Germantas Kneita
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The NBA is treating its fans to a seven-game slate on Easter Sunday with plenty of interesting matchups to look forward to. The battle of Los Angeles is certainly one of them, as sparks are expected to fly even without Lebron James and Anthony Davis in the fold. The Nets will be taking on the Bulls which looks like it could be a preview of a first-round playoff series.
Be sure to check out our full game previews here. But now, let’s take a look at four of my favorite player prop bets for today’s games.
Kyrie Irving over 43.5 points + rebounds + assists (-118)
With James Harden confirmed out for the Nets and Kevin Durant not yet ready to make his return to the line-up, the burden of carrying the team will fall on Kyrie Irving’s shoulders tonight. This will be the second straight game Harden has missed, with Irving coming two assists shy of a triple-double in the first game against the Hornets. He should once again assume a larger responsibility tonight against the Bulls that should see a bump up in his rebounding and assist numbers.
Over the last two games, he has combined for 18 and 19 rebounds and assists, respectively. If he can do something similar here, it should leave him needing somewhere around 25 points. With him averaging 29.5 points per game on the road this season, that is very possible here.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls.
Michael Porter Jr. over 19.5 points (+150)
Over the last 10 games, Michael Porter Jr. has been averaging 20.8 points per game and recorded 18 points in the last meeting against the Magic. Orlando however is very shorthanded at the moment and is coming off a game where they allowed the Jazz to score 137 points. They allowed 26 three-pointers on the night which will be encouraging for Porter Jr., since he is the most consistent threat from deep for the Nuggets and could be in line to benefit in the same way. He is knocking down 45 percent of his shot from deep this year and has been able to hot 20 or more in three of his last four games. Against a fatigued Magic team, these odds seem to be of great value and worth a look.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Orlando Magic vs. Denver Nuggets.
Robert Williams III over 22.5 points + rebounds (-120)
After trading away Daniel Theis, the starting center position has been handed to Robert Williams III who has taken full advantage of it so far. His last game was his best since the trade deadline as he recorded 20 points and 9 rebounds against a fairly undersized Rockets squad. There will be no dominant big man for him to take on tonight either as he faces the Charlotte Hornets and the likes of Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller. Neither player can stretch the floor which should allow Williams to remain in the painted area.
Opposing centers have surpassed their season average in rebounds in each of the last four games the Hornets have played. As a result, it would be fair to expect Williams to surpass the nine rebounds he has been averaging over the last 10 games. And with him coming off a perfect shooting night, do not expect the Celtics to go away from him offensively. Back the over on this one.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Charlotte Hornets vs. Boston Celtics.
Paul George over 10.5 rebounds + assists (+102)
Paul George has been smashing this total in his last few games, having surpassed this total in six of his last eight games. This including each of his last three games where he has averaged a combined 15.6 rebounds and assists. In the two games that he missed this total, it was by a single rebound or assists. Tonight, he will be taking on the Lakers who although might be shorthanded without their star players, will still be a rival George should be motivated to take down.
With Serge Ibaka out for tonight’s game, and Ivica Zubac likely to be pulled away from the rim by Marc Gasol’s shooting capabilities, George should be in a prime position or gather rebounds tonight. Look for his current streak to continue here and for this line to clear.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers.
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