The first ever NBA in-season tournament is here, and we have a seven game slate to attack. So what are today’s best NBA player prop picks? Let’s dive right in. If you’re hungry for more action, check out our NBA betting tools or our NBA betting promos! You can always check out my guide to NBA player prop betting as well.
Best NBA Player Props Today: Picks for Desmond Bane & More
No Ja Morant means the Memphis Grizzlies are in serious trouble for the next 20 games. Not only is the loss of Morant meaningful, but losing Tyus Jones as a backup point guard has caused the Grizzlies to be the only team in the NBA without a win this season. Tonight, against the woeful Portland Trail Blazers, Desmond Bane will not only look to lead the Grizzlies to their first win but lead the game in scoring as well.
This will be the first time I’m attacking this market. FanDuel and BetRivers are the only books to offer this player prop this season, as DraftKings did last season. If you don’t have access to this market, I’d recommend backing Bane Over 25.5 Points on FanDuel. But the value of leading scorer is more attractive, as Portland has been killed by backcourts this season. Detroit Pistons sensation Cade Cunningham is coming off dropping 30 against the Trail Blazers, while Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers scored 26 on four of eight from three-point range.
The usage rate that Bane continues to log without Morant makes him a threat to drop a 30 piece at any given point, especially one with a three-point spread. His 28% usage rate leads the Grizzlies, while Jaren Jackson Jr., a threat at this player prop, is registering a 23% usage rate. Shaedon Sharpe will threaten Bane for the leading scorer, but defensive specialist Marcus Smart will most likely get that assignment and look to limit Sharpe.
NBA Player Prop Pick: Desmond Bane Leading Scorer +125 at FanDuel
Zach Lavine Player Prop
Zach Lavine is in for a rough go at it come Friday Night against the Brooklyn Nets. Not only do the Nets have the lengthy perimeter defenders in Ben Simmons, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Royce O’Neal, to disrupt Lavine, but he hasn’t looked like himself. As you can see from OddsShopper’s tools, Lavine has a probable tag for tonight, as he’s dealing with a back injury.
Ever since Lavine dropped the first 50 point game of the NBA season against the Pistons, he’s scored 23 and 22 points. Nor is he delivering from an assist or rebounding standpoint. So that’s why we’re adding on his rebounds + assists. Other than dropping 55 PRA against Detroit, he’s stayed under this line in the four other games.
Our NBA betting tools want action on this Zach Lavine under today. You’ll find his points + rebounds + assists total set to 32.5 — less than his season average (29).
NBA Player Prop Pick: Zach Lavine Under 32.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists -106 at DraftKings
