Centers dominate the spotlight in tonight’s NBA action, and I’ve identified three standout prop bets that take advantage of key matchups and recent trends. Ivica Zubac is set to feast on a vulnerable Wizards defense, Trayce Jackson-Davis has a golden opportunity to shine with the Warriors’ frontcourt depleted, and Nikola Jokic continues his triple-double tear against the Kings. Let’s dive into why these props are worth backing and how each center’s recent performances and matchups make them prime candidates for big nights.
Clippers C Ivica Zubac Over 27.5 Points + Rebounds vs. Wizards (-110, BetMGM)
Death, taxes and backing centers vs. the Wizards. Zubac got some rest and sat out of last night’s game and should thrive in this matchup. Back in November, he posted 18 points on 9-of-11 shooting with 16 rebounds (on 20 rebounding chances) in just 24 minutes en route to a blowout win. The last seven times Zubac has played 30-plus minutes, here’s what he’s posted: 21 points and 19 rebounds, 21 points and 20 rebounds, 17 points and 16 rebounds, 18 points and 18 rebounds, 20 points and 16 rebounds, 17 points and 11 rebounds and 20 points and 19 rebounds. If Washington can keep this one within striking distance, Zubac should absolutely crush, but even if he sees three quarters of playing time, against a Wizards team that has allowed the most points (28.16) and third-most rebounds (16.57) to opposing centers.
Warriors C Trayce Jackson-Davis Over 9.5 Points vs. Bulls (-110, BetMGM)
With both Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga already ruled out and Kevon Looney and Kyle Anderson ruled out, Jackson-Davis could be one of the only frontcourt players active for the Warriors against the Bulls tonight and is likely to play the majority of the game at center. That’s important to note because the Bulls have allowed the 3rd-most points per game (25.18) to the center position and no team in the Association has allowed more pick-and-roll plays where the roller caught the ball (9.0) than Chicago this season. Additionally, no team in the NBA has allowed more points in the paint (56.1) than the Bulls, who rank 24th in Defensive Rating overall.
Nuggets C Nikola Jokic To Record Triple-Double vs. Kings (+120, FanDuel)
On the season, Jokic has averaged a ridiculous 30.1 points, (3rd in NBA), 13.2 rebounds (3rd) and 9.9 assists (2nd) and comes into this game after registering four consecutive triple-doubles and seven in his last 10 games. For context, in those last 10 games, he missed a triple-double by one singular rebound or assist. The last time Joker faced the Kings, he scored 20 points, pulled down 14 rebounds (on 21 chances) and dished 13 assists in a 130-129 win. At this point, it won’t be long until this prop gets to negative odds and I want to keep capitalizing on the otherworldly efficiency we’re seeing from him.
Related
