New Year’s Eve is here, one of the most exciting days on the sporting calendar. The holiday spirit can be found across the NBA, with nine games between 18 teams tipping off tonight. This afternoon, the Cavaliers will hope to pick up a much-needed win when they host the surprisingly competitive Suns. Later, it’s an NBA Cup Finals rematch between the contending Knicks and Spurs. Elsewhere, the Nuggets take the court without Nikola Jokic against the Raptors.
With so many games in action, which players can bettors trust? Here are my three favorite player prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Wednesday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Ayo Dosunmu 2+ three-pointers made (+115)
The Bulls have been the definition of mediocrity for the past handful of seasons. However, the team does do one thing exceptionally well: playing fast. Chicago ranks second in the NBA in pace. Granted, that leaves an already mediocre defense somewhat vulnerable. Regardless, it creates opportunities for several players on the roster to put up counting stats. Look no further than Ayo Dosunmu. The fifth-year pro is putting up 13.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Dosunmu’s most impressive stats have come from the field. This season, the guard is shooting an efficient 50% from the field. In addition, he’s knocking down a career-best 43% of his three-point attempts. Tonight’s opponent, the Pelicans, have struggled to defend the perimeter. New Orleans has surrendered 14.9 three-pointers per game, the NBA’s second-worst mark. Dosunmu has nailed multiple shots from beyond the arc in 14 of his 26 appearances this season. Another productive evening from long distance is likelier than not for Chicago’s underrated playmaker.
Jonas Valanciunas 11+ rebounds (+109)
As previously mentioned, the Nuggets are going to be without Nikola Jokic. The center suffered a knee injury on Monday night, keeping him out of action for at least four weeks. That leaves plenty of touches, and minutes, up for grabs in Denver. One of the biggest beneficiaries is expected to be Jonas Valanciunas. The center has served as an overqualified backup this season. Through 32 games, he’s notched 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 59% from the field.
The Lithuanian is at his best on the glass, making life difficult on opposing frontcourts. Valanciunas is averaging 12.6 rebounds per 36 minutes this season. That bodes well for him heading into Wednesday’s matchup up north. The Raptors are without center Jakob Poeltl (back). In the Austrian’s absence, offensively-minded Sandro Mamukelashvili is slated to start. Toronto has allowed 55.0 boards over its last three games, the NBA’s tenth-worst mark during that stretch. Valanciunas, with limited internal competition, should have little difficulty securing double-digit rebounds tonight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo 28+ points (-107)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is back, making his return to the court from injury last weekend. Despite their disappointing start, the Bucks still have plenty to play for in a wide-open Eastern Conference. During his limited time on the court, the Greek Freak has been his usual dominant self. Over 19 outings this season, he’s recorded 28.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. In addition, he’s shooting 64% from the field and 41% from three-point range.
Antetokounmpo has the upper hand against almost every squad, let alone one of the NBA’s worst. That’s what makes tonight’s contest against the Wizards so enticing. During his previous ten meetings with Washington, Giannis has delivered 33.7 points per game on 64% shooting. In years past, there would be a real blowout risk against such a pathetic opponent. However, it’s hard to feel that confident in the 14-19 Bucks. Assuming this one remains close in the fourth quarter, Milwaukee’s franchise cornerstone should flirt with 30 points.
