It’s been a season of turnover for the LA Clippers in their first season in the Intuit Dome, adapting to the departure of Paul George and another prolonged injury to star forward Kawhi Leonard. Tyronn Lue’s squad has stayed afloat, with an 11-8 record so far this season, and has an eminently winnable game on the docket for Wednesday night as it visits the hapless Washington Wizards, who have limped to a 2-14 record, the worst in basketball.
One reason for the Clippers’ solid start has been the resurgent play of point guard James Harden, who, despite some shooting struggles in the early going, has put up a respectable 20.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Clippers (-535) are massive favorites, and the point total is set at 223. Below, I’ve identified my best prop bet centered around The Beard.
Best James Harden Prop Bet on DraftKings Sportsbook
James Harden 30+ Points + Rebounds (-130)
In typical fashion for a 2-14 squad, the rebuilding Wizards have a terrible defense, ranking second last in the league with 122.9 points allowed per game. Washington sports the seventh-youngest roster in the sport — the team’s players have an average age of 25.46 — and fans can expect a savvy veteran like Harden to take advantage.
With LA’s leading scorer, shooting guard Norman Powell, in danger of missing his fifth consecutive game with a left hamstring strain, expect Harden to command a lion’s share of the Clippers offense. In the four games that Powell has been sidelined, Harden’s usage rate has jumped north of 30 percent.
Although Harden has shot the ball poorly with Powell out, expect that to change against the Wizards, whose lackadaisical approach to defense has allowed opponents to take 25.3 wide open field goal attempts per game, the third-most in the league. Washington also hemorrhages rebounds, in part owing to rookie center Alex Sarr’s inexperience; it allows 48.4 boards per contest, the second-most in basketball. Expect Harden — who has the eighth-most career rebounds of any shooting guard in NBA history — to take advantage.
The only reason I’m not even more bullish on The Beard to put up massive counting stats on Wednesday night is the possibility that LA blows the Wizards out and Harden sits most of the fourth quarter.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
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 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 skills 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.
