All but two squads are taking the court for Wednesday’s loaded 14-game, 28-team slate. In terms of must-watch matchups, the options are endless. The Knicks visit the 76ers in Philadelphia for a potential postseason preview. Ditto for the Pistons and Raptors, set to tip off in Toronto. Later, the Thunder battle a pesky Suns club in the desert. To cap things off, the Spurs take on the Warriors in San Francisco.
Which players are poised to cash in for bettors on Wednesday? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Anfernee Simons 18+ points (-120)
How about a good old fashioned revenge game to kick things off? Granted, Anfernee Simons isn’t exactly a Celtics legend. The guard spent mere months with Boston before being sent to the Bulls during last week’s Nikola Vucevic trade. Through 52 games this season, the 26-year-old is averaging 14.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Most important, Simons is putting up 44/39/89 shooting splits. A score-first player on a club with nothing meaningful to play for? Sounds like a recipe for plenty of buckets.
That’s not to say scoring will be easy tonight. Boston is holding opponents to 108.4 points per game, second-fewest in basketball. However, Wednesday’s contest might not be a slog. Chicago operates at the NBA’s fifth-highest pace on offense (101.6), often leading to shootouts. It’s no coincidence that Simons has notched 20+ points in two of his first three games with the Bulls. Josh Giddey (hamstring) is doubtful to play, leaving a starting spot open for his newest teammate. Simons should have ample opportunity to surpass 18 points this evening.
Jamal Murray 4+ three-pointers made (+150)
The only upside of Nikola Jokic’s midseason injury? It gave Jamal Murray full control of this Nuggets offense. The guard has been phenomenal this season, earning his first career All-Star Game nod. Even with The Joker back in action, Murray remains a threat to go off on any given night. Over 49 games, the Canadian has recorded 25.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists while shooting 49% from the field. Jokic’s return also means that defenses can’t give too much attention to Denver’s ‘other’ superstar.
One area where Murray has been truly spectacular is from beyond the arc. He’s shooting a career-best 42.8% from three-point range on a whopping 7.5 attempts per game. Those numbers are promising in any matchup, let alone one against a bottom-feeder. The rebuilding Grizzlies have done an atrocious job at defending the perimeter. Opponents are knocking down 14.4 three-pointers per game vs. Memphis, third-most in the NBA. Murray has hit 4+ treys in three of his last six appearances. At +150, this player prop could deliver a nice return for bettors.
John Collins 6+ rebounds (-116)
Speaking of rebuilding clubs, the Clippers were busy last week. Among LA’s most shocking moves, Ivica Zubac’s trade to the Pacers stands out. Without the reliable two-way center, this roster lacks a difference-maker down low. Brook Lopez and newly acquired Isaiah Jackson are expected to take the reigns at the five going forward. However, don’t be shocked if head coach Ty Lue goes for a small-ball approach at times. That could mean relying more heavily on John Collins. The power forward has been a solid contributor so far. Over 50 games, he’s accounted for 13.9 points and 5.1 rebounds.
On paper, this is a difficult spot for any big man. The Rockets have been terrific on defense, especially in the frontcourt. They are holding opponents to 49.8 rebounds per game, third-fewest in the NBA. With that being said, center Steven Adams’ season is over due to an ankle injury. Houston has given up an average of 55.3 boards over its last three games, seventh-most in basketball during that time. In comparison, Collins has snagged 6+ rebounds in four of his last five outings. Even against the Rockets, the veteran is poised to reach that total on Wednesday.
