averages 20.0 points per game over the last 10, hitting the Over in nine-straight.
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As you can see, Washington is also expected to lead all the forwards in scoring, something I can see fit. Washington has scored 16 or more points in six-straight games and eight of the previous nine.
Washington has also made two or more triples in six-straight and 11 of the past 12 games. He has been on fire from beyond the arc and having the last three days off, while welcoming his first child should have him ready to ball out.
The Hornets hold the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference, meaning they are in must-win situations the remainder of the season. Charlotte has seven games remaining with four against teams with losing records, starting with Chicago.
Washington faced the Bulls twice this season, scoring 16 points in 33 minutes of the first meeting and two points in 13 minutes during the second. Washington had an injury that ended up not being serious, hence why the two points and low minutes.
In his rookie season, Washington scored 27, 3, 13 and 17 points in four meetings with Chicago. Opponents are hitting 47.6% from the field in the last five games versus the Bulls (19th) and that is troublesome versus Washington.
The Hornets’ forward has gone 16-of-30 (53.3%) from the field and 5-of-14 (35.7%) from three in the last two games. Expect him to see a healthy dosage of usage and field goal attempts returning to the lineup with LaMelo Ball.
I would play Washington up to 16.5 for one unit.
Pick: P.J. Washington Over 15.5 Points (1u)
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Zach LaVine vs. Hornets
Zach LaVine has not played since April 14, missing 11-straight games for the Bulls due to NBA league protocols. Chicago went 4-7 in that stretch, putting pressure on the season’s final seven games.
Chicago is 3.5 games back of the 10th spot in the East, making a run of 5-2 or better necessary. LaVine has harped he is healthy and ready to go and now he has his chance with a back-to-back at Charlotte tonight and in Chicago versus Bostom tomorrow.
NBC’s model projects 34 minutes, 24.4 points on 18.8 field goal attempts in his first game back to the lineup. LaVine averaged 21 field goal attempts in April and 27.5 points per game.
Charlotte will be without Miles Bridges and Cody Martin, possibly Devonte’ Graham too (doubtful). Those are positives Chicago and for LaVine re-entering the lineup.
The Bulls guard scored 25 points on Charlotte earlier in the season and had his season-high 49 points and 13 made three-pointers against the Hornets in the 2019-20 season.
LaVine is averaging 27.8 points per game in both wins and games played between 30-39 minutes this season. Versus the Southeast Division, LaVine has arguably played his best basketball.
In 10 games versus the Hornets’ division, LaVine averaged 30.2 points and 35.7 minutes per game. He has scored 26 or more in seven-straight versus the division, including 30 or more in six-consecutive outings.
The Hornets allow the 10th-most points per game to shooting guards (22.87) and the most made three-pointers (4.07). Charlotte also ranked 21st in defensive rating (112.6) during April and allowed the 10th-highest three-point percentage to opponents (37.6%).
LaVine is going to come back hungry and expect Chicago to be willing to feed him. Odds have yet to be released on the Bulls’ guard, but when it is, check back for an update.
Pick: Awaiting Zach LaVine props
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