It’s only November, but NBA contenders are beginning to separate themselves from the pretenders. Wednesday’s nine-game slate should give fans an even better idea as to which teams are for real, and which aren’t close. That includes clubs with championship aspirations, such as the Cavaliers, Knicks, Rockets, Nuggets and Thunder.
With so many star-studded squads in action, the options are endless for bettors. Which players are poised for a stellar outing this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Wednesday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Jimmy Butler 29+ points + rebounds (-110)
The Warriors are going to South Beach tonight, which makes this matchup personal for Jimmy Butler. Miami’s longtime face of the franchise went through a nasty breakup last winter, eventually getting traded to Golden State. Through 15 games this season, the wing is averaging 20.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists. As always, the 36-year-old has been efficient, shooting 54/46/86 from the field. Still, Butler’s production can often take a backseat to leading scorer Steph Curry.
With that being said, the Warriors are short-handed in their front court. Forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) is unlikely to suit up. In addition, Curry tweaked his right ankle last night vs. Orlando, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater; he won’t suit up on Wednesday. Without the guard, Butler is poised for a busy evening. Miami’s offense plays at the fastest pace in basketball (105.8). That means plenty of extra possessions for both sides. As a result, the Heat have surrendered the eighth-most points (121.5) and fourth-most rebounds (58.6) per game to opponents. All signs are pointing to a stat-stuffing performance for Jimmy Buckets.
NOTE: Butler (back) has been listed as questionable to play tonight vs. Miami.
Josh Hart 27 points + rebounds + assists (-110)
Jalen Brunson (ankle) and OG Anunoby (hamstring) are both sidelined. That leaves the Knicks in a precarious spot, down two of their best players. After starting the season as a sixth man, Josh Hart now returns to New York’s starting lineup. The wing, while somewhat limited as a scorer, is a true jack of all trades. Over 12 games this season, he’s recorded 9.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists. During his previous two appearances, both against Miami, Hart accumulated 26 total points, 16 rebounds and 19 assists.
Wednesday presents another opportunity for Hart to deliver an all-around outing. The 4-11 Mavericks are a mess, plagued by injuries and a stagnant offense. One area where the team has struggled is down low, due in part to the continued absence of Anthony Davis (calf). Although center Dereck Lively II is back, boxing out remains an issue. Dallas has coughed up the 13th-most points (117.2) and third-most rebounds (55.3) per game to opponents. Given the lack of mouths to feed for New York, Hart should have little difficulty making his presence felt.
Jamal Murray 3+ three-pointers made (-131)
A revamped Nuggets squad still depends heavily on the duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. For the latter, it’s been a predictably good start to the new season. Through 12 games, he’s accounted for 23.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. In addition, the guard is shooting an efficient 47% from the field. The Canadian has been solid from deep as well, knocking down 36% of his three-point attempts. That’s come despite hoisting a career-high 7.0 shots per game from beyond the arc.
The defensive attention Jokic demands usually leads to open shots for his teammates. That’s especially true when facing a mediocre defense. This season, the Pelicans have allowed the sixth-most points (121.9) and third-most three-pointers made (15.1) per game. When these teams last met on October 25th, Murray managed to knock down three long balls. That was despite shooting a lackluster 36% from the field in just 25 minutes. Denver’s slept-on star has reached three treys in half of his appearances so far. There’s no reason to believe he can’t do so again vs. New Orleans’ perimeter defense.
