PrizePicks features a loaded board for this Friday slate, and we are honing in on two forwards stepping into massive roles. San Antonio is without its franchise cornerstone, opening up a wealth of rebounding opportunities for their gritty wing. Meanwhile, a change of scenery has unleashed one of the league's best shooters, who now faces a defense that struggles mightily to contain the perimeter. Both players are in prime spots to outperform their projections, making them ideal targets for a flex play or power play today. Here is the breakdown of why these two props stand out on the 1/2 slate.

 

 

 

PrizePicks Free NBA Picks, January 2nd: NBA DFS Projections

Unlock our top PrizePicks NBA Free Picks Today and take advantage of an incredible offer for new users! Sign up with PrizePicks promo code ALARM, deposit, and create a lineup of $5 or more to receive an instant $50 in bonus credits win or lose!

This bonus is guaranteed, no matter how your picks perform. Simply click here, enter promo code ALARM, and kickstart your daily fantasy journey!

Now, let’s dive into today’s NBA DFS projections and the best PrizePicks NBA picks to help you build a winning lineup.

 

 

 

Keldon Johnson PrizePicks NBA Pick: More Than 6.5 Rebounds

With the news that both Victor Wembanyama (knee) and Devin Vassell (adductor) have been ruled out for tonight's contest against the Indiana Pacers, Keldon Johnson becomes a central figure in the Spurs' rotation. The absence of Wembanyama is the key signal here; without the 7'4" center patrolling the paint, San Antonio loses its primary rebounder, creating a vacuum that Johnson is well-equipped to fill.

Johnson has been attacking the glass aggressively, pulling down 8 rebounds in his last full outing against the Knicks and 10 rebounds against the Jazz recently. Tonight, he faces an Indiana Pacers team that plays at a frenetic pace and allows opponents to grab nearly 48 rebounds per game, one of the highest marks in the league. With extended minutes guaranteed due to the injuries, Johnson should easily clear this rebounding number in what projects to be a high-possession affair.

 

 

 

Michael Porter NBA PrizePicks Fantasy Pick: More Than 3.5 Three-Pointers Made

Since his trade to the Brooklyn Nets, Michael Porter has fully embraced his role as the team's primary perimeter option. He is currently averaging 3.8 made three-pointers per game on the season and has been letting it fly with zero hesitation, hitting the "More" on this line in four of his last five games (with 5 makes vs. Golden State and 4 vs. Minnesota).

Tonight, MPJ gets an elite matchup against the Washington Wizards. Washington ranks near the bottom of the NBA in defensive rating and allows opponents to shoot 37% from deep (23rd in the league). They also surrender nearly 15 made threes per game. Without a disciplined wing defender to chase him off the line, Porter Jr. should find plenty of open looks in transition and off screens. Expect him to fire up 9+ attempts and cash in on this soft defensive matchup.

 

 

 

Sign Up Using ALARM To Get A $50 PrizePicks Bonus With Just A $5 Play

Ready to get in on the action? Sign up for PrizePicks today using promo code ALARM and score a $50 bonus with just a $5 play! It’s an easy way to jumpstart your bankroll and turn our Johnson and Porter Jr. picks into profits.

Simply create your account, enter promo code ALARM, and make a $5 play to claim your $50 bonus, no deposit match hassles, just instant value. Don’t wait, join now and ride these hot picks to the winner’s circle!

 

Â