Just one NBA game, yes one game, is scheduled for Thursday. It’s not as if this is a marquee, can’t miss event, either. With all due respect to Suns-Clippers, this isn’t exactly a battle of the titans.
On paper, such a limited slate might be enough to scare off bettors. However, there’s still value to be had in this matchup. Ahead of this West Coast clash, which players are poised for a big game? Here are my two favorite prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s contest.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Bradley Beal 2+ three-pointers made (-124)
A fresh start hasn’t led to great results for Bradley Beal. It’s early, but the guard hasn’t impressed to start his time in Los Angeles. Through four games, the three-time All-Star is averaging 8.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Granted, his shooting splits aren’t bad (48/40/67). The bigger issue has been carving out a role on the Clippers behind Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Following Beal’s disastrous tenure in Phoenix, you’d be forgiven for doubting him at this point.
For one night at least, the veteran will have a chance to lead LA’s offense. Both Harden (personal) and Leonard (ankle) have been ruled out of Thursday’s contest. That leaves the Clippers with a major lack of ball handlers and playmakers. Beal hasn’t played more than 21 minutes in any of his outings; I’d expect that to change tonight. In addition, the Suns are allowing the 12th-highest three-point percentage to opponents this season (36.4%). In this potential revenge game, Beal should find some success from deep against Phoenix.
Royce O’Neale 10+ points (+108)
Despite their 3-5 record, the Suns have some reason for optimism. That’s due to Jalen Green, expected to make his season debut tonight. The key piece brought back during this summer’s Kevin Durant trade, the guard brings much-needed energy to Phoenix’s offense. However, forward Dillon Brooks (groin) won’t be available tonight. That should give fellow wing Royce O’Neale more usage, even with Green healthy.
O’Neale is the kind of three-and-D specialist sought after by almost every team. Through eight games this season, he’s averaging 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Granted, that production will likely go down once Green gets settled into Phoenix’s rotation. That might not be the case tonight as the youngster works his way back from a hamstring injury. To make things more enticing, O’Neale has done quite well against the Clippers throughout his career. In six of his last seven meetings with Los Angeles, the veteran has notched at least ten points. With Brooks out of the lineup, that’s a reasonable target for bettors at plus money.
