NBA Player Prop & Pick
Jamal Murray, 32.5 Points + Assists
| Odds | Murray o32.5 PTS + AST (-115) |
| Time | 10 p.m. ET |
| Books Available | Caesars |
In a series full of superstars, Jamal Murray has solidified himself alongside the likes of Nikola Jokic, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Save for an underwhelming Game 2, the Nuggets point guard has lit up the stat sheet thus far against the Suns.
Specifically honing in on his points + assists line, Murray has cleared this total in three of four games against the Suns. Serving as the Robin to Jokic’s Batman, Murray is averaging 33.5 points and assists this postseason.
Akin to his performance in the infamous 2020 bubble playoffs, Murray has shown that he’ll up his aggression when the lights are shining the brightest. He’s coming off two games in which he registered 23 and 17 drives and Usage Rates of 26 and 33%.
Why are those stats pertinent? Because it shows that there is plenty of room for Murray to produce despite Jokic putting up absolutely monster stat lines (30 points, 17 assists and 56 points, 11 assists in Games 3 and 4 respectively).
And while there is no “stopping” Jokic for the Suns (or anyone, for that matter), the defensive focus will continue to be on the big man. Murray should continue to reap the benefits of softer coverage and uninspiring individual matchups (primarily Landry Shamet and Josh Okogie).
This has, and will continue to be, an offensive series. Murray’s minutes and workload aren’t slowing down, and I expect to see the results on the stat sheet. I have the Kentucky product projected at 37 points and assists, and would comfortably play this line up to over 34.5 P+A.
Pick: Jamal Murray Over 32.5 Points + Assists (-115). Bet to over 34.5 Points + Assists
