Bryan Armetta picks three NBA player props to back for Thursday night’s six-game slate.
Six games are set to tip off on Thursday across the NBA, with 12 teams in action. The biggest matchup is easily a clash of title contenders in Los Angeles. Jalen Brunson and the Knicks will fly cross-country for a showdown with LeBron James and the Lakers. Even on a modest slate, there are plenty of bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are three player props catching my eye tonight.
A good, not great, Pacers squad currently sits at fifth place in the top-heavy Eastern Conference. If Indiana happens to make another deep playoff run, it’ll be due to a quality group of role players. Among those to watch, Aaron Nesmith has come on strong as a scorer recently. Over his last seven games, the forward has averaged 15.9 points on 53.3% shooting from the field.
That level of play on offense probably isn’t sustainable going forward. Still, the 25-year-old has certainly carved out a role for himself. There should be more opportunities to score on Thursday against a poor Hawks defense. This season, Atlanta has allowed the fifth-most points (118.8) and the fifth-most three-pointers made (14.2) per game. Nesmith has knocked down at least two shots from beyond the arc in six of his last eight contests. There’s no reason to assume that trend doesn’t continue tonight.
The Pelicans, currently 17-45, are going nowhere fast. With Dejounte Murray injured, New Orleans’ back court has been in a state of disarray as of late. Still, veteran CJ McCollum is more than capable of conducting an NBA-level offense. This season, the guard has posted 21.7 points and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 45.0% from the floor.
While the 33-year-old isn’t your typical ball handler, he’s a willing passer in the right situation. That might come on Thursday against a Rockets team that smothers opponents on the perimeter. Houston doesn’t give up many points, but they have allowed 28.7 assists per game over their last three contests. That’s the 12th-highest mark in the association. McCollum has recorded four or more dimes in five of his previous six appearances. Another solid evening for New Orleans’ distributor doesn’t seem far-fetched.
As previously mentioned, all eyes will be on a marquee matchup at the Crypto Center tonight. While All-Stars abound for each side, this game will likely be won by the ‘others’ on both rosters. The Knicks certainly expected Mikal Bridges to be better this season. While the wing is still a two-way threat, it’s been a lackluster first season in New York. Through 61 games, he’s averaged 17.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 48.8% from the field.
The former Nets star has struggled on offense recently, reaching 20 points once over his last 11 games. However, as any savvy bettor will tell you, buy-lows offer massive value. The Lakers, while more dangerous with Luka Doncic, aren’t very intimidating on defense. This is a spot Bridges has thrived in before, recording at least 15 points in four of his last five meetings with Los Angeles. With OG Anunoby (thumb) potentially out, there could be even more touches funneled to the 28-year-old. New York’s inconsistent wing isn’t the most enticing name, but he’s due for an impressive outing in primetime.
