Nine games between eighteen teams tip off on Thursday across the NBA. Among the games to watch, the red-hot Kings will travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets. Later on, old rivals meet once again when the Lakers host the Celtics. With so many games to choose from, narrowing down a few names to back is easier said than done. Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t bets worth placing. Here are three player props catching my eye tonight.
RJ Barrett over 4.5 assists (-140)
The rebuilding Raptors may not have the best record (11-32) but there’s a lot to like on this roster. The long-term progression of a young core is Toronto’s top priority, and in that regard this season is a success. Few players in the NBA have shown more growth than RJ Barrett. The Canadian has revitalized his career since coming up north, emerging as a well-rounded threat on offense. Through 35 games, he’s put up 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
Barrett is poised for another solid performance against a subpar Hawks defense. This season, Atlanta has surrendered the fifth-most points (118.8) and the third-most assists (28.5) to opponents. The 24-year-old has dished out five or more assists in four of his last six appearances. Expect plenty of dimes from the wing in a potential shootout.
Paolo Banchero over 7.5 rebounds (-125)
Despite the return of Paolo Banchero earlier this month, the Magic have lost six of their last seven games. Still, Orlando remains a threat in the Eastern Conference with its best player back. Tuesday’s 32-minute outing suggests that the power forward is at or near full health. Through 11 games, Banchero has posted 25.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Thursday offers up a perfect opportunity for the Magic to get back on track. The Trail Blazers struggle on defense, allowing the seventh-most points (116.5) and the fifth-most rebounds (53.5) to opponents. Banchero has only cleared this line four times this season. However, he’s played more than 30 minutes in just over half of his appearances. Against a vulnerable Portland front court, Paolo should stay busy on the glass.
Nikola Jokic over 1.5 three-pointers made (-110)
Nikola Jokic is nothing short of unguardable on offense, capable of doing anything on that end of the floor. The Nuggets have surrounded the Serbian with talented teammates, but they only go as far as their superstar takes them. This season, the center has recorded 30.1 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.9 assists. Just as impressive has been Joker’s efficiency, having hit 56.3% of his shots.
Denver will have its hands full tonight against a resurgent Kings team. However, as good as Sacramento has been, they’ve allowed the second-most three-pointers (14.5) and the fourth-highest three-point percentage (37.5%) to opponents. That’s perfect for Jokic, who has nailed a remarkable 47.5% of his three-pointers on 4.3 attempts per game. The three-time MVP’s stellar shooting from beyond the arc makes this my favorite player prop on Thursday’s slate.
