Six games set the stage for another day of NBA action. With mere weeks remaining before postseason play, the stakes have been risen across the association. Thursday has plenty of intriguing matchups on hand, starting with Suns vs. Hornets in Charlotte. Elsewhere, the shorthanded Timberwolves and Pistons meet in Motown. Later, the Lakers and Thunder clash in a showdown between Western Conference juggernauts.
Which players should bettors be targeting this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Isaiah Hartenstein 8+ points (-102)
What separates the Thunder from the rest of the NBA isn’t Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as good as the reigning MVP is. OKC’s x-factor is depth; few teams in NBA history have had this many high-end role players on one roster. It’s also a true show of teamwork; several names are more than willing to take a backseat on offense. Isaiah Hartenstein, brought aboard in 2024, has been a natural fit for the defending champs. Despite injury issues this season, the center remains a quality two-way force. Through 43 games, he’s averaging 9.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 62% from the field.
Granted, I-Hart isn’t exactly the most bettor-friendly player in the association. That’s especially true when it comes to scoring, which can vary greatly from night to night. Regardless, Thursday’s matchup with the Lakers appears promising. Los Angeles is allowing 51.7 points in the paint per game, 11th-most in the NBA. In each of his last five meetings with LA, Hartenstein has tallied at least eight points. He’s also reached this mark in 27 of his 43 appearances this year. Oklahoma City’s reliable veteran is more than capable of putting up four buckets in this one.
Luka Doncic under 31.5 points (-105)
It’s been an all-time great hot streak for Luka Doncic. At this point, video game numbers are nothing new for the Slovenian superstar. However, Los Angeles’ face of the franchise has taken things up a notch recently. Doncic has recorded at least 30 points in each of his previous 13 appearances. He’s done so while sharing the court with fellow stars LeBron James and Austin Reaves. On the season, the six-time All-Star is putting up 33.8 points per game to go with 48/37/78 shooting splits.
I know what you’re thinking: how could you fade Luka at a time like this? It’s not easy, but all good things come to an end. Doncic will fall short of 30 at some point; what better time for that to happen than against the Thunder? Oklahoma City possesses a 106.3 defensive rating, easily the best in all of basketball. Doncic has failed to surpass 31 points in each of his last four outings vs. OKC. At nearly even money, this feels like the perfect time to fade an otherwise unstoppable force. Given his massive success in March, Doncic’s line is slightly inflated against such a stifling defense.
Donovan Clingan 13+ rebounds (-108)
The Trail Blazers might not be appointment viewing, but this squad has quietly assembled some interesting young talent. Former lottery pick Donovan Clingan is rapidly ascending the ranks of basketball’s best centers. This season, the big man has accounted for 12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 52% from the field. In addition, he leads the entire NBA with 4.5 offensive boards per game. Portland’s up-tempo offense also lends itself to additional possessions on both ends of the floor.
Clingan’s otherwise solid season has hit a bit of a speed bump. The UConn alum has tallied ten points and nine rebounds combined over his last two contests. Still, it’s only a matter of time until the seven-footer gets back on track. A date with the rebuilding Pelicans presents the perfect opportunity to do so. New Orleans has surrendered 54.8 rebounds per game to opponents, seventh-worst in the association. Clingan has snagged at least 13 boards in seven of his last 11 games. The 22-year-old should enjoy another double-double caliber performance on Thursday.
