Nine games are set to tip off on Tuesday across the NBA, with 18 teams in action. Among the matchups to watch, the scrappy Rockets take on the uptempo Pacers in a battle of playoff contenders. Elsewhere, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks host the red-hot Warriors in a marquee matchup at Madison Square Garden. With so many games on tap, there are plenty of bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye tonight.
De’Andre Hunter over 2.5 three-pointers made (+114)
The Cavaliers made a savvy move at the trade deadline last month, acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Hawks. The former lottery pick has taken control of an already-stellar second-unit, acting as a go-to scorer off the bench. Through eight games with Cleveland, the wing has averaged 16.0 points and 4.1 rebounds to go with a 52.0% field goal percentage. Most recently, he tallied 32 points on 8-of-15 shooting agains the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Hunter’s most important contribution to the Cavs is his three-point shooting; the 27-year-old has connected on 42.2% of his attempts from long distance this season. That number has risen to an impressive 59.5% during his time with Cleveland. Obviously, that level of prowess from beyond the arc isn’t sustainable. However, it might be for one more night. Tuesday’s opponent, the Bulls, have allowed 17.0 three-pointers made over their last three contests. That’s the third-highest mark of any team in basketball. Against an atrocious Chicago defense, there’s no reason to fade Hunter tonight.
Andre Drummond over 10.5 rebounds (-120)
Joel Embiid’s season is over, leaving a massive void down low for the 76ers. Philadelphia’s 2024-25 campaign might be on life support, but Andre Drummond is just getting started. The 31-year-old, one of the association’s better backup centers, usually thrives in an expanded role. Over 36 games as a starter this season, the former All-Star has posted 9.0 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 51.5% from the field. Those numbers are more impressive when considering the big man’s modest 24.4 minutes per game during those appearances.
In the right spot, Drummond’s prowess on the glass can make him a difficult assignment for opposing defenses. That’s especially true for a Timberwolves squad missing center Rudy Gobert, currently absent due to a back injury. The former Defensive Player of the Year has already been ruled out tonight, forcing 6’9″ Naz Reid into the starting lineup. It’s no surprise that Minnesota has allowed opponents to grab an NBA-worst 65.3 boards over its last three games. Philadelphia’s veteran backup should take full advantage of a weakened front court on Tuesday.
LeBron James over 7.5 assists (-125)
A new-look Lakers roster, post-Luka Doncic trade, seems to have revitalized LeBron James. Since February 1st, the four-time MVP has averaged 28.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 7.1 assists. Barring an injury, the 40-year-old’s production isn’t slowing down any time soon. Right now, Los Angeles finds itself behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder in a competitive Western Conference.
LA will host the dismal 17-44 Pelicans tonight at the Crypto Center. However, this might not be a slam-dunk win for the Lakers. Doncic (knee), Austin Reaves (calf), and James (foot) have all been listed as questionable for Tuesday’s contest. If one or both guards are unable to play, and LeBron can, the future Hall of Famer will be forced to handle the ball more. That should lead to plenty of dimes against a New Orleans squad surrendering the fourth-most assists to opponents this season (28.9). In five of his last six meetings with the Pelicans, James has recorded eight or more assists.
