It’s Thursday, which means a select four-game slate of NBA action. Although most of the association is taking a break, there’s still plenty of intrigue on tap. Steph Curry’s Warriors visit Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks in a battle of MVPs. Elsewhere, the Heat will hope to slow down Victor Wembanyama’s undefeated Spurs.
One thing is certain: these games aren’t lacking in star power. Who should bettors back, or fade, tonight? Here are my three favorite player prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for today’s NBA matchups.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Wendell Carter Jr. under 8.5 rebounds (-103)
The Magic entered the regular season with high expectations. They’ve fallen well short of title contention thus far, losing four of their first five games. Offense, as always, has been an issue for most of Orlando’s roster. That includes Wendell Carter Jr., averaging 9.0 points on mediocre shooting (40% FG). However, the center has helped out with a team-leading 8.2 rebounds per game.
WCJ’s work on the glass, while admirable, might not be sustainable. Last season, the big man nabbed more than eight boards in just 25 of his 68 outings. In addition, the Duke alum has only seen the floor for just over 28 minutes per game. That level of usage doesn’t lend itself to consistent production. Tonight’s opponents, the Hornets, have held opponents to 43.0 rebounds per game, the lowest mark in basketball. Charlotte’s effort boxing out, mixed with Orlando’s glacial pace on offense, makes for a dangerous combination. Carter Jr.’s chances at flirting with a double-double are slim.
Steph Curry 27+ points (-110)
Sometimes, it’s good to go with what you know. Few players in NBA history have matched Steph Curry’s consistency. For nearly two decades, the 37-year-old has flummoxed opposing defenses with his blend of elite shooting and savvy playmaking. Through five games this season, the ageless wonder is averaging 27.0 points on 50.6% shooting (42.3% 3PT). However, the point guard has failed to reach 20 points in each of his previous two appearances.
There’s a good chance Curry returns to All-Star form tonight. The Bucks aren’t exactly a defensive juggernaut, especially on the perimeter. New York’s Jalen Brunson just torched them for 36 points on Monday. A similarly crafty, elusive guard such as Steph should find a way to produce. Over his previous three meetings with Milwaukee, the future Hall of Famer has tallied at least 29 points. Against mediocre defense, backing a generational talent is never a bad idea.
Devin Vassell 3+ three-pointers made (-127)
San Antonio’s offense revolves around Victor Wembanyama, and for good reason. Still, there’s several talented pieces surrounding the young center. That includes Devin Vassell, one of the longest tenured members of the Spurs. Through four games, the wing is averaging 16.8 points on solid 46/43/67 shooting splits. So far, he leads the team in three-pointers made (3.3) and attempted (7.5) per game. Open looks from deep should continue going forward, as defenses prioritize stopping Wemby.
Vassell isn’t always the most consistent sharpshooter. Still, he should get ample opportunity to do damage tonight. Thursday’s opponent, the Heat, have been lax when it comes to guarding the perimeter. Teams are attempting the third-most treys per game against Miami (43.8). During two meetings between these two teams last season, Vassell took a combined 20 three-pointers. That level of volume is difficult to ignore. San Antonio’s third-leading scorer should make an impact from beyond the arc in this one.
