The trade deadline has come to a close, and the NBA looks quite different. Countless names are in new places, setting up what should be an exciting second half. That includes Friday’s six-game, 12-team slate. Among the matchups to watch, the Knicks and Pistons are set to meet for what could be a playoff preview. Elsewhere, the Heat and Celtics renew their Eastern Conference rivalry in Boston.
With only a handful of games in action, which players can bettors trust? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Duncan Robinson 3+ three-pointers made (-120)
If the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons have any notable weakness, its floor spacing. Detroit is knocking down 34.8% of its three-point attempts, ninth-worst in the NBA. With that being said, the Pistons do have a handful of players that can do damage from deep. Chief among those names is Duncan Robinson. The former Miami Heat marksman has found a second wind in the Motor City. Through 48 games this season, he’s averaging 12.2 points on 43/40/75 shooting splits.
Tonight, Robinson’s Pistons will take on the rival Knicks at home. The visitors are the opposite of Detroit, in that they struggle to defend from long distance. This season, New York is giving up the eighth-most three pointers made per game (13.9) to opponents. In comparison, Robinson has knocked down at least three treys in three of his last four outings. That includes six 3PM last night vs. Washington. Another stellar showing from beyond the arc wouldn’t come as a shock this evening.
Julius Randle 7+ rebounds (-130)
A trade deadline filled with Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors never materialized for the Timberwolves. That means Julius Randle remains a member of Minnesota’s roster. The three-time All-Star, putting together another terrific season, is no consolation prize. Over 52 games, he’s recorded 22.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists. As the Robin to Anthony Edwards’ Batman, Randle has shown he’s willing to take a backseat on offense.
Still, a lack of points doesn’t mean a lack of effort. In that regard, the power forward tends to make his presence felt on the glass. Randle has snagged at least seven boards in 29 of his 52 appearances. Friday’s opponents, the Pelicans, are vulnerable in the frontcourt. New Orleans has given up 55.7 rebounds per game, fourth-most in the association. When these clubs last met in December, Randle hauled nine boards over 36 minutes. A similar output is the expectation this evening.
Shaedon Sharpe under 22.5 points (-120)
The health status of Deni Advija (back) remains uncertain as of Friday morning. With or without the All-Star, Portland has a knack for putting up points. The Trail Blazers wield the NBA’s eighth-quickest offense in terms of pace (100.9). That’s led to some impressive counting stats for most of the team’s best players. Shaedon Sharpe is among that group, although his contributions are almost entirely scoring. This season, the guard has posted 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists. In addition, he’s notched 46/34/78 shooting splits.
In theory, Sharpe should be in line for an expanded role with Avdija at less than 100%. The latter was missing from Portland’s last two contests. During that time, Sharpe only managed to deliver 20 and 19 points, respectively. In fact, the Kentucky alum has gone under 23 points in four of his previous six contests. There’s a good chance Friday’s matchup with the rebuilding Grizzlies becomes a blowout. Should that occur, the Blazers would have no reason to leave their best players on the court. This feels like a textbook fade for bettors.
