Bottom-feeders are set to meet this evening in Salt Lake City. Friday’s matchup pits the Nets (12-34, 13th in East) against the Jazz (15-33, 13th in West), with tip-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. EST. If there’s one thing both of these clubs possess, its intriguing young talent. Brooklyn, a more defensive-oriented club, will look to slow down a fast-paced Utah offense.
Which players are due for a big performance tonight? The Jazz are favored by 1.5 points (-130) over the Nets, with the over/under set at 227.5 points. Here are two of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s Brooklyn vs. Utah showdown.
Nets vs. Jazz prop bet picks
Michael Porter Jr. 27+ points (-105)
Michael Porter Jr.’s mid-career renaissance has been a highlight for Brooklyn. Cast off by the Nuggets last offseason, the veteran is putting together his best NBA campaign yet. Through 38 games, MPJ is putting up 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He’s also managed to shoot 48% from the field and 40% from three-point range. That level of production has often carried an offensively challenged Nets roster.
MPJ, even more than usual, is Brooklyn’s clear-cut top option tonight. The Nets could be without Cam Thomas (hamstring), Egor Demin (foot) and Ziaire Williams (calf) on Friday. To make things even more enticing, the Jazz are an absolute mess on defense. Utah is giving up the most points (127.8) and three-pointers made (16.0) per game to opponents. Porter Jr. has delivered 30+ points in three of his previous four outings; another stellar performance feels inevitable.
UPDATE: Porter Jr. (personal) has been ruled out tonight. Rookies Drake Powell and Danny Wolf should see more minutes vs. Utah.
Keyonte George 7+ assists (-105)
Speaking of breakouts, Keyonte George is a sneaky All-Star candidate. The guard has emerged as a bonafide second option playing alongside Larui Markkanen. Over 46 games, he’s recorded 24.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists. George’s shooting splits aren’t too shabby, either (45/38/90). A legitimate stat-stuffer that plays a fun brand of basketball? There are worse things to watch for Utah fans.
Markkanen (rest) won’t suit up on Friday. That gives George even more offensive usage than normal. Brooklyn isn’t a pushover, but this group has its weaknesses. That’s especially true when defending opposing passers. The Nets are allowing 27.5 assists per game, seventh-most in the NBA. As the primary offensive weapon for Utah, George should demand plenty of defensive attention. He’s tallied at least seven assists in 26 of his 46 appearances this season. Expect the savvy point guard to serve as a distributor tonight.
