Pick 7: Ivica Zubac PRA Under 21.5 (-115)

Ivica Zubac's recent uptrend may be coming to a halt as the LA Clippers face the New Orleans Pelicans, making the under 21.5 points, assists, and rebounds an enticing bet.

In the world of sports betting, it's crucial to identify trends and patterns that can lead to profitable opportunities. Ivica Zubac, the LA Clippers' big man, has been on a roll recently, showing a positive trend in his points, assists, and rebounds (PRA) over the last 10 and 5 games. However, as the Clippers gear up to take on the New Orleans Pelicans, there are several factors that suggest Zubac's PRA may dip below the 21.5 line, making the under an appealing play for those looking to cash in.

First, let's break down Zubac's recent performance. Over the last 10 games, he's been averaging 23.4 PRA, with 6 of those games resulting in a PRA over 21.5. In the last 5 games, his average has increased to 25.8 PRA, with 3 games above the 21.5 threshold. While these numbers may initially indicate that betting the over is a smart move, it's essential to consider the context of the upcoming matchup against the Pelicans.

In the sole game Zubac played against New Orleans this season, he only managed to rack up 11.0 PRA. This significant drop in production compared to his recent performances suggests that the Pelicans may present a challenging matchup for Zubac. It's possible that New Orleans' frontcourt players could cause difficulties for the Clippers' center, limiting his ability to rack up points, assists, and rebounds.

Moreover, Zubac's season averages paint a slightly different picture than his recent hot streak. On the season, Zubac is averaging 21.62 PRA, which is just above the 21.5 line. However, this number can be deceptive, as he's had more games with a PRA below 21.5 (38) than above it (30). Additionally, when considering his home vs. road splits, Zubac's PRA is slightly lower at home (21.32) compared to on the road (21.91). Given that the game against New Orleans will take place in Los Angeles, this subtle difference could be a factor in determining whether his PRA will fall above or below the 21.5 line.

With the absence of All-Star forward Paul George due to a sprained right knee, it's natural to assume that Zubac's role on the team may increase, leading to higher PRA numbers. However, this has not been the case in the past. His scoring actually goes down considerably when Paul George is out, which should lead to a much lower PRA.

Furthermore, the Clippers' overall performance this season should be taken into account. Currently sitting at fifth place in the Western Conference with a 38-35 record, the Clippers have shown inconsistency throughout the season. While they have demonstrated the ability to string together wins, their recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder indicates that they are susceptible to upsets. This inconsistency could impact Zubac's PRA production, as a struggling team may have a harder time creating opportunities for individual players to shine.

When evaluating the under 21.5 PRA bet for Ivica Zubac, it's essential to consider the context of the upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans, his season averages, and the overall performance of the LA Clippers. While Zubac's recent uptrend may be tempting for bettors to ride, it's crucial to recognize the potential obstacles that could cause his PRA to dip below the 21.5 line. By taking a comprehensive approach and examining all relevant factors, savvy sports bettors can make informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves. So, as the Clippers prepare to take on the Pelicans, keep an eye on Ivica Zubac and consider the under 21.5 PRA as a potentially profitable play.