After a feast of games last night following the holiday break, NBA fans cannot help but feel that today’s slate is equivalent to Thanksgiving Day leftovers. The Dallas Mavericks face the Toronto Raptors, the only teams that did not Friday, at Scotiabank Arena at 5 p.m. (ET), thus leaving just three contests on the main docket. Still, there’s plenty of opportunity to build the bankroll with some NBA player props featuring Kevin Porter Jr., Josh Giddey, and Jeremy Sochan. For more NBA player props and best bets, be sure to visit the OddsShopper tool.
The “Game of the Night” is the nightcap featuring the Western Conference-leading Phoenix Suns hosting the suddenly sliding Utah Jazz. The Suns (12-6), owners of an NBA-best 10-1 record at home, have won three straight. The Jazz (12-9), who were atop the conference standings a week ago, have lost three in a row and six of eight.
Utah edged Phoenix 134-133 in an explosive offensive display as both teams shot over 52% from the field on November 18. Devin Booker poured in a game-high 49 points to lead the way for the Suns, while Lauri Markkanen made 16 of 18 shots and finished with 38 for the Jazz. The difference in the game was that the Jazz’s bench outscored the Suns’ second unit 52-21.
The Oklahoma City Thunder (8-11) and the Houston Rockets (4-14) contest also has some intrigue as it features two of the youngest teams in the Association. Both teams are coming off of victories last night to snap losing streaks.
The Los Angeles Lakers (6-11) face the San Antonio Spurs (6-11) in the other main slate game. The Lakers defeated the Spurs 105-94 in LeBron James‘ return from injury last night to extend the Spurs’ losing streak to seven. The Lakers also won the November 20 matchup 123-95 in Los Angeles.
Our player props are 6-2 over the three weeks. Let’s see if we can keep it going.
NBA Player Props
Josh Giddey 3-Point Prop
Josh Giddey has upped his offensive production this season as he is shooting the ball much better (46%) than in his rookie campaign (41.6%). He is still not competent from the 3-point line.
Giddey is shooting 26.9% from the 3-point line, which is a few ticks better than a year ago and is making fewer than one trey a game. Giddey is 3-for-20 from beyond the arc in the six games since the last time he made multiple threes on November 16. He also has not shot the ball well in his short career against the Rockets, averaging 7.0 points on 34.5% shooting from the field and 10% from the 3-point line in three contests.
OddsShopper gives his prop total of under 1.5 3-pointers a 74% chance of hitting with an EV of 16%.
NBA Player Prop Pick: Josh Giddey Under 1.5 3-pointers
Kevin Porter Jr. Assist Prop
Kevin Porter Jr. to finish under his prop total of 7.5 assists is an excellent bet. Porter is a capable distributor but looks to “get his” more often than not. Porter is coming off a 12-points, 10-assist performance in the Rockets’ 128-120 victory over the Atlanta Hawks last night. It was the third time he posted double-digit assists this season.
Porter has failed to dole out at least eight assists in five of his last nine appearances. He averages 6.1 dimes a game this season, his fewest in three seasons with the Rockets, and that number is lower in games at the Toyota Center. Porter is much more aggressive offensively at home, producing 21.3 points and 5.7 assists in six contests.
Porter, who averages six assists in his career versus the Thunder, projects to finish with 6.3 dimes tonight. OddsShopper gives the under a 70% chance of hitting with an EV of 27%.
NBA Player Prop Pick: Kevin Porter Under 7.5 Assists
Jeremy Sochan Props
Jeremy Sochan has looked like a 19-year-old rookie for most of the season. But he has also shown the promise that made him the ninth overall pick in this past year’s draft lately.
Sochan has played well against the Lakers this season. He is coming off his best game of the season on Friday, compiling 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals. The rebound and steal totals were career-highs, while he tied his season best in assists.
Sochan has scored in double-figures in seven of his last nine games. This season, he averages 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists against the Lakers.
Stokastic projects Sochan to score over 10 points and grab five rebounds tonight. OddsShopper gives Sochan’s point prop a 58% chance of hitting with an EV of 16%. His rebound prop is given a 63% chance of hitting with an EV of 10%.
NBA Player Prop Pick: Jeremy Sochan Over 9.5 Points & Over 4.5 Rebounds
