After yesterday’s one-game slate, Friday offers up a ton of NBA action. 11 matchups between 22 teams are set to tip off tonight. That gives bettors plenty of options to choose from.
With so many squads in action, narrowing it down to a few player props can be overwhelming. Which names should you back, and which should you fade, on Friday? Here are my three favorite prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Derrick White under 2.5 three-pointers made (+113)
This season has been a struggle to say the least for Derrick White. Through nine games, the guard is averaging 14.1 points on dismal 32/27/83 shooting splits. It’s not the kind of production the Celtics were expecting, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined. Over time, there’s a good chance White puts it all together. After all, he’s a career 45% shooter. However, a return to form may not be in the cards on Friday.
Boston will face stiff opposition tonight. The Magic wield one of the NBA’s stiffest defenses, so scoring opportunities could be limited. That’s also due to the Celtics, who are playing at the NBA’s slowest pace on offense. Orlando excels at the perimeter, limiting teams to 10.4 three-pointers made per game. That’s the third-lowest total in basketball. White hasn’t recorded more than three treys in two of his previous eight meetings with the Magic. Given his current shooting struggles, I’m not expecting a sudden change during tonight’s contest.
Jaren Jackson Jr. 26+ points + rebounds (-110)
Ja Morant drama aside, Jaren Jackson Jr. is firmly established as Memphis’ best player. The big man is dangerous on both ends of the floor, giving the Grizzlies a scorer and rim protector. Through nine games this season, he’s posted 17.0 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but the 26-year-old is averaging just under 29 minutes per game. Expect his usage to increase going forward.
That could come as soon as Friday, against an injury-ravaged Mavericks club. Anthony Davis (calf) and Dereck Lively II (knee) are both out tonight. That leaves this group incredibly thin down low. Unsurprisingly, Dallas is allowing the most rebounds per game to opponents (65.9). Jackson Jr. has notched at least 26 points + rebounds during four of his previous six meetings with the Mavs. Given how depleted this front court looks, JJJ is poised for one of his best outings of the season.
LaMelo Ball 15+ assists + rebounds (-101)
Few players are as divisive as LaMelo Ball. Where some see a future All-Star, others see a selfish ball-hog. The truth is likely somewhere in the middle. Shot IQ and decision-making still need improvement, but the 24-year-old brings a lot to an offensively-limited Hornets club. This season, the guard is averaging 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game. From the field, he’s delivered 43/33/82 shooting splits. Brandon Miller (shoulder) remains out, leaving Charlotte without its second-best player.
Due to a lack of competition for touches, Ball should have full control of the offense tonight. However, scoring baskets could be a challenge against a solid perimeter defense. Instead, the youngster could make more of an impact as a passer and on the glass. The Heat have allowed the most assists per game (30.9) and 12th-most rebounds per game (55.0) to opponents. In seven of Ball’s previous eight outings vs. Miami, he’s accounted for at least 15 assists + rebounds. That kind of track record is difficult to ignore.
*As of Friday morning, Ball (ankle) is listed as questionable to play in tonight’s game.
