It’s another loaded hoops slate on Thursday, with ten matchups on tap between 20 different teams. To start, the Heat visit the 76ers in a showdown between postseason hopefuls. Elsewhere, Kevin Durant’s Rockets take on the defensively-minded Magic. To cap things off, the Lakers battle the Suns in Phoenix.
Which players should bettors back this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Moussa Diabate to record double-double (+230)
Following a four-game suspension, Moussa Diabate made his return to the hardwood on Tuesday. The big man wasted no time shaking off the rust, notching nine points, seven rebounds and five assists over 31 minutes. It’s been a superb season for the center, now an integral piece in Charlotte’s frontcourt. Through 51 games, he’s averaging 8.2 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 64% from the field. The only downside is that Diabate shares his workload with rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner.
With that being said, Thursday’s matchup should have both centers licking their chops. Indiana is a mess down low, with midseason pickup Ivica Zubac (ankle) still sidelined. This season, the Pacers have surrendered the second-most points in the paint (55.3) and second-most rebounds (56.5) per game to opponents. To boot, Pascal Siakam (wrist) is listed as doubtful tonight. Diabate has already notched 14 double-doubles; at better than two-to-one odds, he’s capable of doing it again.
Quentin Grimes 2+ three-pointers made (-125)
It’s safe to say the Sixers, 32-26, have underperformed their collective talent this season. Philadelphia, for all its flaws, should be positioned among the Eastern Conference’s best clubs. A 25-game suspension for Paul George certainly hasn’t helped, either. To replace the veteran, there’s been increased usage for Quentin Grimes. In the month of February, he’s posted 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 27.0 minutes per game.
Those aren’t jaw-dropping numbers, but Grimes’ workload is consistent. To boot, he’s one of the team’s better three-point shooters. The fifth-year pro has hit two or more treys in 29 of his 52 appearances this season. On Thursday, the 76ers will take on a Heat team that loves pushing the pace. As a result, both sides should see plenty of extra possessions in this one. Miami is surrendering 13.8 three-pointers made per game, tenth-most in the NBA. All it’ll take are two makes from deep for Grimes to cash in this evening.
Maxime Raynaud 14+ points (-110)
Domantas Sabonis’ season-ending surgery doesn’t come as a shock for Kings fans. The veteran’s injury issues have been a major factor behind a disastrous campaign in Sacramento. If there’s any upside, life without the All-Star has given rookie Maxime Raynaud an opportunity to contribute. It’s early, but the second-round pick looks like a solid piece for this franchise going forward. Over 52 games, he’s accounted for 10.1 points and 7.0 rebounds.
The Stanford alum has thrived despite mediocre long-distance shooting (25.6% 3PT). From the field, he’s knocking down 55% of his shots this season. Tonight, the youngster will take on another injury-depleted squad in Dallas. The Mavericks are especially vulnerable down low, giving up 55.5 points per game inside the paint. That’s the worst mark in all of basketball. To make matters worse, starting center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is questionable. Raynaud, already an offensive threat, could make short work of this point total.
