The NBA features six games Sunday night, and one will take place in the same city that will host the AFC Championship next week. While the Broncos get ready for that matchup next Sunday, the Denver Nuggets will take on the Charlotte Hornets this Sunday night. Even without a few key stars, there are still some great player prop bets to consider in Sunday night’s matchup, which tips off at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Overall, the Nuggets are 1.5-point home underdogs, with the point total set at 227.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Hornets are favored in this game since the Nuggets won’t have Nikola Jokic still along with Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun. They’re finishing a home back-to-back after beating the Wizards on Saturday, 121-115. Jamal Murray is probable and Aaron Gordon is questionable for the second half of the back-to-back, leaving the Nuggets’ rotation a little uncertain. Denver has won four straight despite their injuries and are 29-13 after beating the Pelicans, Mavericks and Wizards this week.
The Hornets are 15-27 coming into this matchup after splitting the first four games on this trip, alternating wins over the Jazz and Lakers with losses to the Clippers and Warriors. The Hornets are playing for the second day in a row after losing Saturday in San Francisco, but their injury report is relatively clean, especially compared to the Nuggets’.
It should be a close, interesting inter-Conference matchup to enjoy this Sunday night, so let’s dive in and highlight the best player prop bets on the board.
Hornets vs. Nuggets Best Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Jamal Murray over 37.5 Points + Assists (-120)
Murray has been carrying the load for the Nuggets in the midst of their injuries, and he is probable with an illness and his ankle injury, but as long as he’s available, he’ll be in a good spot to keep rolling.
Murray has gone over this prop in six straight games, producing 42.33 points and assists per contest. Murray had 42 points alone on Saturday night in the smash spot against the Wizards and has 30+ points in three straight contests, mostly on the strength of a total of 12 3-pointers.
Even in games when he hasn’t scored a ton of points, Murray has picked up his assist production lately, with at least nine assists in three of his last five games and five of his last 10.
With his potential to go off in either category, he should be able to go over this prop line once again on Sunday as long as his illness or ankle injury doesn’t cut into his minutes.
Peyton Watson over 18.5 points (-118)
Watson has been the other main contributor in the Nuggets offense, taking his game to a whole new level while his teammates have been banged up. If Gordon is out for the second night of the back-to-back, that could leave even more work for the emerging offensive contributor.
Watson has averaged 23.6 points per game over his last 10 games, scoring at least 19 points in nine of those 10 games. His high point during that stretch was 31 points against the Pelicans last week and last night he had 21 points against the Wizards.
With how good he has been lately, this seems like a great line to attack with Watson, and you can also get 25+ points at +275 if you’re looking for a more aggressive line to attack with Watson’s scoring.
Kon Knueppel 18+ points (-115)
On the other side, another young talent stepping up and scoring more points lately is rookie Kon Knueppel. Knueppel has averaged 18.9 points over his last 10 games while playing 30.4 minutes per game in the starting lineup.
He had 18 points on the second night of the only back-to-back during that stretch, and he scored at least that many points, going over this prop line eight times in his last 10 games.
If Sunday’s game stays close and the Hornets use their typical rotation, Knueppel has a great chance to get at least 18 points, coming off 24 points and 11 rebounds in Friday night’s tough loss.
Bonus Parlay Pick: Miles Bridges under 21.5 Points + Assists (-114)
With Knueppel stepping up and Brandon Miller taking on more work alongside LaMelo Ball as well, Bridges production is getting a little squeezed. He has been under this prop line in three of his last four games and five of his last seven. He has a high ceiling if he gets increased work, but he hasn’t been getting the usage lately.
If you’re looking to use these props to create a Same Game Parlay (SGP) or as part of an SGPx, mixing in the under on this Bridges’ combo takes the SGP to a strong +950, as you can see below.
