Title contenders meet on Wednesday in the Big Apple when Jalen Brunson’s Knicks host Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets. New York enters the contest as 2.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 242.5 points. Here are the three best prop bets to play on DraftKings Sportsbook before Wednesday’s game tips off.
Best Nuggets vs. Knicks prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Jalen Brunson over 7.5 assists (-105)
Even on a roster filled with elite talent, Jalen Brunson is still the king of New York. This season, the point guard is averaging 25.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and a career-best 7.4 assists. Combined with efficient 48.8/40.3/81.3 shooting splits, and it’s nearly impossible to stop the two-time All-Star. JB has acted as more of a scorer in January, recording 27.2 points over 13 games this month.
The 28-year-old’s passing has taken a hit recently, as he’s dished out more than six assists just once over his last five outings. That should change on Wednesday against the Nuggets. This season, Denver has given up an NBA-worst 29.8 assists per game to opponents. The last time these two teams met in November, Brunson recorded a season-high 17 dimes. Just half of that total would be enough to hit tonight’s modest line.
Michael Porter Jr. over 2.5 three-pointers made (-110)
The discussion around the Nuggets will always revolve around Nikola Jokic, and rightfully so. Still, Denver’s roster isn’t a one-man show. Look no further than Michael Porter Jr., one of the NBA’s most underrated (and consistent) shooters. This season, the Missouri alum has posted 18.1 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 51.1% from the field (41.0 3PT%).
If there’s any area of weakness on New York’s defense, it’s from beyond the arc. This season, the Knicks have allowed opponents to connect on 37.7% of their three-point attempts, second-worst in basketball. Porter Jr. has gone over this three-point total in four of his last six appearances. Most of those performances have come against elite defensive units such as the Magic, the Timberwolves, and the Heat. Facing weaker opposition in the Knicks, MPJ should continue to drain shots from long distance tonight.
Nikola Jokic under 28.5 points (-120)
“Going against the three-time MVP in a primetime matchup at Madison Square Garden? What are you, insane?” Possibly, but hear me out!
Let’s get the good, make it great, out of the way first: Nikola Jokic is awesome. Just look at these stats: 30.0 points, 13.1 rebounds and 10.2 assists on 57.0% shooting (47.4 3PT%). There are quite literally no flaws in the center’s game on offense. Basketball fans are fortunate to witness a once in a generation talent dissect opposing defenses every night.
However, tonight’s contest might prove somewhat difficult for The Joker. New York is a solid defensive unit, surrendering the eighth-fewest points (109.8) and the fewest rebounds (48.3) per game to opponents. When these teams last met in November, Denver’s big man was held to only 22 points. Keep in mind, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (as a member of the Timberwolves) defended Jokic better than anyone during last spring’s Western Conference Semifinals. This bet isn’t for the faint of heart, but all signs are pointing to a fade on Wednesday.
