There’s always a little trepidation when you make your first few NBA wagers after the Super Bowl, but with the NFL wrapping up, it’s time to shift our focus to the Association. And more importantly, player props.
Today’s seven-game slate includes some fun matchups, including the Celtics-Jazz matchup on TNT.
Player props are a fun way to wager on NBA games even if you don't like a side or total. I like to find matchups that I can exploit or good situations due to injuries, and we have both of those scenarios today. Be sure to check back daily for our top NBA player prop bets.
Joe Harris OVER 13.5 points
The shooter is averaging 19.2 points per game (PPG) over his last five games. He has also been hot since the James Harden trade, averaging 15.7 PPG on 52% shooting overall, and a scorching 50% from 3-point range on just under eight attempts per game. With teams having to pick their poison in defending Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Harris is getting lot of good looks this season. And he's delivering.
With Durant out again tonight, the Nets will need Harris to let it fly. Look for his strong play to continue against a struggling Detroit Pistons team that looks like they have gone into tank mode after trading Derrick Rose. The Pistons are ranked 20th in overall team defensive efficiency, which sets up well for Harris to hit his target tonight.
Joel Embiid OVER 28.5 points
The big man is having a monster season thus far, and is definitely a legitimate candidate for MVP. Embiid is averaging 29.3 PPG and that number jumps to 35.3 PPG over his last ten games. The Process has also gone over this mark in six of his last seven games.
The Sixers always play well at home and so does Embiid. This is also the perfect matchup to exploit for the Sixers' big man, against a Kings team allowing the most points in the paint and the highest offensive rebounding percentage over their last 10 games.
Philadelphia also averages the second most free throw attempts (FTA) in the NBA. Another plus for Embiid against a Kings that has allowed the seventh most FTAs per game over their last ten outings.
As long as Embiid can hit his free throws tonight, he will get his 30+.
Damian Lillard OVER 31.5 points
Lillard is averaging 29.1 PPG on the season and that number has gone up to 32 PPG since CJ McCollum broke his foot.
Orlando is giving up 119 ppg over their last seven games, and they rank 23rd overall in defensive efficiency. The team as a whole seems to be free falling, as they have gone 3-7 over their last ten games.
Matchup wise, this is the perfect game for Dame to go off, with Orlando also giving up the fifth-most points to opposing PGs on the season, per Hashtag Basketball. Portland is coming off of a loss, which means we should see some “Dame Time” tonight.