The NBA regular season rolls along as we inch closer to March. Only five games are set to tip off on Thursday, with ten teams in action. Among the matchups to watch, Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in a battle of MVPs. As a nightcap, the red-hot Lakers host Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves. Even with a limited group of games, there are plenty of bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo over 6.5 assists (+114)
Nothing is more predictable than a dominant outing from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The superstar power forward has enjoyed another standout season in a career full of them, putting up terrific numbers on both ends of the floor. Through 45 games, the two-time MVP has averaged 31.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 60.9% from the field.
In most circumstances, a Giannis player prop would favor his ability as a scorer or a rebounder. The nine-time All-Star has reached seven assists in just 18 of his 41 appearances this season (40.0%). However, Thursday’s opponent, the Nuggets, struggle to defend passes. Denver has surrendered 29.3 assists per game, the highest mark in the NBA. In a primetime showdown, Antetokounmpo should draw enough defensive attention to set up his wide-open Milwaukee teammates.
Devin Booker over 27.5 points (-105)
For all of Phoenix’s flaws (and there are many), fans are at least treated to the duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The latter of the two has served as both a scorer and leading ball handler for the Suns. Through 52 games, the four-time All-Star has posted 26.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.8 assists on 45.5% shooting (34.4 3PT%).
Booker has been terrific as of late, putting up at least 28 points over Phoenix’s last three contests. The guard has a terrific opportunity tonight against a terrible defense. This season, the Pelicans have allowed the sixth-most points (117.9) and the third-most three-pointers made (14.5) per game. During Booker’s last two meetings with New Orleans, he’s cleared 50 points both times. It won’t take nearly as many buckets for the veteran to deliver on Thursday’s line.
Naz Reid over 30.5 points + rebounds (-115)
Rudy Gobert has been out of commission for most of February due to a back injury. That leaves Naz Reid as Minnesota’s starting center for the near future. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has been a reliable presence for the Timberwolves once again this season. However, his production is often capped by coming off of the bench. Over 11 games as a starter, the big man has averaged 20.3 points and 9.1 rebounds while shooting 45.1% from the field. During those appearances, he’s reached 31 points + rebounds seven different times.
While Minnesota has plenty of depth at center, the same can’t be said for the Lakers. Los Angeles was unable to find a starter down low after trading Anthony Davis to Dallas. That’s great news for Reid, who will have undersized and/or less talented players guarding him all night. The sixth-year pro isn’t a double-double machine, but it’s hard to think of anyone that can slow him down on Thursday.
