Bryan Armetta shares his three favorite player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s five-game NBA slate.
2026 is finally here, which means a loaded New Year’s Day sports slate. Across the NBA, it’s a select five-game set, with ten different teams taking the floor. That includes a potential playoff preview when the Heat visit the first-place Pistons. Later, Tyrese Maxey’s 76ers take on Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks.
Who will surpass, or fall short, of their totals tonight? Here are my three favorite player prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Nic Claxton under 7.5 rebounds (-135)
The Nets aren’t a complete embarrassment, thanks in large part to the coaching of Jordi Fernandez. Still, this is one of the NBA’s least talented groups. That’s especially true down low, where Brooklyn has a lack of size compared to most other squads. The only true center on the entire roster is still Nic Claxton. Despite being the topic of frequent trade rumors, the 26-year-old still resides in Kings County. Through 30 games this season, he’s averaging 13.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 59% from the field.
On most nights, Claxton would be poised for a productive day on the glass. However, tonight could prove difficult in that regard. The Rockets are at their best when games are ugly, playing at a slow and deliberate pace on offense. As a result, there’s less possessions (and less boards) to go around. Opponents are grabbing an NBA-low 48.0 rebounds per game against Houston. In comparison, Claxton has failed to secure eight or more boards in three of his previous six appearances. Don’t expect double-digits from Brooklyn’s big man on Thursday.
Ausar Thompson 20+ points + rebounds + assists (-111)
Cade Cunningham is the engine that keeps the Pistons humming. However, these up-and-coming contenders possess an abundance of young talent. One of Detroit’s most promising players is Ausar Thompson. The third-year pro has already earned his reptuation as one of the sport’s best defenders. On the other end of the floor, it’s still a work in progress. This season, the wing is putting up 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
To be fair, those aren’t terrible numbers for a role player. In the right spot, Ausar is more than capable of stuffing the stat sheet. That might be the case on Thursday when Detroit hosts the Heat. Miami plays at the NBA’s quickest tempo on offense, often leading to high-scoring affairs. The Pistons will attempt to slow things down, but they’re likely in store for more points than usual. Thompson has reached 20+ points + assists + rebounds in six of his previous 12 outings. Against a team that loves pushing the pace, there’s no reason he can’t reach that total tonight.
Kawhi Leonard 3+ three-pointers made (+101)
Break up the Clippers? Los Angeles has reeled off five straight wins, finally living up to preseason expectations. During that run, Kawhi Leonard has looked better than ever. The wing has posted 37.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists over his previous five contests. That includes a career-best 55-point performance on Sunday vs. the Pistons. Other than James Harden, there isn’t much competition for touches on this roster either.
One underrated aspect of Leonard’s game is his shooting ability from long distance. The future Hall-of-Famer is knocking down 2.5 three-pointers on 6.6 attempts per game (39%). In four of Kawhi’s last five matchups, he’s drained at least four treys. He’ll look to continue that trend tonight against a lackluster Jazz defense. Utah has allowed an NBA-worst 15.3 three-pointers made per game to opponents this season. All signs are pointing towards another stellar showing from The Claw on Thursday.