The Los Angeles Lakers leaped out to a 3-1 series lead, but the Houston Rockets have refused to roll over. Game 6 tips off Friday night, as LeBron James and company look to deliver the knockout blow and punch their ticket to the second round.
The Rockets enter as 3.5-point favorites with -162 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Lakers sit as +136 underdogs, with the game total set at 205.5 points.
Let’s dive into my favorite LeBron James player props for Friday’s contest.
Best LeBron James prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
LeBron James Over 7.5 Assists (-142)
LeBron James is still capable of leading the Lakers in scoring when the situation dictates it. But the 41-year-old superstar is also content dominating the game with his playmaking. James has had plenty of success setting up his supporting cast, which was bolstered by the return of Austin Reaves.
James averaged 7.2 assists per game across the regular season, dishing out at least eight dimes in 26 of his 60 games played. In this playoff series with the Rockets, his assist numbers have ballooned to 8.4 per contest — highlighted by a 13-assist performance in Game 1. While LeBron has been held below 7.5 dimes in three of the contests, he’s averaging an impressive 13.4 potential assists on the series.
As the Rockets look to keep their season alive, expect a desperate defensive effort with plenty of physicality. With Luka Doncic sidelined, expect James to keep the ball in his hands and facilitate at a high rate. James’ playmaking has fueled the Lakers’ offensive attack so far, and he should continue pulling the strings with more than 7.5 assists in Game 6.
LeBron James Over 1.5 Made Three-Pointers (+106)
It may not jump out as a value play to back James to connect on multiple triples in Friday’s matchup, considering he’s missed 12 consecutive three-point attempts over the last three games. But shooting slumps happen, and James has far too much experience for this to stop him from approaching Game 6 with the same offensive mindset.
James is a career 34.8% three-point shooter and has shot as well as 41% over the course of a season. He averaged 1.3 made triples per game this season, and he’s averaged 1.4 treys through the first five games of this series, despite shooting just 28% from deep. Still, James went 2-for-5 from downtown in Game 2 before drilling 4-of-9 three-point attempts in Game 3.
Houston has a stiff defense across the board, though it makes life most difficult for opponents around the interior. The roster is loaded with high-level athletes who aren’t afraid to get physical. While James can still match that physicality, expect him to attack the perimeter to preserve his body. Back James to shrug off his recent struggles and punish the Rockets from beyond the arc on Friday night.
