NBA’s second day of regular-season action Wednesday features last season’s MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks visiting the Boston Celtics for a matchup between projected Eastern Conference contenders, Chris Paul’s and Russell Westbrook’s debuts with their new squads and much more.
Below, we give you four NBA player/team prop bets to consider from the BetMGM game menu.
NBA prop bet predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Celtics SF Jaylen Brown Over 3.5 3-pointer made (+140)
The nuts and bolts of this handicap are that the Bucks allowed the most 3-point attempts in the NBA last season and Brown should get more usage with PG Kemba Walker sidelined with an injury and SF Gordon Hayward no longer with the team. Also, Brown’s projected on-court matchup is vs. SF Khris Middleton, who had the worst defensive rating in Milwaukee’s starting lineup last season.
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76ers PG Ben Simmons to record 10+ assists and 2+ steals (+275)
Simmons is going to be lined up against Washington Wizards newcomer Russell Westbrook and this is a good spot for Simmons to play his game.
The fifth-year, multiple-time All-Star led the NBA in steals per game (2.1) and Westbrook committed the sixth-most turnovers in the league last year. Also, Simmons is averaging 10.3 assists per game in his past three games against Westbrook’s team (according to LandOfBasketball.com).
It’s a bit of a long shot for a player prop, but if there is a prop worthy of a gamble, it’s this one.
Nuggets SF Michael Porter Jr. OVER 13.5 points (-115)
The NBA nerd community (including myself) has been pounding the table for Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone to play Porter more. Well, last season in the bubble, the Nuggets were missing SF Will Barton and Porter seized the opportunity.
Porter averaged 22 points per game on 55.1% field-goal shooting and 42.2% 3-point shooting in the final seven regular-season bubble games. Porter tailed off a little in the playoffs, but he still eclipsed Wednesday’s 13.5-point projection six times and only had three postseason starts.
Lastly, the Nuggets are playing the Sacramento Kings Wednesday. Porter’s projected matchup—SF Harrison Barnes—had the lowest defensive efficiency in the Kings’ starting lineup.
Pistons PF Blake Griffin Over 19.5 points (-105)
Take away his injury history and bloated contract and Griffin is the best player on the court in the Pistons-Minnesota Timberwolves game. Detroit can and should feature Griffin in its offense if it has any hope at a playoff run.
Last season was just Griffin’s second campaign averaging below 20 points per game and, if he’s fully healthy, I don’t see that happening in back-to-back seasons. However, the best part about this bet is it’s not a season-long price. All Griffin has to do is light up a Timberwolves team that was 28th in opponent’s points per game and added zero defensive help this offseason.
Want action on any of these props? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Simmons, Embiid discuss ‘lost’ 2019-20 season, Doc Rivers (Sixers Wire)
- NBA predictions: Western Conference rankings for 2020-21 (Hoops Hype)
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