The NBA Cup is finally over, but there’s still plenty of regular season basketball on tap. Thursday’s loaded thirteen-game slate is a hoops fan’s dream, with everything from MVP’s to playoff contenders in action. Among the marquee matchups, a late tipoff in Minnesota between the Knicks and Timberwolves might be the best, as Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle will face their old teams. With so many names to choose from, finding a player to back is easier said than done. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a few bets that are worth placing. Here are three props catching my eye tonight.
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Ochai Agbaji over 10.5 points (-120)
The Raptors are a different team without Scottie Barnes. In games played without the former Rookie of the Year, currently out due to an ankle injury, the team is 2-11. The only positive is that there’s an abundance of minutes available to further the development of Toronto’s role players. That includes Ochai Agbaji, acquired last February in a trade with the Jazz. The Kansas product is putting up career-best marks of 11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists through 27 games.
Those numbers, while solid, don’t tell the full story. Over 13 games played without Barnes this season, Agbaji is averaging 13.4 points. The fourth-year pro has reached 10 points in ten of those contests. Tonight’s opponent, the Nets, are a middle of the pack defense, giving up the 15th-most points to opponents (113.3 PPG). Toronto’s underrated guard has plenty of opportunity to go over this total tonight.
Kristaps Porzingis over 7.5 rebounds (-125)
Since making his season debut on November 25th, Kristaps Porzingis has wasted no time getting back into All-Star form. Through seven appearances, the Unicorn has posted 19.0 points and 7.0 rebounds on 48.0% shooting from the field. The most impressive part of that stat line has been a modest minutes total of 26.3 per game, which is bound to go up as we enter the new year.
Ignoring Monday’s blowout win against the Wizards, Boston has left their center in for at least 29 minutes in each of his previous four outings. Assuming the same applies on Thursday, Porzingis should be in line for a solid performance on the glass against the Bulls. Chicago has surrendered the third-most rebounds to opponents (55.0), while KP has cleared this rebound total in five of his seven games played. The only thing preventing the Latvian from getting a double-double is the Celtics. Assuming Boston keeps this one close, this over should cash tonight.
Jamal Murray over 5.5 assists (-125)
It’s been a tough start to the year for Jamal Murray. The former NBA champ has never been the fastest starter, but his struggles have been particularly glaring on a banged-up Denver squad. This season, the Canadian is averaging 18.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists on 42.4% shooting (34.8 3PT%). Those statistics, while solid, aren’t at the level Nuggets fans are accustomed to.
Even though his shot isn’t falling, Murray has made an effort to get his teammates involved. The guard has dished out six or more assists in eight of his last ten games. In that regard, tonight’s matchup with the Blazers is promising, as they’ve given up the seventh-most assists to opponents this season (27.8). An über-talented player such as Murray can’t be kept down for long. Until he finds his shot, a passing prop makes plenty of sense against a below-average defense.
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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.
