Bryan Armetta shares his three favorite player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s five-game NBA slate.
Following a jam-packed Thursday, this evening offers a more select five-game NBA slate. Each one of these matchups has intrigue, including battles between contenders or superstar showdowns. To get things started, the Knicks take on the rival 76ers in Philly. Elsewhere, a resurgent Celtics squad hosts the Heat and their rapid-fire offense. As a nightcap, it’s a Western Conference Finals rematch between the Thunder and Timberwolves.
Here are my three favorite NBA player prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for Friday’s contests.
Top NBA prop bet picks
Neemias Queta 20+ points + rebounds (-116)
Few players in the NBA have seen their stock rise like Neemias Queta. This summer, the Celtics underwent a major overhaul across their entire roster. Nowhere was this more apparent than the frontcourt, with Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet all departing. Still, Boston finds itself in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, due in part to its new starting center. Queta is averaging 9.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 65% from the field.
Tonight, the C’s will take on a Heat squad that plays at the NBA’s fastest pace. That’s a stark contrast to Boston, basketball’s slowest team on offense, which makes Queta’s offensive production even more impressive. This season, Miami has allowed the tenth-most points in the paint (52.3) and fourth-most rebounds (57.3) per game to opponents. Queta has notched 25+ minutes in each of his last four outings. If that trend continues on Friday, the big man is poised to hit on tonight’s modest points + rebounds total.
Jaylon Tyson 6+ rebounds (-130)
Two days ago, Jaylon Tyson cashed in for us on this list. So, why not go back to the well one more time? After all, the Cavaliers are still short-handed due to Evan Mobley’s calf injury. In the power forward’s absence, there’s extra minutes up for grabs. Tyson has impressed this season, averaging 13.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has entrusted the youngster with 30+ minutes in each of Cleveland’s previous eight appearances.
On Wednesday, Tyson posted 21 points, two rebounds and three assists against the Bulls. With both teams scheduled for a rematch tonight, the 23-year-old could deliver another stellar stat line. Chicago is vulnerable on the glass, allowing the 11th-most rebounds per game to opponents (54.4). In comparison, Cleveland’s talented forward has recorded at least six boards in six of his last seven games. There’s no reason to think he can’t do so again vs. a mediocre Bulls frontcourt.
Julius Randle under 31.5 points + rebounds + assists (-120)
In this clash of Western Conference contenders, the biggest question is Anthony Edwards’ health. Minnesota’s face of the franchise has sat out each of the team’s previous three games with a foot injury. The guard is listed as questionable to play tonight vs. Oklahoma City. If Ant-Man takes the floor, it should have an impact on Anthony Edwards’ production. Granted, it’s been a terrific season for the power forward. Through 27 games, he’s accounted for 23.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists.
OKC’s defense can lock down just about anyone, even a three-time All-Star. Including the playoffs, Randle has reached 32 points + rebounds + assists only once over his last five meetings with the defending champs. The Thunder have allowed the fewest points (106.1) and second-fewest assists (23.8) to opposing teams this season. Assuming Edwards returns tonight, Minnesota’s offense will operate through the superstar immediately. That means less touches, and less opportunity, for Randle to deliver a stat-stuffing performance.