Germantas Kneita
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The last 2 teams not to have started their NBA seasons get their campaigns underway on Thursday night. The Milwaukee Bucks will begin with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. These Eastern Conference contenders will be keen to set the tone from the get go. The same can be said for the night’s later game, as the Lakers and the Clippers take on each other in the battle for Los Angeles. With the Clippers winners of 7 straight games in the matchup, it has been a one sided of late.
Check out the player props I have picked out for each game below.
P.J. Tucker Over 5.5 points (-120)
One of the biggest acquisitions the 76ers made in the offseason is the addition of P.J. Tucker. While the forward has not been brought in to be a major contributor on the offensive end, his defense and tenacity should see him earn plenty of time on the floor. Tucker managed 33 minutes of playing time on opening night. With that he was able to score 6 points on 3-of-5 shooting. I expect him to be able to recreate something similar here.
Playing against the Bucks should also suit Tucker well. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best help defenders in the league, so expect him to step in and assist his team on Joel Embiid post-ups or James Harden drives. Having him guard a more offensively challenged player like Tucker would allow him to do just that. The end result should mean that Tucker finds himself with the ball more often, likely in the corner, as he works as an outlet for the 76ers’ stars. Having made 41.5% of his 3-pointers for the Miami Heat last season, he does have the ability to punish the Bucks.
Take a look at our full game preview for Milwaukee Bucks vs Philadelphia 76ers
Anthony Davis Over 24.5 points (-115)
While the Los Angeles Clippers have a great number of defensive options on their wings, they lack a lockdown defender in the middle. That is one area Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers could look to exploit. With Davis mainly playing at center, he will find himself matched up against Ivica Zubac. The Lakers’ big man has a faster first step than the Croatian, which should encourage him to attack the rim with more consistency. It’s something that should help him deliver a high-scoring performance.
Davis has also already enjoyed a strong offensive showing against a team that was a favorable matchup for him. Against the Warriors on opening night he was able to score 27 points on 22 field-goal attempts. With him acting as a focal point of the offense once more tonight, do not expect a drop-off in attempts. That should help ensure that the over clears.
Don’t forget to read our full preview for Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers
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