While some of us are out trick-or-treating, there’s still four NBA games taking place on Thursday night. With such a small set of matchups, there’s nothing scarier than making the wrong bet, so paying attention to early workloads and trends is crucial. Here are three bets that could hit big this Halloween.
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Alperen Sengun over 17.5 points (-125)
Through four games, Alperen Sengun hasn’t been himself. Widely considered to be the best player on the Rockets this season, the young center is averaging just 14.8 points on an anemic 38.6% shooting from the field. While he’s still managed to contribute as a rebounder and a passer, this hasn’t been the same budding star NBA fans watched last season.
Luckily for Sengun, Thursday’s matchup with the Mavericks is a get-right spot. In his previous five career games against Dallas, the Turkish big man has averaged 19.8 points in just 25.7 minutes of play. While the Mavs are a better defensive team this year, this line is obtainable against any opponent. Sengun, a career 52.5% shooter, is eventually going to see more of his shots fall; I’m willing to bet it starts tonight.
James Harden over 5.5 rebounds (+100)
James Harden’s one-man show in Los Angeles has gotten off to a decent start. Without Kawhi Leonard, the 2-2 Clippers have leaned heavily on their 35-year-old point guard, and he’s delivered. Although the field goal percentage leaves much to be desired (35.5%), The Beard is averaging 23.5 points, 11.3 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game thus far.
Harden’s rebounding remains the most underrated aspect of his game, and a date with the Suns is the perfect opportunity for him on the glass. The 6’5 guard has nabbed six boards or more in seven of his last ten meetings with Phoenix. In addition, Harden is staying on the court more than ever (36.3 minutes per game) due to Los Angeles’ lack of depth. At even money, this is a more than reasonable price to back one of the game’s best all-around threats.
Bradley Beal over 3.5 assists (-120)
From one older shooter to another, Bradley Beal is a player that has seen his stock fall rapidly over the past year. Billed as the missing piece for the Suns last offseason, the shooting guard was the face of Phoenix’s struggles all season. He struggled to find his shot next to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and the team was eliminated quickly by the Timberwolves in the postseason.
Things have looked slightly better this year. The former Wizard’s points per game aren’t eye-popping (18.0), but he’s shooting at a terrific 50% clip from the field. This bet is fairly simple: Beal has averaged 4.7 assists over the course of his career, and that number jumps to 5.0 as a member of the Suns. Clippers head coach Ty Lue will prioritize stopping Durant and Booker, which means the ball should be in Beal’s hands often tonight. This total is too small to ignore on a modest four-game slate.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
