Pick 7: Trey Murphy over 2.5 Threes(-150)

The New Orleans Pelicans' Trey Murphy is set to light up the scoreboard with over 2.5 threes in the upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets.

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to face off against the Charlotte Hornets, one player is flying under the radar and primed to make a splash – Trey Murphy. The young sharpshooter has been on a hot streak recently, and savvy bettors should take note. With the over/under line for Murphy's points set at a modest 2.5, there's a solid case to be made for taking the over.

First, let's talk about Murphy's recent play. He's been on an absolute tear, scoring in double figures for nine straight games. This resurgence has seen him put up top-25 value over the past two weeks, and while his value is primarily built around being an efficient yet low-volume scorer, he can also contribute on the defensive end. It's clear that Murphy has found his groove, and the Pelicans will be leaning on him as they push for a spot in the Play-In Tournament.

Now, let's dive into some numbers. Murphy has been shooting an impressive 39.4% from beyond the arc this season, and that number jumps to a scorching 50% when he's wide open. The Pelicans' offense, led by the dynamic duo of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, has been generating plenty of open looks for their teammates, and Murphy is no exception. In fact, over the past nine games, he's been averaging 2.4 made threes per game. It's worth noting that in the last meeting between the Pelicans and Hornets, Murphy knocked down 3 of his 6 attempts from deep.

Taking a closer look at the Hornets' defense, there's even more reason to be optimistic about Murphy's chances of hitting the over. Charlotte ranks just 26th in the league in opponent three-point percentage, allowing teams to shoot a generous 37.2% from beyond the arc. This is music to the ears of a sniper like Murphy, who should have no trouble finding his spots and getting open looks against a vulnerable Hornets' perimeter defense.

Another factor to consider is the game flow. With both the Pelicans and Hornets playing at a fast pace, there should be plenty of opportunities for Murphy to get up and down the floor and find his rhythm from three. The Pelicans rank 9th in the league in pace, while the Hornets come in at 11th, so expect a high-scoring affair with lots of transition play and quick shots. This type of game environment is tailor-made for a player like Murphy, who thrives on catch-and-shoot opportunities and fast-break threes.

Finally, let's not forget about Murphy's confidence. The 21-year-old rookie has already shown that he's not afraid of the big stage, stepping up in crucial moments for the Pelicans this season. With New Orleans fighting for their playoff lives, every game is of the utmost importance, and Murphy will undoubtedly be looking to make an impact. If he can maintain his recent form and capitalize on the favorable matchup against the Hornets, there's no reason to believe he won't hit the over on 2.5 threes.

The stars are aligning for Trey Murphy to have a big game against the Charlotte Hornets. With his recent play, the favorable matchup, and the high-paced game flow, there's a strong case to be made for taking the over on 2.5 threes. So, fellow bettors and basketball enthusiasts, keep an eye on this hidden gem and enjoy the show as Trey Murphy lights up the scoreboard from beyond the arc.