The weekend has arrived, offering a 10-game, 20-team slate for hoops fans. Saturday’s set of matchups has something for just about everyone. Looking for a clash between contenders? Rockets vs. Nuggets in Denver fits the bill. Young stars on the rise? Cooper Flagg’s Mavericks visit VJ Edgecombe and the 76ers. Elsewhere, the surprising Celtics and Raptors meet for a crucial Eastern Conference clash.
Which players can you trust ahead of tonight’s action? Here are my three favorite NBA player prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Saturday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Paul George 5+ rebounds (-136)
Friday was a good night for the Sixers, who took down the red-hot Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Philadelphia pulled off the upset despite a lackluster showing from Paul George. The former All-Star tallied seven points on 2-of-10 shooting over 33 minutes. Still, at this point, seeing the oft-injured wing on the floor is encouraging enough. This season, the 35-year-old has suited up for just 11 of the 76ers’ 26 contests. During that time, he’s averaging 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
Tonight presents an ideal opportunity for PG-13 to bounce back. The Mavericks are playing better basketball as of late, but they are still a flawed club. That’s especially true down low without center Dereck Lively II, out for the year with a foot injury. Dallas has struggled to box out, allowing an NBA-worst 58.9 rebounds per game to opponents. In comparison, George has snagged five or more boards in six of his previous seven outings. Consider playing up to six rebounds (+140) on Saturday for this future Hall-of-Famer.
Bennedict Mathurin 3+ three-pointers made (-102)
Despite their injuries, the six-win, Tyrese Haliburton-less Pacers have underperformed. This group still possesses plenty of talent, especially on offense. Pascal Siakam has served as the team’s leading scorer, but don’t forget about Bennedict Mathurin. The score-first wing can be streaky, but he’s capable of putting up points in a hurry. Through 16 games, the Canadian has posted 19.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. In addition, he’s notched 44/39/85 shooting splits.
With that being said, Mathurin hasn’t been at his best as of late. Over his previous three games, the 23-year-old has averaged 12.7 points on 12-of-35 shooting (34.3%). Still, he’s accounted for 20+ points in half of his appearances this season. Tonight, the Pacers will take on a Pelicans team that struggles to defend the perimeter. Opponents are putting up 15.1 three-pointers per game vs. New Orleans, second-most in basketball. Mathurin is averaging 2.6 made shots from long distance; there’s no reason to think he can’t deliver on tonight’s total.
Russell Westbrook 30+ points + rebounds + assists (-124)
Zach LaVine (ankle) is out for the near future, leaving Sacramento short-handed. Keep in mind, fellow All-Star Domantas Sabonis (knee) is also sidelined. That leaves an already mediocre Kings squad without its two leading scorers. Other than DeMar DeRozan, there aren’t many healthy players on this roster that inspire confidence. One pleasant surprise in Sac-Town has been Russell Westbrook. The former MVP signed a one-year prove-it deal this offseason, and it’s worked out for both parties. Over 27 games, Brodie is averaging 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
In spite of middling efficiency, Westbrook’s stat-stuffing prowess makes him an ideal target for bettors. That’s especially true going into Saturday’s Pacific division showdown. The Trail Blazers operate at the NBA’s third-fastest pace on offense (102.6). As a result, there should be extra possessions for both sides. Portland will also be without Jrue Holiday (calf), arguably its best perimeter defender. When these teams last met on Thursday, Westbrook tallied 20 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. A similar performance could be in store for the veteran tonight.
