Ten games between 20 teams make up yet another loaded NBA slate. With just weeks remaining before the start of the postseason, several matchups tonight could have major ramifications. In Boston, the contending Celtics will host the red-hot Hawks. Elsewhere, the Heat battle the Donovan Mitchell-led Cavaliers. Championship hopefuls such as the Thunder, Rockets, Nuggets and Lakers are all taking the floor as well.
Which players should you be targeting this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Brook Lopez 14+ points + rebounds (-105)
At this point in his career, Brook Lopez isn’t the most reliable option for bettors. However, the 37-year-old has been thrust into a larger role ever since Ivica Zubac’s midseason trade to Indiana. That’s led to more involvement in a Clippers offense that revolves around Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland. Over his last ten games, Lopez is putting up 9.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while delivering 49/43/50 shooting splits. Most important, he’s averaging over 27 minutes a night during that time.
Those numbers, while not too impressive, give Lopez a decent floor in most matchups. That’s especially true on Friday, when LA travels to Indianapolis. The Pacers are horrific on defense, especially down low. They’ve coughed up the second-most rebounds (56.1) and second-most points in the paint (55.7) per game to opponents. To boot, Zubac (ribs) is now out for the remainder of the season. In ten of his previous 14 games as a starter, Lopez has notched at least 14+ points + rebounds. Given Indiana’s lackluster front court, Lopez is lined up for another solid showing tonight.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander under 30.5 points (-124)
Sometimes, a team is so good that their best players become fades. That’s the reality in OKC, where the defending champs look nothing short of unstoppable. Granted, this group did just drop a tough one to the Celtics. Keeping that in mind, the Thunder should come out with some extra motivation this weekend. Leading the way, as always, will be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The reigning MVP is looking to add to his trophy case this season. Over 61 games, the guard is putting up 31.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists while shooting 56% from the field.
On paper, there’s no reason to think SGA won’t go off this evening against one of the NBA’s worst defenses. Chicago has posted the NBA’s eighth-worst defensive rating (117.9) this season. Still, the Bulls are so bad that it’s hard to believe they’ll hang around in this one for more than three quarters. Gilgeous-Alexander has played less than 30 minutes on 19 different occasions this season. He’s scored more than 30 points in only four of those appearances. Oklahoma City, angling for another deep postseason run, should have little issue giving their face of the franchise some extra rest.
Evan Mobley 13+ rebounds + assists (-125)
For years, Cavaliers fans have waited for Evan Mobley to make the leap into superstardom. That hasn’t quite worked out this season. Make no mistake: the reigning Defensive Player of the Year remains a true two-way threat. However, his offensive game hasn’t gone up another level – at least not yet. This season, the big man has recorded 18.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists to go with 54% shooting. Quality numbers, but a clear third option in Cleveland behind Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.
At the moment, it’s difficult to fully trust Mobley as a scorer. Regardless, the 24-year-old is capable of impacting a game on a number of different levels. Jarrett Allen (knee) remains sidelined, leaving the Cavs a bit weaker than usual on defense. In five of his last eight games without the center, Mobley has notched at least 13 rebounds + assists. He’ll look to continue that trend this evening vs. New Orleans. The Pelicans have surrendered the fifth-most boards (55.2) and eighth-most assists (27.7) per game to opponents. That bodes well for Mobley’s chances at another stellar all-around performance.
