Best NBA player prop for Thursday's slate: Wagner steps up against the Pistons

There is just a single game on the NBA slate tonight but is there is still an opportunity for me to build on last night’s 4-0 result on NBA player props!

Tonight’s game is between the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. Neither team is in the playoff picture this year but have a strong focus on youth. As a result, tonight could be a great opportunity for their young stars to showcase their talent on a national stage.

You can find our +1030 same game parlay for this game here. But until then, let’s check out my favorite player prop for the night’s NBA action.

Franz Wagner over 5.5 rebounds (+125)

With Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic listed as day-to-day tonight with a sprained ankle, there could be a rebounding void for the hosts. That is where rookie Franz Wagner should step in. Over the last 10 games he is averaging 4.9 rebounds per game, with tonight’s circumstances likely leading to him exceeding that average.

He has shown recently that he can hit this too, having recorded 6 or more boards in 3 of his last 4 games. Having hit it 5 times so far this month overall, the opportunities should be there for him once more tonight.

This season the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons rank 28th and 29th in the league in true shooting percentage respectively. Their inefficiency shooting the ball has meant that the Pistons are 24th in the league in opponent rebounds per game. The Pistons have been struggling from beyond the arc too, ranking 24th in 3-pointers made per game and 23rd in 3-point percentage over the last 10 games.

That should give freedom to forwards such as Wagner to step away from the perimeter and help crowd the paint. Over the last 5 games DeMar DeRozan, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Morris Sr. have all taken advantage of this to record 6 or more boards. Wagner should be next in line.

Be sure to check out our full game preview for Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic.

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