The Oklahoma City Thunder have lived up to the preseason hype to start the year. They are one of two remaining undefeated teams and are off to a 4-0 start on the season.
One of the primary reasons for this has been the strong play of Chet Holmgren. Through the opening four games, Holmgren is averaging 22.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game. He will look to continue this stretch of strong play as the Thunder prepare to play the Portland Trail Balzers.
The Thunder enter this game 11.5-point favorites over the Trail Blazers. Portland is considered a +445 underdog on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the game total set at 221.5.
Here are the best Chet Holmgren prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook:
Chet Holmgren Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook has set Holmgren’s prop lines across points (18.5), rebounds (9.5), three-pointers (1.5), steals (1.5), and blocks (2.5). Here are the top betting options to consider:
Over 18.5 Points (-115): The point line for Chet Holmgren is set at 18.5 with the odds at -115 for both the over and under. Holmgren has eclipsed this number in all four games thus far, and looks to have taken a step forward from the 16.5 points per game he averaged last year. Holmgren has seen an uptick in opportunity across the board including his minutes going from 29.4 per game last year to 31.5 so far this year and his shot attempts going from 11.6 last year to 14.5 per game to start this year.
The biggest concern with Holmgren reaching this total would be for this game to become a blowout. Even still, he is getting shots up at a high rate and having success. Expect the betting line for his scoring prop to increase in the coming games and for Holmgren to continue his stretch of impressive offensive production.
Over 9.5 Rebounds (-125): The rebounding line for Holmgren is set at 9.5 with the over-favored at -125 odds and the under-listed at -105. The Gonzaga product has averaged 8.8 rebounds per game thus far which leads the Thunder. He has eclipsed the 9.5 margin in two of the four games as Holmgren pulled in 14 and 16 rebounds in these two games.
Portland ranks 10th in rebounding as a team with Deandre Ayton headlining things with his 12.2 rebounds per game. Holmgren faced the Trail Blazers four times last season with him only eclipsing 9.5 rebounds once. The blowout risk is also a factor for this prop.
Over 1.5 Made Three-Pointers (+100): The ability of Holmgren to step out on the perimeter and knock down three-pointers is part of what makes him so unique. The line for three-pointers is set at 1.5 for this game with the odds for the over set at +100 and the under favored at -130 odds. Holmgren has hit three three-pointers in each of his past two games but is 6-18 on the year overall. Looking back at last season, Holmgren averaged 1.6 three-pointers made per game and made two or more in 37 of the 82 games last season.
While there has not been the same level of increase in three-point volume compared to the rest of his stats, Holmgren is plenty capable of knocking down a pair of three-pointers. Ayton can struggle when forced to defend the perimeter so don’t be surprised if this is a part of the OKC gameplan.
Over 2.5 Blocks (-105): Chet Holmgren is the early blocks leader in the NBA, averaging 3.5 blocks through the opening four games. Holmgren has tallied at least two blocks in every game and recorded six blocks against the Hawks. His line is set at 2.5 for this game with the over set at -105 odds and the under favored at -125. He has cleared this number in two of the four games thus far.
While blocks are a difficult stat to handicap, there is some value in taking the over of 2.5 blocks. Holmgren makes great use of his 7-foot-6 wingspan and has great timing around the rim. He is at his best when roaming the paint and coming across to clean up the defense of others.
Futures Outlook: There are high hopes for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. After flipping the switch into win-now mode last year, they lost in the Western Conference Semifinals and have their eyes on a deeper run this season.
The Thunder are the favorites to win the Western Conference at +250 odds and hold the second-best odds of winning the NBA Championship at +500. They also hold +180 odds of tallying the most regular season wins.
Looking at Holmgren specifically, his best chance for an Award is Defensive Player of the Year. He currently holds the second-best odds at +240 and has narrowed the gap with Victor Wembanyama who sits at +160. Holmgren is also tied for the third-best odds for the Most Improved Award at +1200.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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