Five games are set to tip off on Thursday across the NBA, with ten teams in action. The biggest matchup is a battle of superstars in Los Angeles between Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks and Luka Doncic’s Lakers. Even on a small slate, there are plenty of bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye tonight.
Mikal Bridges over 16.5 points (-120)
An elite Knicks offense has taken a hit without Jalen Brunson, currently injured due to an ankle sprain. Still, New York has several playmakers capable of stepping up in the All-Star’s absence. Center Karl-Anthony Towns is a walking 30-point threat, but he’s also someone defenses will double team. That should leave Mikal Bridges with plenty of open looks on the perimeter. It’s been an erratic first season in the Big Apple for the wing. Through 68 games, he’s averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Bridges’ production isn’t something you can count on during most contests. That might not be the case without Brunson. During seven appearances this season without the All-Star, Bridges has recorded 22.6 points. In that time, the 28-year-old has played just under 38 minutes per game. Armed with a massive workload against a middling Hornets defense, New York’s third option could go off tonight.
Jonas Valanciunas over 10.5 rebounds (-135)
Among the many moves Sacramento made this trade deadline, acquiring Jonas Valanciunas has been crucial. Nagging injuries to Domantas Sabonis have left the Kings with limited depth at center. Fortunately, the former Wizards big man has been able to fill in admirably. Over seven games as a starter with his new team, Valanciunas has posted 12.0 points and 12.3 rebounds.
With Sabonis (ankle) out once again, Sacramento will turn to its over-qualified backup center. Valanciunas could be in line for a monster performance on Thursday against an awful Bulls defense. This season, Chicago has surrendered the second-most points (121.0) and the second-most rebounds (55.3) per game to opponents. Expect another dominant day on the glass for the Lithuanian in a potential shootout.
Giannis Antetokounmpo over 19.5 assists + rebounds (+100)
Another year, another dominant campaign from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has been at his best all season, making a push for his third career MVP award. Through 56 games, he’s averaged 30.2 points, 12.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists. With numbers such as those, it’s almost impossible to fade the power forward in any statistical category.
A high-profile matchup is on deck tonight when the Bucks travel to Los Angeles. When these two squads met last week, Antetokounmpo delivered a 24-point, 12-rebound, nine-assist masterpiece. In his last three games against the Lakers, Giannis has produced 15.7 rebounds and 10.7 assists. Without LeBron James (groin) active, there isn’t anyone on the Purple and Gold that can slow the All-Star down. At even money, expect Milwaukee’s face of the franchise to deliver another terrific all-around performance.
