The NBA Cup is set to resume this weekend in Las Vegas. However, the 26 other clubs across the association are set to take the floor as well. On Friday, 14 of those teams will suit up for a seven-game slate. Plenty of matchups means plenty of options for basketball bettors.
Still, making sense of this group of games is easier said than done. Which names can you trust tonight? Here are my three favorite NBA player prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Joel Embiid 22+ points (-124)
It’s been a disappointing season to say the least for Joel Embiid. The former MVP has looked like a shell of himself, in part due to nagging injuries. Through nine games, he’s averaging 18.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 41% from the field. Those aren’t bad numbers per se, but its a far cry from the All-Star’s stat-stuffing prime. The decline in efficiency has been notable from beyond the arc, where Embiid has only hit 21% of his three-point attempts.
As bad as things have been for Embiid, Friday has the potential to be much different. For starters, Tyrese Maxey, Philly’s leading scorer, is questionable to play with an illness. Tonight’s opponent, the Pacers, are lacking on defense, partially due to the offseason departure of Myles Turner. Indiana has allowed 118.8 points per game to opponents, seventh-most in basketball. That includes the ninth-most points in the paint per game (52.9). The combination of centers Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson should be no match for even this current version of Embiid.
Ryan Kalkbrenner 9+ points (-107)
Despite their mediocre 7-17 record, there’s more reason than ever for optimism in Charlotte. The Hornets wield a talented young roster filled with potential standouts. One of the more unexpected names in that group is Ryan Kalkbrenner. The second-round pick has earned an immediate role down low, serving as the team’s starting center. So far, so good for the 23-year-old; he’s posted 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. In addition, he’s notched an 80% field goal percentage.
Despite starting almost all of Charlotte’s games, Kalkbrenner doesn’t reach 30 minutes on most nights. That can make his offensive output somewhat unpredictable. With that being said, Friday presents an ideal spot for the big man to contribute. The Bulls have allowed 53.8 points in the paint this season, fourth-most in basketball. In addition, backup centers Jalen Smith (hamstring) and Zach Collins (wrist) are both battling injuries. That leaves Nikola Vucevic, a lackluster rim protector, to take on a larger workload. Add it all up, and nine points feels obtainable for Kalkbrenner.
Josh Giddey 2+ three-pointers made (-133)
We’ll stay in Buzz City, where the visiting Bulls are on pace for another forgettable season. However, Josh Giddey has given fans some hope over the season’s first two months. Over 21 games, he’s put up 20.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists. In addition, he’s shooting 47% from the field. That includes a career-best 39.6% mark from three-point range on 4.6 attempts. The Aussie, always seen as an all-around threat, has forced defenders to respect his shooting.
The previously mentioned Hornets have struggled mightily on defense, especially from long distance. Charlotte has surrendered the 12th-most three-pointers made (13.5) and highest three-point percentage (39.3%) to opponents. When these teams last met, on November 28th, Giddey drained three long balls. In fact, the guard has nailed two or more treys in six of his last eight outings. Another stellar shooting performance is more than likely for Chicago’s leading man.
