There will be a modest set of games today after an eight-game slate of NBA Cup matchups last night. Seven games will be played, with the first tipping off at 5:00 p.m. EST between the New York Knicks and Utah Jazz.
The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic will face off as the only game in the 7:00 p.m. EST slate. Then, the Hornets will play the Bucks, the Grizzlies face the Bulls, and the Trail Blazers tip off against the Rockets in the 8:00 p.m. EST window. In the later stages of tonight’s action, the Warriors will play the Spurs and the lone 10:30 p.m. EST contest will be between the Lakers and Nuggets.
You can check out each matchup on DraftKings Sportsbook, but here are my favorite player props for November 23.
Josh Green Over 7.5 Points (-110)
After being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Charlotte Hornets this summer, Josh Green is beginning to find his footing within the organization. The 24-year-old is playing 24.6 minutes per game, a slight step back from his opportunities with the Mavericks, but is beginning to see his role grow. He has played 25:56 minutes or more in the past six games and is coming off a season-high 30:44 minutes in the last game.
Green is averaging 6.5 points per game on the season, but has scored 10 or more points in three of the past four games. He also has made nine of his 11 three-point attempts across this span. While the 81.8% three-point percentage is far from sustainable, it will open the door for more minutes for the Arizona product in the short-term.
Milwaukee’s defense has been the biggest reason why they have not reached early expectations. They rank 15th in opponent points per game and 24th in opponent three-point percentage. Milwaukee also is allowing the fifth-most points per game to shooting guards this year, with opposing SG’s making 6.2 baskets per game. It can take as little as three shots for Josh Green to reach this total and I believe his trend of good basketball continues in this favorable matchup. Look for Green to eclipse 7.5 points for the fourth time in five games and the seventh time this season.
Jaren Jackson Jr Over 22.5 Points (-110)
So far this season, Jaren Jackson Jr is averaging 22.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He has recorded over 22.5 points in six of the 14 games so far. This will be the Grizzlies’ second matchup with the Bulls this season. It should be noted that Jackson was held to 19 points in the first matchup, but he also played just 24:28 in this loss. Expect a different outcome as the Grizzlies attempt to get their revenge against the Eastern Conference opponent.
Chicago has played with the quickest tempo of any team in the league this season. The only team that outperformed this number has been the Grizzlies when they have been on the road. Memphis also ranks fifth in the NBA in offensive rebounds when playing on the road this season, with Jackson set to play a role in this tonight. While Jackson has struggled playing center as opposed to his production at power forward, this is the direction the Grizzlies should be expected to lean on tonight. Zach Edey remains out due to his ankle injury and Ja Morant is doubtful, but does not seem like he will be ready tonight.
Look for the Grizzlies to lean on lineups with Jaren Jackson Jr. as the center, and for there to be an uptick in tempo. This will lead to additional possessions and more scoring opportunities for all parties involved. This is especially the case with Jackson, who is the team’s leading scorer even with Morant back in action this year. Expect Jackson to be in attack mode from the opening tip tonight and have some success when attacking Nikola Vucevic. He is more than capable of scoring 23 or more points, so expect a strong offensive output today.
Alperen Şengün Under 18.5 Points (-115)
The Houston Rockets will face off with the Portland Trail Blazers, who are suffering from several notable injuries. Most notably, Scoot Henderson, Matisse Thybulle, and Deandre Ayton are all listed as out or doubtful while Jerami Grant is questionable with an illness. However, seventh-overall pick Donovan Clingan will be available and active in this game and will present a major issue for Alperen Şengün.
So far this season, Şengün is averaging 18.1 points per game and has been held under 18.5 points in 11 of the 17 games he has played in. While Şengün is incredibly crafty and skilled with the ball, he can struggle when faced with some of the better rim protectors in the NBA. Clingan fits this category and currently ranks third in the league with 2.1 blocks per game. This is also the second time this season that these two teams faced off, with Şengün being held to 14 points in their first matchup.
Don’t expect Şengün to be a full non-factor in this game, but the 18.5-point line is a bit too lofty here. Expect Clingan’s commanding presence in the paint to play a real factor and for Şengün to be forced to find other ways to impact the game. Count on him to remain under 18.5 points for the 12th time this season as his minutes continue to be inconsistent with Houston’s abundance of young talent.
Christian Braun Over 4.5 Rebounds (-115)
The Denver Nuggets will face off with the Los Angeles Lakers in the final matchup of tonight’s slate, and on the second night of a back-to-back. Nikola Jokic made his return to the court after a three-game absence and the rest of the Nuggets roster all will settle into place with their superstar back in action. Denver is coming off a frustrating loss to the Mavericks last night and will be looking for a quick turnaround against another Western Conference opponent.
One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Nuggets has been the growth of Christian Braun. The third-year guard is averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists which each mark career-highs. He is also logging 34.9 minutes per game on the season, so he sees plenty of opportunity on an every-night basis.
Denver has picked up their speed of play recently and ranks seventh in pace across the past 10 games. While Anthony Davis and LeBron James will make the largest impact on the boards for the Lakers, there is not a ton of optimism for the rebounding production beyond the stars. Braun is excellent at sneaking in and tallying offensive rebounds by crashing the glass from the perimeter. He has tallied at least one offensive rebound in 12 of the 14 games and has recorded over 4.5 rebounds in eight of the 14 matchups overall. Expect his “effort rebounds” from the perimeter to be a key part of this game and for Braun to be active on the glass throughout. As Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic battle it out among themselves, the rebounding battle will be won or lost by the other players. Count on Braun to play a role in this and reach his player prop tonight.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is seanbarnard) 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.
