Wednesday offers up an absolutely loaded 12-game, 24-team NBA slate. We’ve got the full spectrum on deck tonight: contenders, up-and-coming clubs, as well as can’t miss superstars. That includes a battle between the red-hot Hawks and the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons. Elsewhere, the Thunder and Celtics meet once more for a potential NBA Finals preview. Later, the shorthanded Timberwolves host the Rockets.
Which players are poised for an impressive performance this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Wednesday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
VJ Edgecombe 21+ points (-112)
Philadelphia’s injury-depleted roster could get a boost on Wednesday with the return of Paul George. The nine-time All-Star had been suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA’s banned substance policy. Still, his arrival doesn’t overshadow the absence of leading scorer Tyrese Maxey (hand). To make matters worse, Joel Embiid (oblique) is also listed as questionable. Assuming those two can’t suit up, VJ Edgecombe is in line for another productive outing. The rookie has been terrific this season, putting up 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
For all of Edgecombe’s statistical output, he isn’t the most efficient shooter (43.1% FG). Still, that hasn’t mattered during the past week. Over the 20-year-old’s last three games, he’s averaging a whopping 31.7 points. Granted, playing the lackluster Kings and Jazz during that stretch certainly helped. However, it’s not as if tonight’s opponent is much better on defense. The Bulls are giving up the fifth-most points per game (120.3) this season. In a meeting with one of basketball’s worst teams, Edgecombe should find a way to drop 20+ points.
Stephon Castle under 17.5 points (-102)
Victor Wembanyama gets the headlines, but Stephon Castle has made major strides this season. The reigning Rookie of the Year is even better, emerging as one of the association’s premier playmakers. This season, he’s recorded 16.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and a team-leading 7.1 assists per game. That level of all-around prowess has kept San Antonio’s offense among the NBA’s best. With that being said, it’s never easy to determine if Castle will operate primarily as a scorer or distributor on any given night.
Castle has failed to record 18 or more points in six of his previous 11 appearances. It’s also worth mentioning that the Spurs, already a lock for the postseason, have monitored his minutes closely. That’ll likely be the case once again on Wednesday when San Antonio takes on a rebuilding Grizzlies squad. Given the lack of talent currently active in Memphis, it’s difficult to envision this one staying competitive through three quarters. Should that occur, Castle likely won’t have enough time to reach this point total.
Scoot Henderson 2+ three-pointers made (-136)
Through three seasons, Scoot Henderson has yet to live up to his prospect pedigree. Still, the Trail Blazers haven’t given up on the guard, who can be effective when healthy. Through just 21 games this season, he’s accounted for 13.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Granted, he’s had middling 42/34/80 shooting splits during that time as well. Still, on a Portland squad that loves pushing the pace, there are usually ample opportunities to contribute.
On Wednesday, the Blazers will face a Milwaukee squad on its last legs. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s season appears to be over, removing any veneer of competitiveness from this group. The Bucks are a bad defensive team, especially when it comes to guarding the perimeter. They’ve allowed 14.8 three-pointers made to opponents this season, second-most in the NBA. Henderson has knocked down two or more treys on ten different occasions. Given how bad this Bucks defense is, he’s a solid bet to do so again tonight.
