Saturday’s NBA slate gives hoops fans eight games with 16 different teams taking the floor. Among the matchups to watch, Jalen Brunson’s Knicks host the 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Elsewhere, the Rockets take on the Mavericks for an in-state rivalry. Later, the Celtics head to So-Cal to take on the red-hot Clippers.
Who should bettors back ahead of tonight’s hoops 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 3+ three-pointers made (-101)
It’s been another tumultuous season in Philadelphia for Paul George. The veteran has only suited up for 16 of a potential 32 games this year. When healthy, the nine-time All-Star remains a difference maker. He’s currently averaging 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Career-worst counting stats are partially a result of George’s lackluster 41% field goal percentage. Regardless, the continued absence of Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) means more available minutes at forward.
One area of George’s game that hasn’t declined is his shooting from long distance. The wing is connecting on 39% of his three-point attempts this season. In five of his last eight outings, the 35-year-old has drained at least three three-pointers. That bodes well going into Saturday’s meeting with the Knicks. New York is giving up 14.5 three-pointers made per game, tied for the NBA’s third-worst mark. At essentially even money, George’s shooting is being undervalued tonight.
Donovan Clingan 11+ rebounds (-130)
Despite their 15-20 record, the Trail Blazers have added some impressive young talent in recent years. One name that flies under the radar is Donovan Clingan. A former champion at UConn, the center is already an intimidating presence inside the paint. Over 31 games, he’s accounted for 10.8 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field. Clingan’s most impressive stat? He’s garnered only 26.4 minutes per game.
Clingan has seen his workload, and production, increase over the past few weeks. That’s especially true on the glass; he’s secured at least ten rebounds in nine of his previous 15 outings. Typically, a date with the Spurs would represent a threat to that streak. However, Victor Wembanyama (knee) remains out, leaving these Western Conference contenders shorthanded down low. With respect to backup Luke Kornet, it’s never been easier to grab boards against San Antonio. Another double-digit showing is the expectation for Clingan this evening.
Alperen Sengun 22+ points (-103)
The addition of Kevin Durant this summer elevated the Rockets into title-contender status. However, Alperen Sengun has been just as lethal this season. The Turkish big man is putting up 22.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. In addition, he’s notched 51/32/73 shooting splits. That level of all-around production is valuable, but it also makes Sengun a tricky player to bet on. The 23-year-old is more than content to serve as a distributor rather than a scorer.
With that being said, Sengun is set up for plenty of points on Saturday. Despite rostering several centers, including Anthony Davis, the Mavericks have been surprisingly vulnerable down low. They have allowed the most points in the paint per game (55.8) to opponents. Sengun has tallied at least 22 points in five of his previous seven meetings with Dallas. There’s no reason to think the All-Star can’t do so once again. Back this up-and-coming center against a weakened frontcourt tonight.
