On Thanksgiving Eve, it’s a loaded nine-game slate of NBA action awaiting hoops fans. It all gets started early, at 5:00 pm EST, when the surging Pistons visit the Celtics. Later, the Timberwolves and Thunder will battle in a Western Conference Finals rematch. As a nightcap, it’s another postseason reunion between the Rockets and the Warriors.
With so many players taking the floor, options are endless for bettors. Who is poised for a stellar outing this evening? In contrast, is there anyone you should fade? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Wednesday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Jalen Brunson 7+ assists (+100)
Even at 10-6, it hasn’t been a perfect start to the season for New York. However, that’s mainly due to inconsistent effort on defense. Offensively, the Knicks rank among the association’s most potent units. That’s no shock with Jalen Brunson leading the way. Through 14 games, the guard is averaging 28.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists. As always, he’s delivered efficient shooting splits (48/37/86). Even on a roster loaded with talent, JB remains the clear number one option.
An underrated aspect of Brunson’s game is his passing ability. Granted, the All-Star is often in score first mode, but that can change on any given night. That could be the case on Wednesday, in which the Knicks take on a lackluster Hornets defense. This season, Charlotte has allowed the eighth-most points (120.4) and fourth-most assists (29.1) per game to opponents. In seven of Brunson’s 14 appearances, he’s racked up at least seven dimes. At even money, I’m willing to bet that New York’s captain cashes in.
A.J. Green 3+ three-pointers made (-117)
In the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo (adductor), the Bucks have had to get creative on offense. That’s led to plenty of three-point attempts, a strength for the team. Milwaukee’s most dependable shooter this season has been A.J. Green. Over 18 games, he’s averaging 10.7 points on 47/47/76 splits. The most impressive statistic for the 26-year-old is his volume. Green is attempting a team-leading 6.5 three-pointers despite playing just over 28 minutes per game.
There’s a chance Antetokounmpo finally returns to action tonight. That could limit production for most of his teammates. However, the Greek Freak’s ability to draw defenders could give Green more open looks from deep. It helps that tonight’s matchup is against Miami, the NBA’s leaders in pace of play. The Heat have held opponents to an NBA-worst 32% from three-point range. However, teams have still knocked down 14.2 long balls per game, ninth-most in basketball. Green has hit three or more treys in 13 of his 18 outings so far. Expect another productive evening for Milwaukee’s sharpshooter.
Donovan Clingan 22+ points + rebounds (-114)
At 8-10, the Trail Blazers are off to another mediocre start. Record aside, there’s an impressive amount of young talent on this roster. One of the names most fans don’t get a chance to watch often is Donovan Clingan. The UConn alum enjoyed a decent, albeit limited rookie campaign. Now, in year two, he’s beginning to look like a high-end starting center. Through 18 games, the 21-year-old has recorded 10.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.
Portland’s big man has been an offensive force recently, reaching 14+ points in four of his last six outings. He’ll look to continue that momentum in what looks to be a difficult matchup vs. San Antonio. However, a Spurs team missing Victor Wembanyama (calf) is far less formidable on the glass. Over their last three games, they’ve coughed up the ninth-most rebounds (56.0) to opponents. A few boards, along with some timely buckets down low, should give Clingan another impressive stat line.
