Two contenders are set to clash on Wednesday when the Cavaliers (28-20, 5th in East) host the Lakers (28-17, 5th in West). Los Angeles, winners of two straight, will look to keep pace in the loaded Western Conference. Cleveland, in spite of a tough start, has reeled off four straight victories.
Which side will come out on top tonight? The Cavaliers are favored by 3.5 points (-102) over the Lakers, with the over/under set at 235.5 points. Here are two of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s contest.
Lakers vs. Cavaliers prop bet picks
Deandre Ayton 8+ rebounds (-120)
Last season’s Luka Doncic trade was a coup for the Lakers. However, shipping off Anthony Davis did leave them vulnerable down low. To shore things up at center, Los Angeles brought aboard Deandre Ayton this offseason. The big man may not be a superstar, but he’s a quality option at the five. This season, the Arizona alum has recorded 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. In addition, he ranks 17th in basketball with 16 double-doubles. That number would likely be higher on a different, less star-studded roster.
Playing alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, Ayton’s offensive contributions can vary. Still, his rebounding remains relatively consistent. He’s snagged at least eight boards in 26 of his 40 outings so far. The Bahamian will hope for a similar showing tonight against the Cavaliers. Cleveland has surrendered 54.6 rebounds per game to opponents, ninth-most in the NBA. In addition, Evan Mobley (calf) won’t suit up tonight. That leaves center Jarrett Allen without much help on the glass. Ayton, always difficult to box out, should take advantage on Wednesday.
Jaylon Tyson 27+ points + rebounds + assists (-108)
As previously mentioned, Evan Mobley won’t be suiting up tonight. To make matters worse, Darius Garland (toe) is also sidelined. That leaves the Cavaliers without two All-Stars, a major blow for any squad. Someone else will need to step up alongside superstar Donovan Mitchell. Second-year pro Jaylon Tyson is a name to watch tonight. The youngster has been a key piece for Cleveland this season, serving as a terrific 3-and-D wing. Through 43 games, he’s averaging 13.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while delivering 51/47/76 shooting splits.
Tyson has tallied at least 27 points + rebounds + assists in four of his last six outings. Each of those games came with Mobley on the floor. Now, with the power forward absent, there’s even more room to operate on offense. The Lakers are good at limiting rebounds, but not much else on defense. Los Angeles is giving up the 13th-most points (116.3) and tenth-most assists (27.4) per game to opponents. Regardless, the main draw for this bet is opportunity. Other than Mitchell, the Cavs are lacking playmakers. Tyson is poised for another all-around performance in Cleveland.
