Bryan Armetta shares his three favorite player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Tuesday’s five-game slate.
We’re now a week into the NBA season. That might sound early, but it’s enough time to get a feel for several teams across the association. Still, in a league as competitive as this, roles and minutes are always in flux.
Tuesday’s five-game, ten-team slate lacks quantity, but makes up for it in quality. Several contending clubs with plenty of star power will take the hardwood tonight. Which players should you consider backing?
Here are three of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s NBA action.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Mikal Bridges 19+ points + assists (-121)
It wasn’t an amazing weekend for the Knicks, who dropped their first game of the season in Miami. Still, New York remains one of the odds-on favorites to win the Eastern Conference. That’s due in large part to Mikal Bridges, a true jack of all trades. The two-way wing does a little bit of everything, bringing solid shooting and perimeter defense. Through three games, he’s averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists on 56.3% shooting from the field.
That level of all-around play can make it difficult for bettors to trust Bridges. After all, the veteran’s production can vary greatly from night to night. Still, in the right matchup, the 29-year-old is often undervalued. That includes tonight’s contest against the Bucks. In three of his previous four games vs. Milwaukee, Bridges has tallied at least 20 points + assists. It’s worth noting that the Bucks are lacking in quality perimeter defenders, as well. Under new head coach Mike Brown, Bridges should also get more ball-handling opportunities. With all eyes on Jalen Brunson, another ‘Nova Knick could thrive on Tuesday.
Kel’el Ware under 8.5 rebounds (-140)
Bam Adebayo is the face of the Heat, and for good reason. Still, it always helps to have a quality insurance plan. Former first-round pick Kel’el Ware is quickly making a name for himself off of Miami’s bench. Over his first three games, the center has recorded 10.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in just 19.3 minutes. The Oregon alum’s Per36 marks (19.2 PPG, 13.0 REB) are nothing short of phenomenal.
Still, that lack of playing time isn’t ideal for the 21-year-old’s production. The Heat lack top-end talent, but they do have plenty of depth. That means head coach Erik Spoelstra has several different options to deploy on any given night. In addition, Tuesday’s matchup isn’t the most promising. The Hornets have allowed an NBA-best 41.3 rebounds per game to opponents so far. Charlotte’s center duo of Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabaté have the size to box out Miami. Ware, while talented, might struggle to make an impact on the glass in this one.
Zach LaVine under 21.5 points (-116)
One of the few bright spots in Sacramento is Zach LaVine, off to a blistering start this season. In each of his three appearances, the two-time All-Star has notched at least 30 points. During that time, he’s delivered stellar 53/36/93 shooting splits. On a Kings team lacking offensive initiators, the 30-year-old serves a vital role. Still, games against the Jazz, Suns and Lakers aren’t the most difficult. Tuesday’s contest against Oklahoma City should be far more challenging.
The defending champions have made a name for themselves on defense. Last season, the Thunder held teams to 107.3 points per game, the third-lowest mark in basketball. That’s due primarily to their success beyond the arc; opponents shot a paltry 34.3% from three-point range against OKC. LaVine has scored less than 22 points in two of his previous three meetings with Oklahoma City. In spite of the veteran’s hot start, it’s difficult to envision another offensive outburst tonight.