Hopefully, you were able to score all the Black Friday deals you were looking for and can settle in this Friday night for a great sports evening, including 11 huge NBA matchups that conclude group play for the NBA Cup. The first game of Prime Video’s doubleheader is the Knicks hosting the Bucks in an Eastern Conference Group C matchup. Let’s take a look at that matchup and find a few player prop bets that make sense to back this Friday night.
In the bigger picture, on DraftKings Sportsbook, the Knicks are 8.5-point home favorites, with the game total set at 229.5 points.
Both teams in this game are still alive to win the group, with the Heat already done with group play at 3-1, and the winner of this game also finishing 3-1 in group play. The Knicks would clinch the group with a win, but the Bucks need a win and some help to get a wild-card spot.
Earlier this season, the Bucks beat the Knicks, 121-111 in Milwaukee, but this game is in New York. Plus, the Bucks may be without Giannis Antetokounmpo (groin, questionable), who has missed the last four contests — contributing to Milwaukee’s six-game losing streak.
The Knicks are 11-6 overall and 8-1 at home, while the Bucks are 8-11 overall and 3-5 on the road. It should be a hard-fought game with plenty of excitement in the spotlight, so let’s grab some top player prop bets that look like good spots to attack this Friday night.
Bucks vs. Knicks Best Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Jalen Brunson 31+ Points (-108)
Brunson is averaging 28.6 points in 15 games this season, but he should be especially fired up for this home game in a favorable matchup. He hasn’t played at home since returning from an ankle injury, but he has had at least 33 points in two of his four road games. He had 33 points in just 34 minutes on Wednesday in a win over the Hornets.
He had at least 31 points in each of his last two home games before the injury, meaning he has hit this prop in four of his last six outings.
With the added NBA Cup hype and his first home game since his ankle injury, we should be in for a big Brunson night. While his combos are tantalizing as well, I’m just taking his straight points prop in this contest, especially since the Bucks have been the third-most favorable matchup for point guards this season.
Miles McBride 12+ points (+111)
McBride can be a streaky producer, and with Brunson back, it might seem like his role would be reduced. He’s actually started the last two games, though, filling in for the injured Landry Shamet (shoulder).
In his first start in Shamet’s spot, McBride had only nine points against the Nets, but then he found his stride with 19 points against the Hornets on Wednesday. He has at least 11 points in three of his last four outings and at least nine points in seven straight.
He’s only scored 12+ points in four of his 14 games this season, but his expanded role should give him enough space to put up at least a dozen points on Friday night.
Gary Trent Jr. over 2.5 3PM (+137)
It’s hard to pinpoint a Bucks option in these player prop bets since Giannis’ presence or absence makes such a huge difference in either direction. One that I like a lot that comes with plus-money odds is Trent to hit at least three threes.
Trent had two threes in the first meeting with New York and has hit at least two threes in six straight games. He knocked down five three-pointers against the Heat on Wednesday and hit at least three in half of his games during that stretch.
He’s made at least four three-pointers in two of his last four games against the Knicks as well, so he should be ready to rise to the occasion in this rematch. If Giannis plays, he’ll draw more attention and possibly create better looks for Trent. If he sits, Trent would have to carry more of the offense. Either way, this player prop seems to have good value at this price point, and Trent has the upside to go off on Friday night.
