Another Thursday across the NBA gets started with eight games between 16 teams. Fans will be treated to several matchups with serious playoff ramifications. That includes a pivotal Southeast Division showdown between the Magic and Hornets. Elsewhere, the scrappy Suns will hope to take down the Spurs. In South Beach, the red-hot Lakers are set to battle the Heat.
Which players are worth backing this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Marcus Sasser 10+ points (-131)
Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Without the MVP candidate, Detroit is missing the driving force behind its offense. Nobody can replace a superstar, but someone has to garner more minutes. One of the likeliest candidates is Marcus Sasser, a tenacious defender that has shown progress on offense. The third-year pro isn’t a game-changer, but it’s easy to see why he’s valued by head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Over his last five outings, Sasser is averaging 9.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but the two-way pest isn’t known for his offensive skills. Regardless, an injury-depleted Pistons roster could use some playmaking ability. Sasser is no stranger to this situation, having played 35 career contests without Cunningham active. During that time, he’s notched 11.1 points per game. To make things more enticing, Detroit takes on a miserable Wizards defense tonight. Washington is giving up the second-most points (123.8) and ninth-most three-pointers made (13.7) per game. If there was ever a time for Sasser to contribute as a scorer, it’s this evening.
Keon Ellis 13+ points + rebounds + assists (-111)
One of the more underrated midseason acquisitions, Keon Ellis joined Cleveland as part of the De’Andre Hunter-Dennis Schroder trade. The veteran has spent most of his professional career as a defensively-oriented wing. Still, he had fallen out of favor in Sacramento’s rotation. A change of scenery has proven to be just what Ellis needed. Over his last five games, the 26-year-old has recorded 13.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Most important, he’s logging 27.7 minutes per game during that time.
Despite an increase in usage, Ellis has never been the most consistent shooter. With that being said, the Alabama alum can make a difference in a number of different ways. In five of his last seven appearances, Ellis has tallied at least 13 points + rebounds + assists. On Thursday, he’ll get to face a miserable Chicago defense as well. Even if this one becomes a blowout, Ellis is likelier than most Cleveland starters to garner additional minutes.
Austin Reaves 3+ three-pointers made (+134)
We’ll finish up the list with something a little bit riskier. Austin Reaves continues to improve, emerging as a legitimate third star in Los Angeles. It’s no coincidence that the Lakers have a 15-7 record when their Big Three all share the court. When healthy, LeBron James and Luka Doncic demand plenty of defensive attention. That often leaves AR-15 with ample room to operate as a scorer. Through 43 games this season, he’s accounted for 23.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 50% from the field.
A star-studded LA roster should be licking its chops ahead of tonight’s matchup. The Heat prioritize blistering speed on offense, often leading to shootouts with their opponents. Unsurprisingly, they’ve allowed the tenth-most points per game (116.9) this season. To boot, Miami’s defense is giving up the ninth-most three-pointers made (13.7) as well. Reaves has drained at least three shots from long distance in four of his last six outings. At plus money, I’m willing to bet on another strong showing from beyond the arc.
