Just four games between eight teams are set for Thursday. Still, what this slate lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Clippers-Magic, Hawks-Spurs, and 76ers-Bucks are all must-watch matchups for hoops fans tonight.
Which players are poised for a big performance this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Ivica Zubac under 17.5 points (-112)
Kawhi Leonard (foot/ankle) is still injured, leaving the Clippers without their best player. In his absence, the team has relied heavily on James Harden. Still, one player alone isn’t enough to carry an entire offense. The next-best player for LA might be Ivica Zubac. The big man is averaging 16.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game while shooting 62% from the field. He’s tallied at least 14 points and 11 boards in five of his last seven outings.
Following a career-best 2024-25 campaign, Zubac has proven those numbers are no fluke. With that being said, Thursday’s matchup presents some problems. The Magic are a defensive menace, holding opponents to the eighth-fewest points in the paint (52.3) and seventh-fewest rebounds (50.7) per game. Over his last ten meetings with Orlando, Zubac has reached 18+ points only once. The odds don’t favor a reversal of that trend tonight.
Gary Trent Jr. 13+ points (-106)
Injuries are the biggest story on Thursday, with several squads missing their best players. That includes the Bucks, who will take the floor tonight without Giannis Antetokounmpo (groin). The Greek Freak is tantamount to Milwaukee’s success; without him, it’s anyone’s guess as to who steps up. Head coach Doc Rivers typically hands out big minutes to his veterans. If that’s the case tonight, Gary Trent Jr. should see an increased workload.
The former Raptors guard has been slightly disappointing this season. Through 15 games, he’s posted 10.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists. That’s due in large part to mediocre 40/37/72 shooting splits. Regardless, on this injury-plagued Bucks roster, the veteran should command 25+ minutes. On Monday vs. Cleveland, a game Giannis left early, GTJ garnered 31 minutes of playing time. Tonight’s matchup could be advantageous, with Kelly Oubre (knee) and possibly Paul George (knee) sidelined. That leaves the 76ers without their two best wing defenders. 13 points is a reasonable total, even for a streaky player such as Trent Jr.
Zach Edey Double-Double (+111)
Keeping with tonight’s theme, the Grizzlies are missing Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) and Ja Morant (calf) on Thursday. Without those two, along with a few other role players, an already mediocre roster looks even worse. If there’s one piece of good news for Memphis, the team finally welcomed back Zach Edey. Through two games, the center has recorded a total of 21 points and 18 rebounds. Those aren’t eye-popping stats, but the big man’s usage has been capped at 25 minutes each night.
Last season, while averaging just over 21 minutes as a rookie, Edey notched 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds. As a result, the Canadian delivered 12 double-doubles over his first 66 career games. If he’s going to do so again, Thursday presents a golden opportunity. The Kings have surrendered the third-most points in the paint (55.2) and 14th-most rebounds (54.0) per game to opponents. In addition, big man Domantas Sabonis (knee) is questionable to play tonight. Against a banged-up Sacramento squad, Edey can feast down low.
