Kevin Durant makes his debut for the Phoenix Suns against the Charlotte Hornets. He’s included in our Wednesday NBA player prop picks, along with other members of these two teams.
[cta id=4013 type=cta]
Wednesday NBA Betting Odds & Player Props
If you’re new to sports betting, it’s important to understand that odds fluctuate leading up to and even throughout a game. Check the best NBA betting sites for the most up-to-date numbers.
Wednesday NBA Player Props | Hornets vs. Suns
Terry Rozier Over 28.5 Points + Assists
Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball fractured his ankle, creating a void the team is forced to fill. Rozier is the first in line to assume the lead role, one that he’s capable of playing respectably. He averaged 23.5 points and 5.9 assists in 10 games without Ball from Nov. 18 to Dec. 11.
Look for Rozier to carry the load in terms of ball handling, facilitation, and shot volume. Efficiency isn’t Rozier’s strong suit, however he has some capable players around him. There should also be enough added volume that Rozier is able to reach the Over.
Chris Paul Over 8.5 Assists
It will take some time for the Suns’ star quartet to find its groove, but there’s enough understanding of one another that they should be able to hit the ground at a brisk jog if not a sprint.
The Suns are significant road favorites for obvious reasons, and while there is some blowout potential in this spot, we’re comfortable enough forecasting a strong performance from Paul in the assist department. One has to imagine how exciting it is for a pure point guard such as Paul to have such an explosive set of weapons at his disposal.
Mark Williams Over 21.5 Points + Rebounds
The absence of Ball impacts the entire Hornets roster. Williams may not be tasked with increased ball-handling or facilitating duty, but he’s going to be responsible for stepping up nonetheless.
Williams is playing well since being inserted into the starting lineup on Feb. 10. He’s averaging 12.1 points and 9.9 boards. It’s not uncommon for a team to play with a bit of extra vigor for a short period after its star player goes down as role players enjoy the opportunity for increased playing time. Williams is quickly developing into more than a “role player”, but the point still applies here.
Kevin Durant Under 20.5 Points
While this is a modest total, there are multiple reasons for leaning Under here. For starters, this is Durant’s first game back from a serious knee injury, not to mention his first game with his new team. The Suns have apparently enjoyed some long practices with Durant, suggesting they’re on their way to achieving the necessary degree of familiarity they’ll need by the time the postseason tips off.
However, practice is different from the bright lights, and it will likely take the Suns some time to iron out the kinks — regardless of how minor — that are almost certain to arise. Some of that adjustment process is developing a feel for when to score and when to facilitate.
Finally, with the Suns laying double digits, the odds suggest this is a game that could get out of hand in the second half, prompting the Suns to ease up on their stars –- especially one making his first appearance since Jan. 8.
