Only one game on the NBA slate tips off tonight, but there’s still a few players on the Mavericks and Jazz bettors should have their eye on. Here are three player props worth backing on Thursday with DraftKings Sportsbook!
Daniel Gafford over 10.5 points (-125)
When discussing Dallas’ offense, Daniel Gafford isn’t the first name that comes to mind. The Mavericks big man, acquired at the trade deadline last season, has never been known for his ability at that end of the floor, averaging 8.8 points over the course of his six-year NBA career. Still, he’s become an underrated scorer, putting up 20.8 points per 36 minutes this year.
Utah does employ a terrific rim protector in Walker Kessler, but this is a matchup that Gafford can exploit. The former Wizard has gone over this point total in four of his past five outings against the Jazz, including a 24-point performance last March. He’s been on a roll with the Mavs as well, putting up 15 points or more in his last four games. Simply put, the 26-year-old center is rolling heading into this favorable matchup.
Lauri Markkanen over 7.5 rebounds (-120)
It’s been a brutal start to the season for Lauri Markkanen. The power forward is putting up 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds on 38.9% shooting, well below the numbers fans have grown accustomed to seeing during his time in Utah. To make matters worse, the Finnish big has also been battling back spasms all season.
Despite the statistical drop off, the former All Star is showing some signs of life, scoring a combined 37 points in his past two games. The Mavericks aren’t an ideal defense to play in most regards, but they do have some weaknesses down low. This season, Dallas is allowing opponents to grab 56.5 rebounds, third-worst in the NBA. The last time these two teams met on October 28th, Markkanen snagged nine boards. Given the player pedigree and the favorable rebounding environment, this is an over worth backing.
Luka Doncic over 16.5 assists + rebounds (-125)
In spite of his poor shooting to start the season (41.9 FG%), Luka Doncic is still as good a bet as any to fill up a stat sheet. Through eleven games, the superstar guard is putting up 28.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.9 assists. A tantalizing matchup awaits tonight against a Jazz team allowing 119.0 points per game, fifth-worst in the association.
Doncic has cleared this total in each of his last five games against Utah, averaging 10.8 assists and 9.7 rebounds during that time. The Slovenian is still one of the game’s elite talents, and I’d expect him to take over the game even if his shot isn’t falling. A poor defense and past precedent makes this my favorite prop bet on a thin Thursday slate.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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