Another day, another jam-packed NBA slate. Thursday’s action gets started early with the first-ever NBA tip-off in Berlin between the Grizzlies and Magic. Later, the Celtics take on the rival Heat in Miami. Elsewhere, the Thunder battle the Rockets in a potential playoff preview. As a nightcap, the Knicks visit the Warriors in San Francisco.
Which players on this nine-game slate should you trust (or fade)? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Payton Pritchard 17+ points (-107)
The upstart Celtics currently sit at third in the Eastern Conference, poised for yet another deep playoff run. What makes this run so impressive is that there’s room for several key pieces to improve going forward. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard hasn’t been bad by any means this season. Still, his transition into the starting lineup hasn’t been seamless. Through 39 games, the guard is averaging 17.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 45% from the field (34% 3PT).
Pritchard has thrived over the past few weeks, averaging 17.1 points on 47% shooting since the start of January. In four of his previous five appearances, the Oregon alum has scored at least 17 points. A date with the Heat should lead to even more buckets. Miami plays at the NBA’s quickest pace on offense (104.4), leading to frequent shootouts. In addition, quality defenders such as Davion Mitchell (shoulder) and Jaime Jacquez Jr. (knee) are questionable. It’s difficult for an already shaky defense to get stops without two of its better perimeter stoppers. All signs are pointing towards another productive evening for Pritchard.
Lauri Markkanen 27+ points (-113)
Speaking of scorers, Lauri Markkanen is enjoying a fantastic campaign in Utah. The former All-Star has been the catalyst for a Jazz offense that ranks sixth in basketball with 119.3 points per game. Lauri is doing his part, delivering a career-best 27.9 points per game. He’s done so on quality 48/37/88 shooting splits, as well. Head coach Will Hardy has utilized an up-tempo offensive scheme this season. That’s given his best players, including Markkanen, a solid floor on any given night.
Thursday presents an opportunity for Utah’s face of the franchise to dominate. Anthony Davis (hand) is injured, leaving the Mavericks vulnerable down low. In addition, backup center Daniel Gafford (ankle) and wing Cooper Flagg (ankle) are questionable. When these teams last met, with Davis healthy, on January 8th, Markkanen tallied 33 points. In fact, the power forward has notched at least 27 points in four of his last five outings. The Finnish phenom should have little difficulty getting open looks in this one.
UPDATE: Markkanen (illness) has been ruled out on Thursday.
Jrue Holiday over 10.5 rebounds + assists (-112)
Acquired this summer, Jrue Holiday hasn’t had much time to make his mark in Portland. The 35-year-old has dealt with injuries for most of the season, returning to action for the first time in months on Sunday. In his two games since returning, the veteran has logged just over 36 combined minutes. Still, the two-way guard remains one of the best players on the court. Through 14 games, he’s accounted for 15.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists.
Holiday, still a terrific defender, can often take a backseat on offense. However, Trail Blazers leading scorer Deni Avdija (back) is doubtful to play tonight. If nothing else, that should grant Holiday more touches than usual on offense. Increased minutes should also be in store for the former All-Star as he continues to get more comfortable. Thursday’s opponents, the Hawks, are allowing the fourth-most assists (27.9) and tenth-most rebounds (54.6) per game. In comparison, Holiday has recorded at least 11 rebounds + assists in ten of his 14 contests this season. A similar outcome feels more than likely tonight.
