Only four days are left in the NBA regular season, with playoff implications looming over most teams. Just five games between ten teams are set to tip on Thursday, including a potential first-round preview between the Knicks and Pistons. Later, the Timberwolves will look to earn their way out of the play-in with a victory over the Grizzlies.
With several enticing contests, there are plenty of bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye tonight.
Dyson Daniels over 14.5 points (-110)
Due to injuries and underperformance, it’s been a season to forget in Atlanta. Still, the Hawks are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference, having already clinched their spot in the play-in tournament. Trae Young is the clear face of this franchise, but Dyson Daniels deserves some praise as well. The two-way guard, acquired last summer from New Orleans, has been a revelation. Through 74 games, he’s averaged 14.3 points, on 49.5% shooting from the field (34.6 3PT%).
Considering the lack of healthy scorers in Atlanta, someone has to put the ball in the bucket. Lately, that’s been Daniels; the Australian has recorded at least 15 points in five of his last six games. On paper, the Nets are somewhat stiff opposition, allowing the 15th-fewest points per game to opponents (112.8). However, this squad has reached the ‘blatantly tanking’ portion of the season, so throw all stats out the window. The Great Barrier Thief can easily thrive on both ends of the court tonight.
Kyle Kuzma over 18.5 points + rebounds (-115)
Fans and analysts alike were perplexed by Milwaukee’s trade for Kyle Kuzma back in February. The forward hasn’t been bad with the Bucks, but it’s fair to say he hasn’t elevated this group into title contention. Over his last 20 games, Kuzma has posted 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. None of those numbers make the 29-year-old an appealing option for bettors.
There’s a decent chance Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) doesn’t suit up tonight. If the Greek Freak sits, Milwaukee will need more production from the other members of its front court. In eight games without the two-time MVP, Kuzma has put up 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds. This season, the Pelicans have allowed the sixth-most points (117.9) and fourth-most rebounds (53.7) per game to opponents. A heavy workload against an atrocious New Orleans defense should lead to plenty of production for Kuzma on Thursday.
Naz Reid over 12.5 points (-110)
If the new-look Timberwolves have one clear strength, it’s their depth. Minnesota has several difference makers on its bench, none more impactful than Naz Reid. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has enjoyed another terrific campaign. Through 77 games, he’s averaged 14.4 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 46.3% from the field (38.4 3PT%).
Minnesota’s backup big has an ideal matchup on deck tonight. Memphis plays at the NBA’s quickest pace (103.74), often leading to scoring opportunities for the other team. In each of his previous four meetings with the Grizzlies, Reid has notched at least 19 points. The 25-year-old has scored 13 or more points in 46 of his 77 outings this season (59.7%). There’s nothing that suggests a different outcome for the center ahead of Thursday’s high-stakes Western Conference showdown.
