Entering the new year, Detroit sits atop the Eastern Conference with a 25-8 record. The Pistons will now head back home for a potential postseason preview. Despite numerous injuries, the Heat are alive and kicking at 18-15. Tonight, Miami will hope to secure an impressive victory against one of the NBA’s best squads.
Who is set up for a big performance on Thursday night? The Pistons are favored by 5.5 points (-105) over the Heat, with the over/under set at 236.5 points. Here are two of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s Miami vs. Detroit matchup.
Heat vs. Pistons prop bet picks
Nikola Jovic 9+ points (-125)
Injuries are once again running rampant for Miami. Tyler Herro (toe) and Pelle Larsson (ankle) have both been ruled out tonight. That means plenty of minutes are available for some lesser-used Heat players. One name that should benefit on Thursday is Nikola Jovic. As a bench piece, the 22-year-old has notched 8.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game this season. From the field, he’s shooting an inefficient 40% (32% 3PT).
Inconsistent shooting has held Jovic back this season. However, he’s looked better over the past week. During the youngster’s previous three games, he’s averaging 17.0 points. It’s no coincidence that Herro was sidelined in each of those matchups. Detroit’s defense is stellar, but weaker than usual heading into this one. Both Tobias Harris (hip) and Caris LeVert (knee) are out on Thursday. Missing two veterans leaves the Pistons somewhat vulnerable on the wings. A big, versatile forward such as Jovic should take advantage. Given this modest total, the Serbian is slightly undervalued.
Ausar Thompson 20+ points + rebounds + assists (-113)
Detroit wields one of the association’s deepest rosters, filled with high-level young players. That includes Ausar Thompson, already considered an elite perimeter defender. With that being said, the third-year pro isn’t a slouch on the other end of the floor. Through 29 games this season, he’s accounted for 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Despite lacking a true three-point shot, Thompson’s athleticism often leads to plenty of highlight finishes at the rim.
Ausar is an all-around contributor, which makes him somewhat difficult to bet on. However, he’s tallied 20+ points + rebounds + assists in six of his previous 12 appearances. It helps that the Heat operate at the NBA’s quickest pace on offense. That lends itself to more possessions compared to your typical contest. As previously mentioned, the Pistons will be without forwards Harris and LeVert. That means more potential minutes for Thompson, who will be needed to slow down Miami sharpshooter Norman Powell. The 22-year-old phenom is poised for an impressive offensive showing on Thursday.
