Bryan Armetta shares his three favorite player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s five-game NBA slate.
Just five games between ten teams are slated for Thursday across the NBA. Even with a limited amount of hoops, there’s still several intriguing matchups on tap tonight. That includes a showdown between the Warriors and 76ers, two contenders dealing with a slew of injuries. Elsewhere, LeBron James’ Lakers head up north for a date with the surprisingly competitive Raptors.
Thursday’s games present bettors with an array of enticing options. However, making the right bet also means avoiding any potential traps. Which players should you trust this evening? Here are my three favorite NBA prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Neemias Queta 10+ rebounds (-104)
Despite a revamped front court, the Celtics are alive and kicking in the Eastern Conference. That’s due in large part to the efforts of Neemias Queta, thrust into a starting role this season. Through 19 games, the center is averaging 9.7 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 66% from the field. Granted, nightly production has been erratic for the Utah State alum. However, in the right spot, Queta has legitimate double-double potential. It helps that Boston doesn’t offer much internal competition down low.
Tuesday presents an opportunity for numerous Celtics players to pad their season-long statistics. That’s due to a Wizards team that offers almost no resistance on defense. Opponents have notched the most points (127.3) and second-most rebounds (58.5) per game vs. Washington. On the glass, Queta has delivered six different performances with double-digit boards. That includes a November 5th meeting with none other than the Wizards (23 points, 12 rebounds). Boston’s underrated big man is poised for a stellar showing on the glass tonight.
Julius Randle 14+ rebounds + assists (+104)
Minnesota’s offense revolves around Anthony Edwards. However, the Timberwolves have been carried at several other points this season by Julius Randle. The former Knicks star has enjoyed another All-NBA caliber campaign. Over 21 games, he’s put up 22.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists. The scoring is nice, but Randle’s all-around contributions are what really stands out. On a roster that lacks a traditional point guard, he often thrives as a distributor. In addition, the power forward has tallied seven or more rebounds in 12 of his 21 appearances.
Tonight’s matchup pits the T-Wolves against one of the worst teams in all of basketball. The Pelicans have surrendered the third-most points (123.3), 11th-most rebounds (55.0), and fifth-most assists (28.6) per game. To top it off, New Orleans will be without Zion Williamson (adductor), Herbert Jones (calf) and Yves Missi (foot/ankle). Without some of their best front court pieces, it’s difficult to see the Pels having much success on Tuesday. Randle has secured at least 14 rebounds + assists in four of his last seven outings. That bodes well for his chances at another gaudy stat line on the Bayou.
Noah Clowney 16+ points (-114)
There haven’t been many reasons for optimism this season in Brooklyn. However, the Nets do roster a handful of intriguing young talents; Noah Clowney is one of those names. This season, the power forward is averaging 12.8 points to go with 41/35/82 shooting splits. Those numbers aren’t that impressive, but the Alabama alum has made a strong impression in recent weeks. During six of his previous seven appearances, Clowney has tallied at least 16 points.
Tonight, the Nets will take on another rebuilding squad in the Jazz. That gives the Nets a rare opportunity to earn a victory. This season, Utah has coughed up the second-most points (125.4) and second-most three-pointers made (15.0) per game to opponents. Over his previous five outings, Clowney has drained at least two shots from beyond the arc. That level of scoring should serve the big man well on Tuesday. Against a lackluster defense, Clowney is set up nicely to reach this modest 16-point total.