Double Vision: Knicks’ Julius Randle too tough to handle

By John Dudley | Last updated Mar 9, 2023 11:17 AM ET

This space aims to identify players who represent good value for recording a double-double in a particular game. If they post double-digit totals in any two of the five main categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals), backers will at least double their money – and sometimes make much more than that.

The bet: A double-double for Knicks forward Julius Randle (+180 DraftKings)

As a freshman at Kentucky, Randle impressively averaged a double-double – 15 points and 10.4 rebounds – over a 40-game season that ended with a loss to UConn in the title game. Now in his ninth NBA season and fourth with the Knicks, he is averaging career highs for both points (25.3) and boards (10.4).

While that fact alone makes him a good investment, it could also be argued that Randle is simply “due.” He has gone seven straight games without recording a double-double, which is easily his longest such streak of the season. In each of the last four contests, he has fallen short by either one rebound or two.

His opponent tonight is the league’s highest-scoring team, the Kings. The last time Randle faced them was back in December, when he poured in 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds. But two technical fouls resulted in a third-quarter ejection, keeping him from achieving a double-double that seemed assured.

With a chance to atone and help the Knicks bounce back from Tuesday’s surprising home loss to the Hornets, Randle should shine.

John Dudley

A longtime writer and sports bettor, John Dudley has been dubbed the “King of Props” for his proficiency with proposition wagers. Research is the key that routinely unlocks success, and his selections are always backed by sound reasoning. John can be followed on Twitter @JohnDudley85

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