Christmas day was everything the NBA hoped for, with five exhilarating games that captivated hoops fans across the country. Thursday’s slate might not have the same level of star power, but what it lacks in quality it makes up in quantity. Eighteen teams take the floor, which makes narrowing down a few players to back easier said than done. That doesn’t mean there aren’t bets that are worth placing. Here are three props catching my eye tonight.
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Trae Young assists over 11.5 (-125)
An up-and-down season for the 15-15 Hawks has mirrored the play of Trae Young. The point guard helped lead Atlanta to the NBA Cup semifinals, but the team has gone 2-4 over their last six games. The three-time All-Star has put up 21.8 points and a league-leading 12.0 assists, but a field goal percentage of 39.5% (32.8 3PT%) leaves much to be desired.
A dynamic Atlanta offense should have an easy time against a Bulls team giving up the second-most points (121.1) and the third-most assists (28.7) in the NBA. Young has gone over this assist total in each of his five most recent meetings with Chicago, including two matchups earlier this season. The association’s top passer is poised to dice up a vulnerable defense on Thursday night.
Zach Edey over 8.5 rebounds (-120)
Almost by default, Zach Edey is firmly in contention for Rookie of the Year. Despite concerns over how the Purdue product’s game would translate to the NBA, he’s been a solid contributor for the Grizzlies from day one. Through 18 games, the big man has averaged 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds on 59.4% shooting from the field.
After missing almost a month due to a left ankle sprain, Edey has played well since returning on December 15th. During that time, he’s put up 9.5 points and 8.5 rebounds while playing just 25.5 minutes over four games. Tonight’s matchup is promising, as Toronto will be without starting center Jakob Poeltl. Over their previous three contests, the Raptors have given up the second-most rebounds to opponents (57.3). A gigantic 7’4″ paint presence like Edey should have plenty of success on the glass.
Jerami Grant over 13.5 points (-110)
Jerami Grant entered the season as Portland’s veteran leader, but he’s become a difficult player to count on. The 30-year-old has struggled to score on a consistent basis, posting 15.1 points over 27 games, his lowest mark in over five seasons. A combined 3-for-19 shooting performance against the Spurs and Mavericks has brought the veteran’s field goal percentage down to a miserable 37.7% (36.4 3PT%).
None of that sounds like someone you should back in a player prop, but there’s reason for hope. As bad as Grant has been lately, the 11-year pro’s track record suggests that this is just a blip on the radar. Thursday’s matchup with a Utah team allowing the third-most points in the NBA (119.5) is a get-right opportunity. Since joining Portalnd, Grant has gone over this point total in six of his last seven outings vs. the Jazz. If there’s ever a time for this two-way wing to find his shooting stroke, it’s tonight.
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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.
