Five games are set to tip off on Thursday across the NBA, with ten teams in action. Among the matchups to watch, Luka Doncic’s Lakers travel to Milwaukee to face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. As a nightcap, the red-hot Warriors host the Kings at the Chase Center. With so many games on tap, there are plenty of bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye tonight.
Dennis Schroder over 10.5 points (-110)
In a move that flew under the radar, the Pistons made a deal with the Warriors for Dennis Schroder. The trade, Schroder’s second this season, gives Detroit a reliable ball handler to run the offense with and without Cade Cunningham on the court. Since joining his new team, the veteran has averaged 9.7 points on 39.8% shooting over 13 games.
Those numbers, while unimpressive, have improved recently. Over Schroder’s last four games, he’s recorded at least 11 points. That streak should continue on Thursday against an anemic Wizards defense. This season, Washington has allowed the most points (122.4) and the fourth-most three pointers (14.3) per game. As long as he plays over 20 minutes tonight, Detroit’s newest acquisition is poised for another solid outing.
Giannis Antetokounmpo over 6.5 assists (+124)
It’s been another dominant season for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has lost ground in the MVP race, but it’s not due to a lack of trying. Through 52 games, he’s posted 30.7 points and 12.1 rebounds while shooting 60.5% from the field. One aspect of Antetokounmpo’s game that gets ignored is his passing. The power forward has dished out 5.9 assists per game so far.
Milwaukee’s opponent tonight, the Lakers, have turned their defense around despite losing center Anthony Davis. Still, with LeBron James injured, that might not continue for much longer. This season, the Purple and Gold have allowed 27.0 assists per game to opponents, 11th-most in the NBA. Over his last five meetings with Los Angeles, Antetokounmpo has reached seven assists three different times. The two-time MVP’s passing should be on full display in this marquee matchup.
Draymond Green over 13.5 assists + rebounds (-110)
For all of his absurd off-court quotes, Draymond Green is still a crucial piece for the Warriors. The 35-year-old hasn’t had his best season by any means, but he’s played well recently. The forward has averaged 10.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.2 assists over his last ten games. The scoring will always be inconsistent, but Golden State’s ‘glue guy’ can still stuff a stat sheet.
While the Warriors have been one of the NBA’s hottest teams, the opposite applies to the Kings. Sacramento, without big man Domantas Sabonis, has lost three of its last four games. Green should take advantage of this weakness against a squad he’s more than familiar with. The last time these two teams met on February 21st, the veteran notched eight rebounds and nine assists. Another all-around performance on Thursday should be expected.
