Wednesday’s NBA slate is a good one, with several must-watch matchups for hoops fans. Several contests stand out on this nine-game, 18-team slate. To kick things off, LeBron James returns to Cleveland when the Lakers visit the Cavaliers. Later, the Magic take on the Heat in a pivotal Southeast Division showdown. Elsewhere, the Knicks head up north to battle the Raptors. As a nightcap, the Spurs hope to take down the rival Rockets.
Which players can you trust, or fade, this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Wednesday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Deandre Ayton 8+ rebounds (-120)
The biggest move of Los Angeles’ offseason was bringing aboard Deandre Ayton. Despite failing to emerge as a superstar, the former first overall pick is still an above-average center. He’s brought stability to a position that has frustrated the Lakers since trading Anthony Davis last winter. Through 40 games, Ayton is averaging 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. The Bahamian’s 16 double-doubles are tied for the 17th-most in basketball this season.
If nothing else, Ayton is fairly consistent. That makes his rebounding totals bettor-friendly on most nights. The big man has snagged at least eight boards in 26 of his 40 appearances so far. He’ll attempt to continue that trend against Cleveland on Wednesday. Despite rostering Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers can be beat on the glass. They’ve allowed the NBA’s ninth-most rebounds per game to opponents (54.6). In addition, Mobley (calf) is sidelined. I’m willing to bet Ayton delivers another productive stat line in this one.
Immanuel Quickley 3+ three-pointers made (-120)
Sitting at fourth in the Eastern Conference, it’s been a terrific 2025-26 campaign for the Raptors. What makes this group dangerous is a well-rounded starting five, each capable of taking over. Arguably the most underrated among Toronto’s leading scorers is Immanuel Quickley. The elusive guard provides stellar shooting and play making. This season, he’s posted 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. To boot, he’s accounted for 44/37/81 shooting splits.
When he’s ‘on’, few players in the NBA are more dangerous than Quickley. Still, any massive performance usually requires wide-open shots from deep. In that regard, Wednesday’s matchup could be an ideal spot. The Knicks, despite some recent improvement, struggle to defend the perimeter. New York has given up 14.2 three-pointers made per game, sixth-most in basketball. IQ has drained at least three long balls in over half of his appearances. Another impressive showing from long distance is more than possible for the 26-year-old tonight.
Brandin Podziemski over 9.5 assists + rebounds (-125)
Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury has led to some major reshuffling in Golden State. At the moment, no other Warriors players have stepped up as a second option alongside Stephen Curry. Still, there are a few names that stand to benefit from Butler’s absence. Brandin Podziemski is someone that frequently draws the ire of Dubs fans. However, the do-it-all guard has a knack for filling out a stat sheet. This season, he’s putting up 12.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
What makes Podz’s numbers so impressive is that he’s started just 16 games so far. Equipped with a bigger role, improved numbers are almost inevitable. The guard has recorded at least ten assists + rebounds in four of his last five contests. Tonight, he’ll take on a Jazz squad allowing the most points (127.5), most assists (30.7) and 12th-most rebounds (54.3) per game in basketball. When these teams last met on January 3rd, Podziemski surpassed this total in just 24 minutes. He’s poised for another all-around performance on Wednesday.
