Zach Thompson details his best player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s game between the Lakers and the 76ers.
The NBA has seven games on the slate this Sunday, and in one of the evening matchups, the 76ers host the Lakers with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. ET. If you’re looking to finish out your stuffed sports Sunday with some player props, let’s dive in and highlight a few player prop bets that stand out as strong plays from both sides of this matchup on DraftKings Sportsbook. In the big picture, the Lakers are 3.5-point road favorites, with the game total set at O/U 233.5 points.
The Lakers will get Luka Doncic back in this matchup after the star guard missed two games for personal reasons earlier this week. LeBron James (sciatica/foot) is questionable for the Lakers, while Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee) are both probable for the Sixers. The Lakers went 1-1 in their two games without Luka and are 16-6 on the season. The 76ers improved to 13-9 by beating the Bucks in Milwaukee on Friday, which was their third straight victory.
In what should be a very entertaining matchup at Xfinity Mobile Arena this Sunday night, here are my top three player prop bets.
Lakers vs. 76ers Best Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
VJ Edgecombe 15+ Points + Rebounds (-105)
The 76ers have gotten great contributions from their first-round pick all season, and the 20-year-old born in the Bahamas should stay involved enough to still deliver this over, even with George and Embiid expected to play.
On the season, Edgecombe is averaging 14.3 points and 5.7 rebounds for 20 points and rebounds per contest. His numbers have cooled off a little as the Sixers have gotten other wings available, but he has still managed at least 15 points and rebounds in seven of his last eight games, with the one exception coming against the Hawks last week when both Embiid and George were available.
On Thursday against the Warriors, Edgecombe went over this prop line by recording 10 points and six rebounds, and he also posted 12 points and four rebounds on Friday against the Bucks. With more veteran options, his playing time is less certain, but I think this prop has been over-adjusted lower, making the over my preferred play on Sunday.
Austin Reaves 25+ Points (+125)
In another over-correction, Reaves’ points line has dropped sharply with Doncic’s return. Reaves scored 44 points and 36 points in the two games that Luka missed, but he also was cooking before Luka left the team for the birth of his child, producing at least 25 points in six of his previous eight games alongside Doncic.
Reaves gets more space with Luka occupying most of the defensive focus, so even though he may have lower usage, he still should be able to reach this 25-point plateau. In his 19 games overall this season, Reaves is averaging 29.3 points per game, and in his 14 games starting with Luka, he’s still averaging a very solid 25.5 points per game.
Even with Doncic back and likely posting a big game against the Sixers, I think Reaves will still stay hot and get at least 25 points. If you want a more conservative play, his points over at 22.5 points is available at -121, but I’m comfortable bumping up the two points to get plus money.
Tyrese Maxey over 1.5 steals (+121)
Maxey has been doing it all for the Sixers this season, and as his supporting cast gets better, he should continue to lead the way and post good numbers. While his offense could be impacted by lower usage, he’s also been excellent on defense lately, which is where this prop comes in.
In each of his last three games, Maxey has multiple steals, and in six of his last nine contests as well. He has a total of 10 thefts in his last three games, thanks to four steals against the Wizards and four against the Bucks on Friday.
Maxey always seems to get up for big games, which this will feel like against the star-studded Lakers. I expect him to be very active on both ends of the floor. I love this plus-money play on Sunday night against the Lakers.
Bonus Parlay Pick: LeBron James under 17.5 points (-112)
If you’re looking for a fourth leg for your Same Game Parlay or SGPx, I like adding in this LeBron James under to boost the card to a juicy +1500, as you can see below.
There’s a chance James doesn’t play, which will void this leg, but if he does, I don’t think he’ll get to 18 points. He had only eight points in 36 minutes without Luka in Toronto on Thursday and has come in under this prop in five of his six games this season. Hopefully, he can return to the court soon, but there may be a while before he gets back to peak King James form.
SGP odds: +1500
