March 3rd NBA Prop Bets
Can you believe it’s March already? Hopefully, there’s not too much madness on this Friday night’s NBA slate, but we have plenty of action to choose from. 2-3 last time out, but we’re still 20-11 on the season, so let’s get back to business.
Walker Kessler over 11.5 rebounds (+100)
With our eye consistently on Kelly Olynyk over the past few weeks, it’s been hard not to notice the impressive performances of Walker Kessler, especially since the turn of the year. The Utah Jazz (31-32) travel to Oklahoma to face the City Thunder (28-34) who have now lost 5 straight and continue to struggle in the absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will miss out again tonight. Kessler has averaged 11.1 rebounds in his last 10 games, but has 12+ in 5 of his last 6 and not to mention in their recent game against OKC he had 18! In their last 3, the Thunder are shooting just 46.5% from the field and rank 25th in defensive rebounds allowed per game (36.7), and the Jazz rank 1st in defensive rebounds (40) themselves. This suggests another busy night for the Jazz center trio, with Olynyk’s number also at 6.5 you’d be pressed not to take both of them this evening.
Cameron Johnson over 15.5 points (-114)
Since the reshuffling of the Brooklyn set up earlier this year, Cameron Johnson has emerged as something of a focal point in this offense, starting the last 7 games straight. The Nets (34-28) travel to Boston to face the Celtics (45-18) who are hot on the heels of the Bucks for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Nets are attempting to hold on to the final playoff place ahead of the chasing pack. The line this evening is a whopping -11.5 in favor of the Celtics, which means there’s potential for back-to-back blowout games for the Nets, which is where Johnson comes into play. Johnson has hit this over the total in 4 of his last 5 games, including 33 in their heavy loss on Wednesday to the Knicks, with 11 of those points coming in the final quarter. I don’t foresee him hitting the 30s again, but if the game gets away from Brooklyn, I’d expect he’d see a touch more action once the Celtics starters get some rest. We have him projected tonight at 15.9.
Deandre Ayton over 10.5 rebounds (-120)
The addition of Kevin Durant to the Suns has also seen a slight modification to the way their team has played. After their game on Wednesday, it may have given us a good indication of how they plan to continue going forward. The Phoenix Suns (34-29) are on the road to face the Chicago Bulls (29-34), looking to keep their momentum going as they’ve only lost 3 of their last 10 games, against a Bulls defense that’s only averaged 100.3 points against per game in recent weeks. After KD’s first game this week, the Suns are seemingly set up with Durant and Booker leading the scoring and Ayton cleaning up around the rim. Ayton finished the game on Wednesday night with 16 rebounds and has actually hit this over in 7 of his last 9 games. I expect as they need to rely on him less in scoring, that he stays very active around the net and picks up any loose balls, with Chicago ranking just 22nd in defensive rebounds allowed per game (33.7). We have Ayton projected at 10.9 rebounds this evening.
I’m David, 28, originally from England but now married and living in Texas. Originally studied English Literature at Liverpool Hope University, alongside Sport & Education. Having been an avid sports fan my entire life, I had a season ticket at Everton FC in the EPL for 17 years. Since moving here I’ve become a Kansas City Chiefs fan after Kelce won me my Fantasy League on my first-ever try. Love watching the games whether it be college on Saturdays or the NFL throughout the week. You’ll always find me with a bet or two on as well. 1 leg losses are my Kryptonite.
