The NBA All-Star Game is days away, with most of the association earning a much-needed week of rest. However, prior to the break, four teams will take the floor on Thursday. Among the matchups to watch, the contending Rockets will host Jimmy Butler and the new-look Warriors. Elsewhere, the 44-9 Thunder travel to Minnesota for a date with Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves. 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 on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye tonight.
DeMar DeRozan over 3.5 assists (+114)
Since trading away De’Aaron Fox, lead ball handling duties have been split in Sacramento. Malik Monk and newcomer Zach LaVine are the current starters in the back court, but neither play like a point guard. Without a true playmaker in the lineup, DeMar DeRozan will get more opportunity to distribute going forward. This season, the six-time All-Star has posted 21.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
DeRozan has dished out at least four assists in three of his last four appearances. That trend should continue tonight against one of the NBA’s worst defenses. This season, the Pelicans have surrendered 28.5 assists per game to opponents, the fifth-highest mark in basketball. Over his last five meetings with New Orleans, DeRozan has recorded 5.8 assists per game. Sacramento’s veteran should find ways to contribute other than scoring on Thursday.
Rudy Gobert over 10.5 rebounds (-125)
Julius Randle (adductor) is out of action for the foreseeable future. That’s opened up plenty of room down low for Rudy Gobert. Minnesota’s center has suffered a statistical decline this season, putting up 11.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Those numbers are the Frenchman’s lowest in over ten years.
Now, with Randle out, Gobert has begun to look like his old self. The three-time All-Star has recorded 14.0 points and 11.6 rebounds over his last five outings. Against a Thunder team allowing the fourth-most rebounds per game (54.5), the center can continue to dominate the glass. During his last ten appearances vs. Oklahoma City, Gobert has averaged 11.9 rebounds. Another double-double performance is a reasonable expectation for the 32-year-old on Thursday night.
Derrick Jones Jr. over 10.5 points (-125)
Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Norman Powell have been the main attractions for the Clippers this season. However, a deep cast of role players have been crucial to Los Angeles’ playoff push. That includes Derrick Jones Jr., signed this offseason following a one-year stint with the Mavericks. Through 51 games, the veteran has averaged 10.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists on 25.2 minutes.
DJJ’s production can be difficult to predict, given his modest workload and inconsistent minutes. However, the 27-year-old might not need much time on the court to score against the Jazz. This season, Utah has allowed 119.8 points per game to opponents, the third-worst mark in the NBA. Over Jones Jr.’s last 15 outings, he’s reached double-digit points ten times. There’s no reason to think he can’t deliver once more against one of basketball’s worst squads.
