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Wednesday is always a big night in the NBA, and today is no different with 11 huge games to get excited for. We’ve got plenty of thoughts on the side and total for every single game, but right now we’re focusing on player props. There is plenty of value to be found in these markets tonight, and we’re breaking down our best four of the night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo over 27.5 points (-102)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is coming off a 43-point performance against this very same Pistons team in his last outing. In fact, Giannis had 30 points by half time, which just goes to show that Detroit simply has no answer for him. Mason Plumlee cannot guard him in a one-on-one situation, and he is not an established rim protector who could disrupt Giannis as a help defender. With the success that Giannis had in the first matchup, I expect him to be featured early and often. It’s also worth noting that Detroit has managed to keep teams just within touching distance in their games this season, so it should not be the case that Antetokounmpo sits out the fourth quarter. Even if he does, I expect it to be due to his third 30+ point performance of the season. This bet represents terrific value.
Be sure to check out our full-game preview for Detroit Pistons vs. Milwaukee Bucks.
Giannis has 22 points with 5 minutes left in the first half… Over 25.5 is looking pretty good – who has it? pic.twitter.com/EX4hvvty8C
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) January 5, 2021
Christian Wood over 19.5 points (-102)
Christian Wood is becoming an established scorer on this Houston team, having scored at least 20 points in every game he has played this season. What has really benefited him is having two playmaking guards in James Harden and John Wall who seem to have developed a trust in Wood to catch and finish at the rim. He is also knocking down his free throws at a respectable 72 percent clip and makes one or more shots from deep a game. Against this Indiana team, he will have the chance to exploit Domantas Sabonis in the pick and roll. With Indiana boasting terrific backcourt defenders in Malcolm Brogdon and Victor Oladipo, don’t be surprised if Wall and Harden look to pass off to Wood more than ever.
Be sure to check out our full-game preview for Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers.
Ben Simmons over 8.5 rebounds (-132)
Ben Simmons has been on an absolute tear on the boards lately. He has double-digit rebounds in each of his last four games. In fact, he has only recorded fewer than eight rebounds once this season, in a blowout loss against the Cavs where he only played 28 minutes. In the first matchup against the Wizards, he totaled nine rebounds but considering his recent performances, I expect him to go one better and continue his double-digit rebounding streak.
Be sure to check out our full-game preview for Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers.
Ben Simmons triple-double +650 💵
Sixers now have the best record in the east pic.twitter.com/LONrBCdhgg
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) January 3, 2021
R.J. Barrett over 1.5 made three-pointers (-120)
R.J. Barrett has struggled for efficiency from deep, shooting 23 percent on the season. But this number does not really represent his shooting ability well, as he had a tough stretch where he missed 18 straight three-pointers over three games. But he keeps putting his shots up, averaging five attempts from deep on the season. This has led to him having a couple of games where he has been able to knock down multiple shots and it seems that Tom Thibodeau is still giving him the green light to keep on shooting. The return of Austin Rivers should also benefit him as more focus is directed at him, which should mean RJ should get slightly better looks tonight. With the number of shots he puts up, a couple should drop in.
Be sure to check out our full-game preview for Utah Jazz vs. New York Knicks.
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