Germantas Kneita
There are just 5 games on the NBA slate on Saturday but it will feature a matchup we have become very accustomed to in recent years. Live on ABC tonight we will get to see the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Denver Nuggets, with the teams very familiar with each other having matched up in recent playoff series. The Nuggets have dominated those encounters and will be hoping they can do the same again tonight which would extend their winning streak to 10 games.
You can find our preview for that game along with other NBA previews. But for now check out my favorite player prop picks below.
Joel Embiid, PHI, Over 9.5 rebounds (-130)
Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid has faced off once against the Brooklyn Nets this season, and he was able to dominate the glass in the process. The former MVP pulled down 12 rebounds in the contest and should be similarly successful tonight. He has double-digit rebounds in 3 of his last 5 games. More importantly, he will have a significant bulk advantage over his direct matchup in Nic Claxton. Look for Embiid to have no issues asserting great rebounding position and the Nets’ center having issues getting him to budge. Claxton also offers no floor spacing for the Nets meaning Embiid will be well positioned in the paint to pull down defensive rebounds. Over the last 10 games the Nets are just 28th in true shooting percentage so there should be no shortage of misses for him to chase down.
Jamal Murray, DEN, Over 21.5 points (-120)
Jamal Murray has been in sensational form for the Denver Nuggets. Over his last 9 games he is currently averaging 27.8 points. His form in his most recent outings are even more impressive. He has scored at least 30 in 3 of his last 4 outings. That includes a 55-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers. Murray should be well poised to exploit Luka Doncic tonight. The Lakers have given up 28 points to LaMelo Ball and 21 points to Jordan Clarkson in games where Doncic took to the floor. Murray looks to be the next guard in line to take advantage. Nikola Jokic will have a major advantage in the paint tonight against the Lakers, too, which will force the visitors to send help his away. That should provide Murray with more space and freedom on offense. With Jokic second in the NBA in assists per game, he will be more than capable to picking out his sidekick tonight.
