A six-game, 12-team slate is in the works this Saturday across the NBA. While limited, there’s plenty of matchups here worth checking out. Postseason contenders such as the Spurs, Pistons, Timberwolves, Hornets and 76ers are all taking the floor tonight. For teams with something to play for, expect high intensity. For those out of the playoff chase, there should be additional opportunity for a few lesser-known names.
Which players should you be targeting this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Saturday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Cedric Coward 2+ three-pointers made (+103)
Coward has seen his role increase on an otherwise barren Grizzlies roster. Since March 1st, he ranks third among all Memphis players with a 22.4% usage rate. The leader in that category, Ty Jerome, is questionable to suit up tonight with an ankle injury. Over Coward’s last eight games, he’s averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists to go with 46/32/87 shooting splits. In five of those contests, he’s made at least two three-pointers. There’s a decent chance that continues this evening, especially if Jerome is held out.
The Grizzlies are a good team to target for scoring purposes; they operate at the NBA’s seventh-fastest pace (101.07). On Saturday, they’ll take on the association’s second-quickest offense in Chicago (102.10). The Bulls are giving up the sixth-most three-pointers made per game (14.0) and the fifth-highest three-point percentage (36.8%) to opponents. Given the lack of internal competition in Memphis, it’s difficult to envision Coward not logging at least 30 minutes in this one. That bodes well for his chances at a productive outing from beyond the arc.
Joel Embiid under 26.5 points (-107)
After yet another lengthy injury absence, Joel Embiid is finally back on the court. The former MVP wasted no time shaking off the rust, notching 35 points over 28 minutes vs. the Bulls. As impressive as Tuesday’s performance was, it’s also a testament to Chicago’s horrendous defense. Still, Embiid has always been able to put up buckets in a hurry. This season, the center has recorded 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game to go with 50% shooting from the field.
Saturday represents a major step up in competition for the shorthanded Sixers. Charlotte has impressed all season, especially on defense. The team is holding opponents to the seventh-fewest points per game in basketball (111.6). In addition, the Hornets play at the NBA’s sixth-slowest pace (97.18) on offense. That should make possessions somewhat difficult to come by. It’s also worth noting that Embiid, fresh off of an injury, will likely operate on a slight minutes restriction. Another massive scoring output is difficult to envision in this one.
Royce O’Neale 10+ points (-105)
Dillon Brooks (hand) remains sidelined, leaving the Suns without their second-best player. Devin Booker is great, but some other names are needed for this postseason contender. Fortunately, Phoenix is well stocked with high-end role players. Royce O’Neale isn’t the flashiest option for bettors, but he’s a reliable two-way presence. This season, the forward has accounted for 10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. To boot, he’s shooting 41% from three-point range on a career-high 6.9 attempts a night.
O’Neale returned from a brief injury hiatus on Tuesday, dropping 17 points against the Nuggets. Saturday’s matchup looks like a walk in the park, even compared to Denver’s subpar defense. The Jazz are human turnstiles, offering no resistance to opposing scorers. Utah has given up an NBA-worst 125.3 points and 15.4 three-pointers made per game. O’Neale has tallied at least 12 points in each of his last four meetings with the Jazz. At nearly even money, I like his chances of reaching that total yet again tonight.
