NBA fans and bettors can look forward to tonight’s nine-game slate, featuring Spurs vs. Magic and Pistons vs. Bucks. The weekly grind of the NBA schedule makes it tough to predict spreads and over/unders, which is why I prefer to bet on NBA player props.
With all the star power across the Association, player prop betting is a great way to add excitement to your viewing experience. Proper research can also make it profitable for new sports bettors in Missouri.
The Show Me State legalized online sports betting earlier this week, bringing a wave of new players who may not be familiar with NBA player props. Below are my best NBA player props for tonight, plus an explainer on how each bet works.
RELATED: Check out our prop betting guide to learn more about the beginner-friendly bet type.
Best NBA player prop bets for Wednesday
Jalen Brunson 3+ 3-pointers made
Best odds: -115 at FanDuel
How this bet wins: Knicks G Jalen Brunson must hit at least three 3-pointers for this bet to win. If Brunson makes two 3-pointers or fewer, the bet loses.
The Knicks are 13-7 with wins in four of the past five games. New York returns to Madison Square Garden tonight to face the 6-15 Hornets.
Despite the Knicks’ hot streak, Brunson has been cold. He’s scoring 27.7 points per game, but he only went for 18 and 15 points in his last two games. Brunson’s field goal percentage during the two-game stretch is a measly 30.1, and he was 14.6% from 3-point range.
The two-time All-Star is too good a player to continue trending in this direction. He’s made up for the lack of scoring with solid assist numbers, but it’s time for Brunson to light up the scoring column.
Defense isn’t a priority for the Hornets, who allow 120 points per game (seventh-most in the NBA). Opponents are shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc against Charlotte, the highest in the league. Look for Brunson to regain some confidence from 3-point range.
Nikola Vucevic under 22.5 points + assists
Best odds: -120 at BetMGM
How this bet wins: At the end of the Nets vs. Bulls game, combine Chicago C Nikola Vucevic’s points and assists. If the total is 22 or lower, the bet wins.
Chicago was the talk of the NBA through the first week of the season. The Bulls raced to a 5-0 record, but have since come down to Earth with a 9-11 record. They’ve lost 10 of the past 13 games, and the inconsistency from Vucevic and others is the reason why.
Vucevic scored 19.8 points per game while hitting 50% from 3-point range in October. Those numbers fell to 15.2 points per game and 36.2% from deep in November. The Bulls rank among the league leaders in scoring, but they also allow the fourth-most points per game (123.2).
Chicago’s roster lacks a dominant scorer, and asking 35-year-old Vucevic to fill that role is a recipe for disaster. He scored 20+ points three times in November and was held to 13 points or less in the next game each time.
Vucevic went for 20 points on Monday, so expect a low-scoring output tonight. With only 3.6 assists per game, there’s no need to worry about Vucevic having a big game as a passer.
Cade Cunningham to record a double-double
Best odds: -110 at Fanatics
How this bet wins: Pistons G Cade Cunningham must record a double-double. A double-double happens when a player hits two of these five milestones: 10+ points, rebounds, assists, blocks or steals.
The Pistons have long been a bottom-dweller in the Eastern Conference, but that’s no longer the case with Cunningham leading the charge. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy is averaging 28.2 points and 9.3 assists per night, and Detroit holds the second-best record in the NBA (17-4). Up next is a meeting with the Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
Cunningham’s dynamic style is his biggest strength. He’s the team leader in points and assists by a wide margin, but he can also get his hands dirty in the paint. Cade has snagged eight or more rebounds in six of the past eight games. His 11 double-doubles are the eighth-most in the NBA.
You’d think a roster with F Giannis Antetokounmpo, F Bobby Portis and C Myles Turner would play sound defense, but Milwaukee surrenders 118.2 points per night. Cunningham has gotten close to a double-double in two straight games, and I expect the streak to end tonight.
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