Guten Tag, NBA fans!
Thursday offers the association’s first-ever matchup in Germany. The Grizzlies (17-22, 10th in West) are the ‘road’ team, taking on the Magic (22-18, 6th in East). Memphis, suffering through a disappointing campaign, still has a path towards postseason contention. Orlando, despite numerous injuries, still wields one of the Eastern Conference’s most talented rosters. These two clubs will get started early, with tip-off scheduled for 2:00 p.m. EST.
Which players are poised for a breakout performance in Berlin? The Magic are favored by 4.5 points (-118) over the Grizzlies, with the over/under set at 228.5 points. Here are two of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s Memphis vs. Orlando matchup.
Grizzlies vs. Magic prop bet picks
Jock Landale 12+ points (-114)
Few teams in the NBA have been as snake-bitten as the Grizzlies this season. Several impact players have spent most, if not all, of the year on the injured list. That includes Zach Edey, still sidelined with an ankle issue. In his absence, backup Jock Landale has done an admirable job at center. Through 37 games, the Aussie is averaging a career-best 11.1 points and 6.3 rebounds. He’s garnered those numbers despite taking the floor for just 22.6 minutes a night.
Equipped with more playing time than usual, Landale has delivered some impressive results recently. In five of the big man’s previous six outings, he’s scored at least 12 points. That includes stellar performances against elite defensive units such as Oklahoma City and San Antonio. The Magic can count themselves among that group, frustrating even the best offensive squads. However, Orlando has surrendered the 11th-most points per game inside the paint (52.2). Landale isn’t a household name, but he’s capable of reaching this modest total.
Franz Wager 16+ points (-122)
You knew we had to shout out the NBA’s preeminent German, Franz Wagner. When healthy, the wing has established himself as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. However, the 24-year-old has missed over a month due to an ankle injury. Fortunately for Orlando, it appears as if the two-way wing will suit up on Thursday. Through 24 games this season, Wagner has accounted for 22.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49% from the field.
There’s a good chance head coach Jamahl Mosley keeps Wagner on a minutes restriction. Still, that’s already reflected in his reasonable 16-point total. The Grizzlies are a league-average defensive unit, ranking middle of the pack in most categories. That’s not enough to sway bettors out of backing Franz on his home turf. Wagner has tallied at least 16 points in all but two of his appearances this season. Even with less playing time than usual, the Berlin native should make his presence felt.
