The weekend has arrived, so what better time than now to dive into some NBA action? Friday’s jam-packed slate of hoops offers up 12 games between 24 different teams. Among the matchups to watch, ancient rivals are set to meet when the Celtics host the Lakers. Elsewhere, Southeast division foes will clash when the Heat take on the Magic. As a nightcap, the juggernaut Thunder will battle Anthony Davis and the Mavericks.
Which players are set to exceed expectations this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Wendell Carter Jr. 21+ points + rebounds (-107)
Paolo Banchero (groin) could take the court for the first time in nearly a month; he’s listed as questionable tonight. Still, even if the power forward does suit up, it’s unlikely he takes on a full workload. Keeping that in mind, some of Orlando’s other bigs should continue to see an expanded role on Friday. One player that fits the bill is Wendell Carter Jr., one of the more talented scorers on the roster. Through 21 games this season, WCJ is averaging 12.0 points and 7.6 rebounds to go with 52/42/80 shooting splits.
Orlando’s deliberate pace on offense can limit the production for most of its players. Still, in the right spot, that’s not a deal breaker. In comparison, the Heat play at the fastest tempo in all of basketball. As a result, there should be more possessions than usual for the Magic. Miami has surrendered the ninth-most points (118.4) and third-most rebounds (58.1) per game to its opponents. Carter Jr. has reached 21 points + rebounds in four of his last six appearances. There’s no reason to think he can’t do so again on Friday.
Evan Mobley 20+ points (-123)
Despite massive offseason expectations, this season hasn’t gotten off to a great start in Cleveland. That’s due in part to a middling campaign from Evan Mobley. Over 22 games this season, the power forward has posted 19.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Those aren’t bad numbers by any means, but it hasn’t been the ‘next step’ that many fans were hoping for. The defensive specialist remains an All-Star caliber player, but his offensive output can be difficult to predict.
With that being said, tonight presents an opportunity for Mobley to dominate. On paper, the Spurs aren’t an easy matchup for any big man. However, Victor Wembanyama is still sidelined due to a calf injury. In addition, backup center Luke Kornet is currently listed as questionable due to left ankle soreness. San Antonio has surrendered an average of 58.0 points in the paint over his previous three games. That’s the fourth-highest total in basketball during that time. Mobley should have little trouble putting up points against a depleted front court.
UPDATE: Mobley (illness) has been downgraded to questionable tonight.
Dillon Brooks under 22.5 points (-121)
Devin Booker (groin) is hurt, opening up more touches for the rest of Phoenix’s offense. Right now, the number one option on offense for the Suns is Dillon Brooks. For anyone that follows the NBA, this is a surprising development. The Canadian has made his biggest mark as a defender throughout his career. Not until this season has the 29-year-old shown an ability to serve as a lead scorer. Through 16 games, he’s recorded 22.3 points per game on 46/32/85 shooting splits. That includes a 33-point masterpiece against the Lakers on Monday.
For a player that has never averaged more than 18.4 points per game, this season has been shocking. Granted, the Suns are lacking in scorers without both Booker and Jalen Green (hamstring). Still, regression to the mean is likely inevitable for Brooks. That could come as soon as Friday in a difficult matchup against Houston. The Rockets are holding opponents to 110.3 points per game, the NBA’s second-lowest mark. Against his former squad, Brooks and his teammates could struggle to generate open looks tonight.
