Five games between ten teams are on tap tonight across the NBA. Among the matchups to watch, Western Conference contenders meet in Memphis when the Rockets visit the Grizzlies. On such a small slate, narrowing down a handful of 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 on Thursday.
Zaccharie Risacher over 9.5 points (-120)
The Hawks were dealt a brutal blow on Wednesday, as Jalen Johnson is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The only positive for Atlanta is that the team rosters a solid collection of forwards capable of filling in. That includes last summer’s first overall draft pick, Zaccharie Risacher. The Frenchman has had trouble adjusting to the NBA, averaging just 10.5 points on 40.0% shooting from the field. Still, there’s plenty of reason to believe the 19-year-old will continue to get better.
Head coach Quin Snyder has usually opted to play Risacher more in the first half. Despite making 38 starts, the wing has only logged 23.7 minutes per game this season. Expect that number to change going forward without Johnson in the lineup. Thursday’s opponent, the Cavaliers, are one of the better defensive units in the association. Still, reaching double-digit points on an increased workload feels more than likely against any squad. As long as Risacher plays at least half of tonight’s contest, he’ll be well-positioned to go over this line.
Jaxson Hayes over 6.5 rebounds (-130)
Speaking of notable injuries, the Lakers will be without Anthony Davis for the foreseeable future. Los Angeles’ superstar center suffered an abdominal strain in Philadelphia on Tuesday, sidelining him for at least one week. To fill the void down low, Jaxson Hayes will likely be given a starting role. The former first-round pick has put up 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in limited action this season.
Those statistics don’t scream ‘must-start’ on paper, but the seven-footer has done well in this spot before. In eight career games played for the Lakers without Davis, Hayes has posted 9.1 points and 7.6 rebounds. A similar stat line could be in store tonight against a Wizards team allowing the most rebounds per game to opponents (57.0). He’s not the most enticing player to bet on, but Los Angeles’ backup big can produce when given the opportunity.
Jalen Green over 22.5 points (-125)
January has been the month of Amen Thompson, as Houston’s dynamic two-way wing has become must-watch TV. However, the Rockets are still a team without a true superstar, especially on offense. The scoring burden, on most nights, depends on Jalen Green. The former second-overall pick isn’t the most well-rounded player, but he’s always been able to knock down some buckets. This season, he’s recorded a team-leading 21.3 points per game while shooting 43.0% from the field (35.3 3PT%).
In a Southwest Division showdown with the Grizzlies, expect plenty of scoring. Memphis plays at the fastest pace in the NBA (104.48), leading to extra possessions for both sides. Green has thrived in this matchup, averaging 30.3 points over the last three meetings between these two teams. The 22-year-old has gone over this total in 11 of his previous 14 appearances this season. Houston’s leading scorer should be up for the task once again on Thursday night.
