Another NBA Cup evening is upon us, with nine marquee matchups in store for hoops fans. That includes a superstar showdown between Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves and Devin Booker’s Suns. Elsewhere, the Nuggets take on the Rockets in a battle between title contenders.
With so many big names in action, who should bettors back tonight? Here are my three favorite NBA player prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Jarrett Allen 15+ points (+100)
A championship-caliber Cavaliers squad has been carried by the two-headed monster of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. However, Cleveland’s success, especially on defense, can be credited in large part to Jarrett Allen. This season, the center is averaging 14.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 58% from the field. Those numbers, while solid, are a bit lackluster compared to previous campaigns. Still, the 6’11” big man remains a nightly double-double threat.
That’s especially true against teams that are compromised down low. Among basketball’s most vulnerable front courts, Indiana stands out. After losing Myles Turner to Milwaukee this summer, the Pacers have shuffled through several uninspiring options at the five. Unsurprisingly, they’ve surrendered an NBA-worst 55.9 points in the paint per game. Allen has managed to reach at least 15 points in half of his appearances so far. If he was ever going to do so again, it’s during tonight’s contest.
Payton Pritchard 24+ points + assists (-104)
At 8-7, the Celtics remain in contention for a postseason spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston’s biggest strength is its backcourt, including Payton Pritchard. Last season’s Sixth Man of the Year has struggled adjusting to a new starting role over the past month. However, the guard has had a return to form over the past week. During Pritchard’s last three games, he’s averaging 25.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. In addition, he’s logged at least 30 minutes in each of those outings.
Pritchard will look to continue his hot streak tonight against arguably the worst team in basketball. The two-win Nets have been an embarrassment on both ends of the court, including a 113-99 loss to the Celtics on Tuesday. In that one, Pritchard managed to produce 22 points, ten rebounds and five assists. This season, Brooklyn has surrendered the eighth-most points (121.3) and fourth-most assists (29.1) per game to opponents. As long as this doesn’t become a blowout, Boston’s ball handler is poised for a solid stat line.
Cooper Flagg 4+ assists (-118)
An underhanded Mavericks squad kept things surprisingly close during Wednesday’s loss to the Knicks. Following a one-game absence due to illness, Cooper Flagg will return to action tonight for Dallas. It’s been an up-and-down start for the number one pick. Through 15 games, he’s notched 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Shooting struggles (29% 3PT) have been an issue, but the Duke alum’s talent is undeniable. With Anthony Davis (calf) injured, the 18-year-old has operated as the team’s number one option on offense.
An underrated aspect of Flagg’s game is his playmaking ability. With defenses honed in on stopping the rookie, he usually has ample opportunity to find open teammates. The bigger issue is that Dallas’s woeful offense hasn’t knocked down shots. However, tonight’s contest could offer up a change of pace. The Pelicans wield one of the NBA’s worst defenses, allowing the sixth-most points (122.1) and seventh-most assists (28.1) per game. Given how bad the Mavs have looked, it’s unlikely this one becomes a blowout, either. Flagg has recorded four or more dimes in over half of his appearances. Expect a similar output from the youngster on Friday.
