There’s nothing that can kick off the weekend in style quite like primetime basketball. 24 different teams from across the association are in action on Friday. That means several big-time stars will be suiting up. At this early junction of the season, we’re still figuring out what each squad will look like going forward.
It’s October, which means the NBA is filled with uncertainty at the moment. Regardless, that doesn’t mean there isn’t value on the board. Which players should you back during tonight’s loaded 12-game slate?
Here are three of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s NBA action.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Jalen Brunson over 27.5 points (-119)
It was not an ideal first game for Jalen Brunson against the Cavaliers. New York’s face of the franchise struggled with his shot, going 5-of-18 from the field. Still, the guard managed to reach 23 points thanks in large part to 13 free-throw attempts. The All-Star’s ability to get to the line gives him a relatively safe floor for production on offense. Considering he was up against a quality Cleveland defense, better times are ahead for JB.
Injuries abound for the Knicks, who could be missing Karl-Anthony Towns (quad) tonight vs. the Celtics. Without his talented running mate, Brunson should have more chances to score. It’s not as if Boston’s defense can be trusted after surrendering 40 points to Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey on Wednesday. Although Derrick White can disrupt opposing backcourts, the same can’t be said for fellow guard Payton Pritchard. Following a difficult first game, I’m expecting Brunson to bounce back in a major way on Friday night.
Cooper Flag over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists (-125)
Cooper Flagg’s much-anticipated debut fell short of expectations on Wednesday. The first overall pick tallied ten points, ten rebounds and no assists over 32 minutes. What was supposed to be a welcoming party for the rookie quickly turned into the Victor Wembanyama show. Fortunately for the Mavericks, they’ll have a significant downgrade in competition tonight. The Wizards are arguably the worst team in basketball, supported by their season-opening 133-120 loss to Milwaukee.
Part of Flagg’s appeal as a prospect is how well-rounded his game is. Although the Duke alum is a capable scorer, he’s smart enough to take what the defense gives him. Against the Wizards, that could be anything. Last season, Washington allowed the second-most points (120.4), fourth-most assists (28.5) and most rebounds (57.1) per game to opponents. Simply put, Flagg will have a number of ways to help his team on Friday. The 18-year-old phenom is poised for his first great NBA performance tonight.
Brice Sensabaugh 3+ three-pointers made (+116)
Utah shocked the world on Wednesday, embarrassing the Clippers by a score of 129-108. Opening night of the NBA season has had some wacky results historically, and this one might prove no different. Regardless, there were plenty of encouraging signs for Jazz fans. That includes the play of Brice Sensabaugh. In just 23 minutes of play, the sharpshooter recorded 20 points, four rebounds and two assists. At 21 years old, the sky is the limit for the former first-round pick. On a potentially rebuilding squad, the Ohio State alum should also have ample opportunity on offense.
What makes Sensabaugh’s future so promising is primarily his ability to knock down threes. Last season, the forward shot a stellar 42.2% clip from beyond the arc. There’s a good chance the youngster enjoys another productive outing this evening. Utah’s opponent on Friday, the Kings, allowed the highest percentage of three-pointers made last season (38.2%). During three of his previous four meetings with Sacramento, Sensabaugh has knocked down at least three treys. More of the same could be on tap tonight from this underrated scorer.
