NBA Prop Bets
Last week we were agonizingly close to a full sweep, had it not been for Jamal Murray missing the 4th quarter with an ankle issue we’d have had an excellent 4-0 start. But we’re back with a smaller slate for the NBA tonight though there’s plenty of action to be had and some very competitive matchups to keep an eye on.
You can read last week’s article here.
Tonight there are only four games to choose from, however, I was able to find a handful of prop bets that I really like. Let’s get into it!
Pascal Siakam over 7.5 rebounds (-102)
The Milwaukee Bucks (28-16) host the Toronto Raptors (20-24) in a game that should be as close as the line suggests (Bucks -4.5), as the Bucks have lost 2 of their last 3 and the Raptors have won 4 of their last 5. Both the Raptors (44%) and the Bucks (44.7%) have struggled in the paint in their last 3 matchups, and Pascal Siakam leads Toronto in rebounds per game (8.2) so look for him to have a busy night. He has had 8+ rebounds in 4 of his last 7, with 7 rebounds in 2 of the remaining 3. The Bucks have also been very average in rebound defense this season, ranking 17th in total rebounds allowed per game (51.9). He should continue to stay busy around both baskets, and our FantasyData projection tool has him at 7.93 rebounds in this one.
Nic Claxton over 9.5 rebounds (-115)
The second matchup of the night has the Brooklyn Nets (27-15) traveling to Texas to face the less-than-inspiring San Antonio Spurs (13-31), a game that may be a little closer with the absence of Kevin Durant with an MCL sprain, as the Nets are now only slight favorites (-5.5). Claxton has seen his minutes increase in the last few weeks and is now consistently seeing 30-33 minutes per game and leads the team in rebounds (330), and with Durant now out, who had the second most rebounds on the team (262), he should look to dominate even more around the basket. In the last matchup KD missed, Claxton finished with 11 rebounds, and he’s had 9+ in his previous 4. Combine these with the Spurs ranking 27th in the last 3 games for total rebounds allowed (56.3) and them having a below-average shooting percentage (47.3), Claxton should see a high volume.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope over 12.5 points +100)
On a hot streak of 13 wins at home, the Denver Nuggets (30-13) host the Portland Trailblazers (21-22) in a contest that sees 2 of the top 3 in shooting percentage over the last week, which should hopefully result in plenty of points being scored at both ends of the court, with the Nuggets obvious favorites here (-6.5). Caldwell-Pope has been very consistent recently as he’s had 12+ points in his last 5 games, and in their last matchup against Portland scored 14 points. The Trailblazers have struggled in recent matchups against guards, allowing multiple 20+ point scorers from the position in their last 3. Not that I’m expecting KCP to hit that figure, but with Jamal Murray nursing a slight injury from last week, he should still see enough action in the paint to hit his over once again. Our FantasyData projection also has him sitting nicely at 12.87 points for tonight.
Joel Embiid over 31.5 points (-120)
The final matchup of the slate has the Philadelphia 76ers (27-16) traveling to LA to face the Clippers (23-22), with a tightly contested game in prospect as the Clippers start tonight as the narrowest of favorites (-1.5). Points totals over 30 tend to make me nervous, but Joel Embiid is having one heck of a season so far, averaging 33.4 points per game. He’s also had 30+ points in 9 of his last 10, with 35+ in 7 of those 9. He’s by far the 76ers best scorer and with an average field goal percentage of 53.3% he should continue to see high-scoring games. This is a matchup that he has dominated in recent history, as he scored 44 in their last head-to-head, and in his last full game against them last year he scored 40, it’s fair to say he has Zubac’s number.
Ivica Zubac over 8.5 rebounds (-115)
Although he may struggle one on one against Joel Embiid, I still believe Zubac should see some solid production tonight, he is due a bounce-back game and should see more minutes in a close matchup. In his last full minutes game, he had 18 rebounds and has averaged 10.3 rebounds per game this season. In 4 of his last 6 games over 30 minutes played he’s had double-digit returns and in their last head-to-head in December, he had 12 total rebounds. The 76ers have been middle of the road in rebound defense, averaging 51.3 per game. On top of this, the 76ers have a rather poor shooting percentage (46.6%), even with Embiid’s hot streak, so look for the 7-footer to clean up around his own basket. Our projection tool has him at a strong 10.17 rebounds for the 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.
