The All-Star break is only a day away. Still, there are a select few NBA games still set to tip off this evening. Three matchups between six teams are on tap for Thursday, giving bettors an opportunity to cash in before the break. Contenders such as the Thunder and Lakers are taking the floor. That gives tonight’s contests added weight in the loaded Western Conference.
Which players should bettors trust on Thursday’s slate? Here are my two favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Jerami Grant 3+ three-pointers made (+111)
Perhaps no team has flown under the radar more than the Trail Blazers. Sitting at 26-29, Portland is currently 10th in the West, good enough for a play-in spot. This front office has done a nice job of collecting young talent, including All-Star Deni Avdija. There are also a few veterans that remain solid contributors, such as Jerami Grant. When healthy, the forward is more than capable of generating buckets. Through 39 games, Grant is averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. In addition, the Syracuse alum has delivered 44/38/83 shooting splits.
Recently, Grant has been terrific from beyond the arc. He’s knocked down three or more three-pointers in four of his last five outings. That bodes well going into Thursday’s meeting with the NBA’s worst defensive unit. Utah can’t stop a nosebleed, giving up the most points (125.8) and most three-pointers made (15.5) per game to opponents. A shootout tonight is possible, considering these teams rank inside the association’s top seven in pace of play. That would create ideal game conditions for Grant to make his mark from long distance.
LeBron James over 14.5 assists + rebounds (-112)
Luka Doncic (hamstring) is sitting out once again on Thursday. In addition, Deandre Ayton (knee) is questionable. With one game before the break, it wouldn’t be shocking to see LA sit its starting center. Should that occur, the Lakers would be in desperate need of playmaking and rebounding tonight. Fortunately, LeBron James is up for the task. Even at 41 years old, The King is putting up All-Star caliber numbers. Over 35 games, he’s accounted for 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists. Keep in mind, most of those stats came while playing second-fiddle to Doncic.
On Thursday, the Lakers will welcome a Dallas squad that will be missing standout forward Cooper Flagg (foot). Without the rookie, an already suspect defense becomes much worse on the wings. This season, the Mavericks have given up the tenth-most points (117.3), third-most rebounds (56.3) and 11th-most assists (27.2) per game. LeBron has tallied at least 16 assists + rebounds in each of his previous two appearances. Those came against tougher competition in the Thunder and Warriors, as well. A date with one of the Western Conference’s worst clubs could lead to some impressive counting stats tonight.
