Eight games between 16 teams make up Friday’s NBA action. Among the must-watch matchups, a clash of contenders in Detroit when the Pistons host the Rockets. Later, the pesky Suns visit the Hawks in Atlanta. As a nightcap, the shorthanded Nuggets hope to stave off Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks.
On such a jam-packed slate, which players should bettors trust to get the weekend started? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Donovan Mitchell 30+ points (-120)
There are many issues with the underperforming Cavaliers; Donovan Mitchell is not one of them. The six-time All-Star has been better than ever this season, putting up some impressive numbers. Through 41 games, he’s averaging 28.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. In addition, Spida is shooting 48% from the field and 38% from three-point range. That production has been invaluable for a Cleveland squad dealing with injuries to several key players.
The Cavs are shorthanded yet again tonight, missing Darius Garland (toe). Without his backcourt running mate, Mitchell should hoist up even more shots than usual. It helps that he’s taking on one of the NBA’s worst defensive units in Sacramento. The Kings are giving up 120.7 points per game to opponents, fourth-most in basketball. Mitchell has tallied at least 30 points in 22 of his 41 appearances this season. There’s a good chance he does so again at home on Friday evening.
Pascal Siakam 8+ rebounds (+115)
There’s not much worth paying attention to for Pacers fans. Still, Pascal Siakam remains one of the NBA’s best stat-stuffers. Over 43 games, the power forward is putting up 23.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists. To boot, he’s delivered solid 48/39/68 shooting splits. Add it up, and you have an All-Star talent on an otherwise lackluster roster. For betting purposes, that makes the Cameroonian a somewhat safe option.
Scoring is Siakam’s biggest claim to fame, but that’s not the category you should back him in tonight. On Friday, Indiana takes on the juggernaut Thunder in a Finals rematch. The defending champs are the best team in basketball for a reason, but they do struggle on the glass. Oklahoma City is allowing 55.1 rebounds per game to opponents, sixth-most in basketball. That number doesn’t even tell the whole story, as center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) remains sidelined. Siakam, at plus money, is capable of securing eight boards.
Jaren Jackson Jr. 2+ three-pointers made (-130)
To wrap up our list, we’ll check in on the struggling Grizzlies. Memphis, despite perpetual Ja Morant drama, still has a shot at reaching the play-in. That’s due in large part to the all-around ability of Jaren Jackson Jr. This season, the former Defensive Player of the Year has been good, not great, on offense. Through 40 games, he’s accounted for 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists. If nothing else, the big man can stretch the floor. JJJ is knocking down 37% of his three-point attempts so far.
Another productive evening from beyond the arc could be in store for Memphis’ best player. The Pelicans are an absolute mess on defense, especially on the perimeter. New Orleans is giving up 14.8 three-pointers made per game, second-most in the NBA. In comparison, Jackson Jr. has drained at least two treys in 23 of his 40 outings this season. That includes the last time these two clubs met on November 26th. There’s nothing to suggest that the All-Star will struggle from distance in this one.
