Betting NBA props on a short slate of games can sometimes leave few good options. But with two really good games on the national TV schedule, I'm eying two stars who I expect will put on a show.
We'll be using the Action Labs Player Prop tool to compare our NBA projections to the props posted at a variety of sportsbooks.
Below, I have laid out two prop bets that I'm playing, the case for each bet and the best books to find odds on those player props.
NBA Player Props & Picks
Kevin Durant PTS + REB + AST Over 40.5 (-110)
| Nets vs. Mavericks | Nets -2.5 |
| Time | TV | 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT |
| Best Book | BetMGM |
Kevin Durant is on an absolute tear this season for the Brooklyn Nets. Thus far this season, he has led the Brooklyn Nets to a 16-7 record in the Eastern Conference, tied for first with the Chicago Bulls. Durant currently is second on the NBA MVP odds board, trailing only his former Warriors teammate Stephen Curry.
Thru 23 games this season, Kevin Durant is averaging a league-leading 28.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Furthermore, in 10 road games, Durant’s numbers are slightly better where he averages 29.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Additionally, Durant has exceeded this line in four straight games with a combined points, rebounds, and assists average of 46.
The Mavericks rank 19th in the NBA in Defensive Rating, allowing 113.1 points per 100 possessions. I am not certain there is a player on the Mavericks who can slow down Durant tonight. He is one of the best players in the world and can score from any spot on the floor. The Nets also lack size and Durant throughout his entire career has shown he is an excellent rebounder. In fact, Durant is the second-leading rebounder on the team, trail James Harden by only 0.2 boards per game.
The Brooklyn Nets go as Durant goes and he is the type of player who can drop 40 on any given night. I expect Durant continue to be focal point of the offense and with the tool projecting Durant at 46.8 PTS + REB + AST, I like him get over this 40.5 combo line with ease.
Jayson Tatum PTS + REB Over 35.5 (-115)
| Celtics vs. Lakers | Lakers -2.5 |
| Time | TV | 10 p.m. ET | TNT |
| Best Book | DraftKings |
The Boston Celtics are in the midst of a five-game road trip and are in Los Angeles tonight to take on the Lakers. The Celtics seem to be finding their form after a slow start to the season. In fact, the Celtics have won six of their last nine games and Jayson Tatum is a big part of the turnaround.
Tatum is averaging 25.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this season and he's been even better over the past 10: 27.5 points and 9.3 rebounds.
The Celtics have been without Jaylen Brown for a good part of the season battling various injuries. Brown's status is still up in the air for tonight, he's questionable on the official injury report. In 11 games without Brown on the floor, Tatum has really carried the load averaging 29.8 points and 8.9 rebounds in those contest.
Tatum has his breakout game this season when these two matched up last month. He scored 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds on the way to a 130-108 victory. Furthermore, Tatum has exceeded 35.5 points and rebounds in four of the last five games. I expect another big night for Tatum in L.A.
