Season’s greetings, NBA fans! What better way to celebrate Christmas than a five-game, ten-team assortment of hoops? There’s something for everyone when it comes to Thursday’s matchups. It all gets started at noon, when the Cavaliers and Knicks meet for an Eastern Conference showdown. Later, the defending champion Thunder will hope to exact some revenge on the upstart Spurs. As a nightcap, Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves take on Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
Which players should you back on this massive holiday slate? Here are my three favorite NBA player prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Karl-Anthony Towns 11+ rebounds (-130)
With Jalen Brunson earning a rest day, Karl-Anthony Towns took over New York’s offense on Tuesday. Against the Timberwolves, his former team, the center notched 40 points on 14-of-24 shooting from the field (58%). It was the kind of monster performance that has been somewhat lacking for the All-Star this season. Granted, KAT is still putting up impressive numbers. Through 27 games, he’s averaging 22.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
Towns’ shooting prowess is well-established, but he’s also a menace on the glass. The seven-footer, along with fellow big Mitchell Robinson, are a chore for any frontcourt. On Thursday afternoon, the Knicks will welcome an injury-plagued Cavs squad to Madison Square Garden. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley is questionable with a calf strain. That leaves Jarrett Allen and not much else down low for Cleveland. The Cavaliers are allowing 55.6 rebounds per game to opponents, the seventh-worst mark in basketball. Keep in mind, most of those numbers came with Mobley active. KAT has snagged at least 11 boards in 17 of his 27 outings this season. There’s no reason to think he can’t do so again on Christmas.
Stephon Castle 18+ points (-103)
Victor Wembanyama gets most of the attention in San Antonio, and for good reason. Still, that doesn’t mean you should gloss over the rest of this talented roster. The Spurs have built up an enviable amount of depth, especially in the backcourt. Leading the way in that regard is Stephon Castle. Following his Rookie of the Year campaign, the UConn alum has shown no signs of slowing down. Over 20 games, he’s recorded 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists.
Despite mediocre shooting (31% 3PT), the guard knows how to score. In seven of Castle’s previous ten outings, he’s accounted for at least 17 points. That includes two different meetings with Thursday’s opponent, the Thunder. Oklahoma City wields the NBA’s stingiest defense, especially on the perimeter. Still, for whatever reason, it hasn’t had a major impact on Castle. During his last four meetings with OKC, the 21-year-old is averaging 22.0 points on 50% shooting. With Wembanyama likely on a minutes restriction, San Antonio’s other talented youngster should make his presence felt.
Amen Thompson 6+ assists (-107)
Entering the season, point guard was a major question mark for the Rockets. The team has had little issues at the position so far thanks to Amen Thompson. The two-way force began his NBA career as a wing. However, he’s thrived this year as Houston’s lead distributor. Through 27 games, the 22-year-old has produced 17.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Granted, the Rockets aren’t like most teams. Their offense revolves almost entirely around the duo of Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant. That can make it difficult to trust the rest of this roster on any given night.
Regardless, Thompson could be poised for a terrific performance in Hollywood. The Lakers are a flawed group on defense, ranking 19th in points allowed per game (117.4). In addition, they own the NBA’s sixth-worst defensive rating (118.6). Los Angeles has been especially generous to opposing guards, surrendering the ninth-most assists per game (27.7). In comparison, Thompson has dished out at least six dimes in nine of his previous 15 appearances. At plus money, Houston’s budding young star could bring in even more holiday cheer.
