Best NBA player prop bets for Wednesday, 12/7: Kevin Durant takes charge

Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant
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Germantas Kneita

NBA

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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There is a massive 11-game slate tonight for which I have picked out my 4 favorite player props. As a result there is plenty to cover and dive into. As always you can find our full NBA coverage here, but now let’s jump straight into the analysis for the player prop picks.

 

Kevin Durant Over 28.5 points (-113)

Kevin Durant has been on fire for the Brooklyn Nets. The forward has managed to surpass the 30-point mark in 5 of his last 6 games and should be able to keep that going against the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets have had defensive troubles this season, ranking 20th in opponent points per game. With Kyrie Irving matched up against 1 of the top Hornets defenders in Terry Rozier, look for Durant to assume more of the offensive mantle tonight. He should have the length necessary to get his shot off against Jalen McDaniels or Kelly Oubre Jr., so look for him to maintain his recent efficiency.

Do not forget to read our preview for Charlotte Hornets vs Brooklyn Nets

Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 31.5 points (-102)

Antetokounmpo has been a monster scoring the ball lately, with 32 or more points in 6 of his last 7 games. Tonight’s opposition is the Sacramento Kings, who should prove a favorable opponent to keep that run going. They are 29th in the NBA in blocks per game and 24th in opponent points in the paint. The Kings’ frontcourt of Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis is undersized and could struggle dealing with the size and length of the Greek Freak. Antetokounmpo shoots at a 75.2% clip in the restricted area this season and should find little resistance in there tonight. The Kings have been competitive, so do not expect this to be a blowout, either. Back the over on this line as a result.

Check out our predictions for Sacramento Kings vs Milwaukee Bucks

Marcus Smart Over 11.5 points (-115)

The Phoenix Suns are currently ranked 6th in the league in defensive rating, with all of their efforts tonight likely aimed at slowing down Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. That should create opportunities for Smart. He was able to do just that last season, averaging 14 points per game against the Suns despite not knocking down a single 3-pointer. Considering he has recorded at least 14 points in 4 of his last 5 games, he should have the shooting touch to keep that going. In 4 games over this stretch he has shot better than 50% from 3-point range, indicating he is set to punish the Suns if they send too much help toward the Celtics’ superstars. The over on this line is great value as a result.

Be sure to read our full Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns predictions

DeMar DeRozan Over 4.5 rebounds (-125)

The outside shooting ability of Kristaps Porzingis for the Washington Wizards should pull Nikola Vucevic away form the paint. With the Bulls’ leading rebounder vacating that space, look for others to benefit in terms of their rebounding numbers. DeRozan was able to do just that when the sides last met, recording 6 rebounds. His recent form indicates he could be set to replicate this, having pulled down 5 or more in 3 straight games heading into this one. The Wizards are also just 19th in true shooting percentage, so there should be plenty of missed shots for the guard to chase down.

Take a look at our predictions for Washington Wizards vs Chicago Bulls

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