Tonight’s hoops slate is a modest four-game course that includes Bucks vs. Grizzlies on NBA TV. We converted all four picks on Wednesday night, and we’re trying to stay hot with a quartet of Thursday NBA player props.
NBA Player Prop Picks | Thursday, Dec. 15
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 44.5 Points + Rebounds
Giannis is still riding a heater. He scored fewer than 30 points only twice in his last 11 games. He fell just shy of the Over his last time out, but he played fewer than 30 minutes in the Bucks’ rout of Golden State.
The Grizzlies remain without Desmond Bane, their top three-point shooter, increasing the likelihood of more errant shot attempts. The Bucks are short road ‘dogs in this one, so the minutes should be plentiful enough for Antetokounmpo to reach 45 combined points and rebounds.
Ja Morant Over 7.5 Assists
Morant is averaging 9.3 assists over his last nine contests and went Over 7.5 in six of those overall – with room to spare.
The Bucks feature the No. 2 defensive rating in the league, so Morant won’t necessarily sail smoothly to eight dimes, but the Grizzlies are favored at home. If they’re going to emerge with the W, it will be on the back of Morant’s scoring and passing.
Zion Williamson Over 7.5 Rebounds
Williamson logged fewer than 26 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Jazz, yet pulled down nine boards anyway. He’s averaging 8.9 rebounds over his last 10, and has demonstrated a higher rebounding ceiling with four double-digit rebounding efforts – including 15 on Dec. 2.
The Pelicans have struggled against the Jazz in two games this season. They’re a quality defensive team though, and they’ll make life challenging enough to provide Williamson with the opportunity to clean the glass to the tune of eight-plus rebounds.
Lauri Markkanen Over 29.5 Points + Rebounds
Markkanen notched a double-double (19 points, 11 rebounds) in his return from a three-game absence. Markkanen had a three-game stretch in mid-November in which he averaged a meager 15 points and 7 rebounds. Since then, however, he’s averaging 23.4 points and 8.9 rebounds over 11 contests.
Not to mention, he’s shooting 48.1% on 7.2 three-point attempts over that span. The Jazz may need to scratch and claw a bit to hold down the Pelicans for a second consecutive game, but they’re only 1-point underdogs, so it’s reasonable to anticipate a competitive 48-plus minutes and a quality showing from Markkanen.
Remember, lines and odds fluctuate between the time they’re posted and tip-off. Be sure to check around the best NBA betting sites for the most favorable numbers.
