At a certain point, words cannot describe what Nikola Jokic does. He’s already a very accomplished NBA player, posting ridiculous stat lines each night, but Friday’s game was a first in NBA history.
Jokic finished Friday’s game with the league’s first 30-20-20 triple double. He had 31 points, 22 assists and 21 rebounds. These are video game numbers. The Nuggets won in overtime, too.
He returns to the floor on Sunday, March 9 against the Thunder. The Western Conference leaders will host Denver for an early afternoon game in Oklahoma City. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. ET.
The Nuggets are seven-point underdogs and the game total is set at 242 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Below, I have featured my favorite Jokic prop bets to consider from this contest.
Best Nikola Jokic Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Nikola Jokic over 10.5 assists (-110)
There doesn’t seem to be a stat that Jokic can’t hit, so it’s difficult to pick the under for the three-time MVP winner. It’s never fun betting the under just for Jokic to post a historic stat line.
The Thunder do, however, pose a challenge to Jokic on Sunday. Oklahoma City has the top defensive efficiency, top defensive rating and allow the second fewest points against in the NBA. This defense limited Jokic to two below-average scoring nights in the two early-season matchups.
Jokic still recorded triple doubles in both outings, so his game wasn’t completely shut down. His rebounding and passing shined in both of those contests.
That’s where bettors should turn their eyes for Jokic props. The Nuggets star is one of the premier passers — not just in today’s game, but of all time. He’s averaging 10.6 assists per game this season and is coming off a 22-assist performance.
Jokic has recorded over 10.5 assists in 23 of 57 games and three of his last six. He also surpassed this over in both games against the Thunder earlier this season. While the Thunder didn’t have Isaiah Hartenstein for those games, it doesn’t change the thought process.
Jokic will remain the focus of Oklahoma City’s defense. The Thunder will likely force Denver’s supporting cast to beat them, rather than let Jokic get hot by scoring himself.
Nikola Jokic over 1.5 made three-pointers (-105)
It’s not a Jokic prop bet article without considering his made three-pointers line. The three-time MVP is having his best three-point shooting season of his career, posting a 43.9 percent rate from deep.
Jokic averages 1.9 three-pointers on 4.4 attempts per game and has made as many as seven in one game this season. While his shooting has slowed down from the start of the season, Jokic is still one of the top perimeter shooters in the NBA this year.
He’s hit at least two three-pointers in 34 of 57 games, but he didn’t do so in either game against the Thunder. Oklahoma City has a tremendous defense, which does create some concern. Jokic likely won’t finish with a lot of points due to this.
Still, the three-pointers made prop line is at a reasonable price of -105. With good rim protection from Chet Holmgren and Hartenstein, Jokic may prefer to take his game to the perimeter.
All it takes is two three-pointers made, so Jokic doesn’t need to hoist up a ton of shots either. In games that Jokic has shot exactly three or four three-pointers, he’s hit at least two in 12 of those 20 games.
There’s risk, but there’s risk with every bet. It’s hard to bet against Jokic, even with a great defense in front of him.