The most highly-anticipated NBA matchup of the night is between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. This nationally-televised tilt is made up of two teams with bright long-term futures that have played themselves into the contending category this season. Amen Thompson is at the heart of this for Houston
Oklahoma City holds the best record in the Western Conference at 49-11 on the season. They check every box you look for in the championship contender and are headlined by MVP-favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This will be the second night of a back-to-back, with the Thunder producing a victory over the Spurs last night in a heated matchup.
Houston is not as far along on their trajectory but should feel great about the spot they are in as a franchise. They have hit a bit of a lull in the second half of the season and dropped to fifth in the Western Conference with their 37-23 record. Their roster is loaded with young talent that they will be forced to make some difficult decisions with in the future.
Amen Thompson is a huge part of this equation and has taken his game to new heights in his second season. The former fourth-overall pick is averaging 13.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across his 32.2 minutes of play.
The Thunder enter this matchup as 11-point favorites and -520 on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Rockets hold +390 odds on the Moneyline with the game total set at 228.5.
It should be noted that Thompson is officially listed as questionable with shoulder soreness. Alperen Sengun, Dillons Brooks, Steven Adams, and Tari Eason are each also questionable so this is an injury report worth monitoring. Assuming he does suit up, here are my favorite Amen Thompson prop bets ahead of the Monday night matchup.
Best Amen Thompson Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Amen Thompson’s props are listed at over/under 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 29.5 combined points, rebounds and assists.
Amen Thompson Over 9.5 Rebounds (+130)
In a league filled with the best athletes in the world, Amen Thompson still has a place in the top percentile. The 22-year-old has one of the quickest second jumps in the league and has done an impressive job using his physical tools to create basketball production.
Thompson is averaging 8.2 rebounds per game on the season and 9.6 rebounds per outing over his past 25 games. His standard rebounding prop is set at 8.5 for this matchup with the over favored at -130 odds. While I like him to reach this as well, it is worth taking the +130 swing for the springy California native to reach double-digits.
You are nitpicking when looking for weaknesses on this Thunder team, but rebounding is near the top of the list. Oklahoma City ranks 13th in total team rebounds and 25th in opponent rebounds allowed on the season. They are on the second night of a back-to-back so tired legs could play a factor, which is especially advantageous to a player like Thompson.
He has recorded over 8.5 rebounds in 27 games this season and over 9.5 rebounds in 20 of 57 games he has played. Thompson has recorded over 9.5 rebounds in four of his past eight games and has not been held to fewer than nine in a game since February 8. Look for him to build off of his recent stretch of strong play and record double-digit rebounds for the 21st time this season.
Amen Thompson Over 15.5 Points (-110)
The offensive pecking order on the Houston Rockets is still being established, but Thompson has made his case for why he should continue to climb. Fred VanVleet has already been ruled out for tonight’s matchup after reinjuring his ankle. Thompson is averaging 13.9 points per game on the season but has taken his scoring to new levels in recent games, as well.
Since January 1, Thompson is averaging 16.4 points per game. He averaged 18.7 PPG in the month of January and has recorded over 15.5 points in 16 of the past 25 games. The 6-foot-7 guard still has a ways to go as a shooter, but his burst off the dribble is nearly impossible to stop and he is crafty at getting to his spots around the basket.
Expect Thompson’s raw athleticism and change-of-direction ability to be evident in this matchup, even against a perimeter defense as strong as the Thunder. VanVleet’s absence is notable and Thompson could be further aided in his offensive opportunities if Sengun is ruled out. Expect the second-year standout to play in attack mode and provide constant pressure on the rim as he paves his path to over 15.5 points in this matchup.
