Germantas Kneita
After the conclusion of the NFL season last night, the NBA looks set to take center stage of the sports world. The association is coming out strong tonight with a 10-game slate. Both of the conference leaders are in action on Monday but the focus of everyone might be on Los Angeles. The Lakers will be welcoming the Utah Jazz and Luka Doncic has a chance to take to the floor and make his debut after one of the biggest trades in sports history. You can find out our NBA picks for all of tonight’s big matchups, but for now, let’s dive into today’s best NBA player prop bets.
Paolo Banchero (ORL) over 23.5 points (-122)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero has been struggling for efficiency so far in February, but this should be a perfect game for him to bounce back. His opponent tonight is an Atlanta Hawks team that has been leading the league in pace over the last 10 games. They also allowed more points in the paint than any other team in the league during that time. With Banchero likely being matched up against Georges Niang, expect him to have no issues in breaking down his man off the dribble.
With the tempo the Hawks look set to force on this game, there should be more opportunities for the Magic to attack in transition. Banchero is one of the best finishers at the rim for his team so should be set to thrive. Over the last 10 games, the Hawks are 23rd in opponent points per game. Banchero is 2nd on the Magic in usage percentage, so should have plenty of opportunities to get his tonight.
Get set for Luka Doncic’s LA debut with our Jazz vs Lakers Same Game Parlay picks at +436 odds!
De’Aaron Fox (SA) over 6.5 assists (-135)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Ever since joining the San Antonio Spurs roster, De’Aaron Fox has looked to try and get his teammates involved as much as he can. As a Spur, he is currently averaging over 9 assists per game, way up on his average of 6.3 for the season. Having a lob threat such as Victor Wembanyama has certainly helped.
Tonight, Fox will be up against the Washington Wizards for the second time this season. In the first meeting, he recorded 13 assists and should have similar success here. Over the last 10 games, the Wizards rank 22nd in defensive rating and in the top half of the league in pace. They are also 28th in opponent assists per game during that stretch. The Spurs are heavy favorites tonight and I expect Fox to look to get his teammates going before he calls his own number.
Start the new week right with our NBA parlay picks at +968 odds
Chet Holmgren (OKC) over 2.5 steals & blocks (+110)
Odds available at Bet365 at time of publishing.
Chet Holmgren made his return from injury and was an immediate force on the defensive end. Playing alongside a traditional center in Isaiah Hartenstein allowed Holmgren a free role on the defensive end, and he took advantage. In just 22 minutes, Holmgren managed 4 blocks and 2 steals against the Toronto Raptors. His minutes could rise tonight as he takes on the New Orleans Pelicans.
Over the last 10 games, the Pelicans are 19th in opponent steals and 25th in opponent blocks per game. They will be looking to attack the paint tonight, especially with Zion Williamson taking to the floor. It is where Holmgren can be a factor as a rim protector. The Thunder also have great perimeter defenders like Alex Caruso, who can pressure the ball and force ill-advised passes. Holmgren should be more than capable of picking a few of these off.
Read our full New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder prediction
