The NCAA Tournament tips off today, but we’re still sharing our favorite Thursday NBA player props. The Association features a relatively modest five-game slate with several up-and-coming young stars in action.
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Best Thursday NBA Player Props
Mikal Bridges Over 2.5 Threes
Bridges continues to emerge as a primary scorer for the Nets, delivering from all three levels. We’re focused on his production from deep in this particular case. He’s averaging 3.2 three-pointers over his last five at a 41% clip and converted at least three treys in four of those contests.
The Kings, for their part, rank middle of the pack in opponent three-point attempts, but bottom third in opponent three-point efficiency. The Nets are 2-point home favorites, and Bridges will need to produce for the Nets to add a tally to the win column.
James Wiseman Over 14.5 Points
Wiseman continues to climb the usage ladder, due both in part to his production and the Pistons’ growing injury report – including multiple frontcourt bodies. He’ll likely own the second highest usage rate among Thursday’s starters.
He’s producing with his opportunity as well. He’s hitting 53.7% of his 13.7 shots over his last five and reached 15 points in four of those. He attempted 15 shots in each of the last two and figures to enjoy another night of healthy shot volume. Finally, the Nuggets have allowed 123 points across their recent four-game skid.
James Wiseman Over 8.5 Rebounds
It’s not just the scoring column in which Wiseman is delivering. He reached nine or more boards in seven of his last 10 starts and owns the team’s second highest rebounding percentage.
Wiseman’s propensity for foul trouble has reared its head on occasion, and that’s a concern against Nikola Jokic. But given the Pistons’ lack of bodies, Wiseman may not have a choice but to log another 30-plus minutes and flirt with double-digit boards.
Bonus: We don’t like to get in the habit of using terms like “safe”, but given the situation, there’s a lot of reason to like Wiseman’s odds of reaching double figures in the scoring column. He should be in line for plenty of playing time, so if you want to chase Wiseman’s plus-money odds on a double-double, this is a reasonable spot to do so.
Paolo Banchero Over 19.5 Points
We’re focused on both Banchero’s and the Suns’ recent form. Banchero is averaging 24.5 points over his last six and reached 20 points in five of those. He’s hitting 46.5% of his 19 shot attempts over that span as well. He could stand to improve his efficiency from the stripe, but he’s averaging 7.3 attempts.
Phoenix, for its part, is in the midst of a rough patch – understandable in the wake of Kevin Durant’s devastating injury. They’re comfortable 8-point home favorites, but are allowing 122 points over their recent three-game losing streak.
Note: Odds and lines are subject to shift leading up to and throughout a game. Be sure to find the most updated numbers at the industry’s best NBA betting sites.
