NBA Player Props and Predictions
With the NFL season wrapped, it is now time to turn our attention to the hardwood. I’m going to be adjusting my Tuesday article to my top selections from either the NBA or NCAA Men’s Basketball slate each week! Let’s dive into today’s NBA best bets!
Oklahoma City (-2.5, 223) vs. Orlando
This is a game that sets up well for the Magic. They have a major rest advantage with the prior two days off, while Oklahoma City will be playing their third game in four nights. The two teams have played once this season, a 112-100 win for the Thunder on their home court. In that game, Orlando struggled, shooting just 20% from three and 64% from the free throw line. I have a small play on Orlando, but I like the Over more.
In that previous game, both teams were awful from beyond the arc. On top of the Magic’s 20% performance, the Thunder shot 22% for long distance. Neither team eclipsed 50% from the field, and the Magic turned the ball over 16 times. The total in that game was 231.5, so we are seeing more than an 8-point adjustment. While I agree the total shouldn’t be in the 230’s, 223 seems a little extreme.
NBA Best Bet: Over 223
Detroit vs. LA Lakers (-10.5, 242)
In the one prior meeting in Detroit, the Lakers rolled the Pistons 133-107 after jumping all over them in the first half. Detroit has struggled defensively all season, especially when trying to guard the point. With a total this high, let’s focus on a player prop for the Lakers.
In the last meeting, D’Angelo Russell went for 35 points while dissecting the Pistons D. I expect more of the same today; his prop is currently sitting at just 19.5 points. His minute usage has jumped each of the last two months as his play has improved. In those two months, he has averaged 22.6 points per game and over 17 shots per game. His usage has also increased in games where the Lakers win by double digits. Everything sets up for a 20+ game here for Russell, so let’s take the over!
NBA Best Bet: Russell o19.5 Points
Good luck today on the hardwood!
