In one of Sunday’s eight games, the Utah Jazz host the Los Angeles Lakers in a rematch of their Tuesday night game in Los Angeles. The Lakers won that game, 140-126, while welcoming LeBron James to the lineup for the first time this season. LeBron is just one of many options to consider as we examine the matchup to identify some props that make sense. There are plenty of props to consider on both sides of this rematch, so let’s dive in and take a look at a few player prop bets that stand out as my favorites.
In the bigger picture, on DraftKings Sportsbook, the Lakers are 9.5-point road favorites, with the game total set at O/U 244.5 points. The Lakers improved to 11-4 on the season with their win on Tuesday, and they’ve had the rest of the week off. The Jazz returned to action on Friday and lost to the Thunder, 144-112, although the game was competitive until a late run by the Thunder.
Let’s take a look at some player prop bets that look like good spots to attack in the player prop bets from this matchup.
Lakers vs. Jazz Best Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
LeBron James 20+ Points (+106)
James made his season debut with 11 points on Tuesday, playing 30 minutes and handing out 12 assists. He shot 57.1% from the field, but took only seven shots. By making those appearances, he became the first player in NBA history to play in a 23rd season, so we’re truly in uncharted territory with LeBron at this point.
He should settle in and be more comfortable after getting in almost a full week of practice since then. He averaged 24.4 points during the regular season and scored at least 20 points in 49 of his 70 regular-season games (70%) last season. He also had at least 20 points in three of his four matchups against the Jazz, including both in Salt Lake City. After easing back in on Tuesday, I expect LeBron to be less of a facilitator and more of a scorer in Sunday night’s rematch.
Isaiah Collier over 5.5 assists (-137)
Collier was a first-round pick out of USC coming into last year, and he played 71 games for the Jazz, making 46 starts and producing 8.7 points and 6.3 assists per game. This season, he missed the first eight games with a hamstring injury before making his season debut in the starting lineup against the Timberwolves.
He played 26 minutes in that game and had 10 points and three assists. Since then, he has come off the bench in each of his last six games, averaging 9.8 points and 7.0 assists. He had at least six assists in five straight games before struggling in Friday’s loss to the Thunder, playing only 13 minutes and chipping in two assists while struggling with five turnovers. Collier should be able to get back on track in this matchup with the Lakers, though, and getting this over/under at 5.5 is a good value, or you can be more aggressive and play him at 7+ assists for +133.
Keyonte George over 30.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-106)
While Collier was out, and even since he’s been coming off the bench, George has remained the focal point of the Jazz’s offense, and the 22-year-old guard from Baylor is emerging as one of the most productive rising stars in the league. George has played 34.2 minutes per game in his 15 games this season, while posting a 28% usage rate. He is averaging 22.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game, for an average of 33.8 PRA (points, rebounds, and assists).
The 22-year-old had 46 PRA against the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday, and even in the team’s loss to the Thunder, he had 31 PRA in 30 minutes. He’s been over this PRA line in four straight games and has averaged well over it in his eight home games.
In what should be an up-tempo matchup against the Lakers, look for George to post another strong showing and go over this prop line Sunday night as he tries to help his team pull off the upset of the Lakers.
