The NBA’s schedule-makers provided fans and bettors with a wildly entertaining night of hoops last night. While the slate is a bit smaller tonight, the games could be just as competitive. Early on in the night, Jakob Poeltl and the San Antonio Spurs will play host to the Boston Celtics. Shortly afterward, Jonas Valanciunas and the New Orleans Pelicans will tip off against the Mavericks in Dallas. Below, bettors can check out some of the best NBA player props at PrizePicks, including one Jonas Valanciunas prop.
Best NBA Player Props at PrizePicks
Jakob Poeltl Over 9.5 Rebounds
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich marches to the beat of his own drum. The veteran coach plays around with his team’s rotations and players’ minutes more than any other coach in the league. Since Jakob Poeltl returned from injury, fans haven’t really known much about his health due to Popovich’s limited comments. Poeltl had been playing limited minutes and hadn’t played more than 26 minutes until Dec. 29, when he finally registered 29.
In San Antonio’s four non-blowout games since that outing, Poeltl has averaged 12.8 rebounds per game in 29.3 minutes. His minutes have nearly returned to normal, and if that’s the case, this rebound line is simply too low. Poeltl recorded 16 rebounds on over 21 rebound chances last night. He has averaged 15 rebound chances per game on the year, and that number is negatively skewed because of minute limitations.
The crafty center squares off against the Celtics tonight. Boston has allowed 15.5 rebounds per game to centers, the seventh-highest rate this season. Using OddsShopper’s tools, bettors will find this bet listed at a price of -127 at Caesars. Users who are new to PrizePicks can score a free month of Stokastic+ Platinum and a $100 deposit match!
Editor’s Note: The San Antonio Spurs ruled Jakob Poeltl out after publication.
Jonas Valanciunas Under 27.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
The Pelicans remain without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, which leaving a lot of production for C.J. McCollum and his teammates. One might think that those absences would allow Jonas Valanciunas to play 30 or more minutes and be a top-tier piece on the New Orleans’ roster.
However, Valanciunas only sees extended run when backup big-man Larry Nance Jr. is also unavailable. In games that Nance doesn’t dress, Valanciunas averages 28 points, rebounds and assists in 28 minutes per game. When Nance plays, Valanciunas averages only 23.9 points, rebounds and assists in 24 minutes per game.
Nance should play tonight and log around 20 minutes, a number that will likely limit Valanciunas to a maximum of 26. It’s also worth noting that he’ll face the Mavericks tonight. Dallas plays at the NBA’s slowest pace and has limited opposing centers to little production in the box score, making this one of tonight’s best NBA player props at PrizePicks. OddsShopper’s tools show that this play is listed at -113 on Caesars.
Editor’s Note: The New Orleans Pelicans ruled Larry Nance Jr. out after publication.
