Ricky Dimon
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Get your popcorn for Friday’s NBA action. LeBron James is going up against Zion Williamson, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is facing Luka Doncic. Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks, and Dallas Mavericks are all taking the floor. Let’s take a look at four of the best prop bets for Friday’s slate of games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 5.5 assists (-144)
Antetokounmpo just handed out 10 assists on Wednesday against Detroit, which is why he is averaging this exact number (5.5) for the season and also why you can consider this quota to be somewhat inflated. He had previously recorded four assists in four straight games. We are simply playing the percentages here; in seven of 11 games this season he has stayed under 5.5 assists. It is also worth noting that the Greek Freak was far more scoring-oriented last season against Dallas. In two head-to-head matchups, he averaged 41.0 points per game while dishing out only 2.5 assists per contest.
De’Andre Hunter Over 14.5 points (-104)
Hunter has been outstanding for the Atlanta Hawks this season, averaging 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. A lot of that has to do with natural second-year progression. It also stems from the fact that the Hawks have been extremely depleted. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, Rajon Rondo, and Kris Dunn have all been sidelined and they remain out for Friday’s date with the Utah Jazz. Hunter has been required to shoulder a heavy workload and he has done it in impressive fashion. The former Virginia standout has scored at least 15 points in six consecutive contests, including 20 or more three times.
De’Aaron Fox leading scorer (+500)
There is great value on Fox being the game’s leading scorer when the Sacramento Kings host the Los Angeles Clippers. Obviously Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are the favorites, but they could cancel each other out in a way if each one plays well. And the Clippers can spread the wealth to plenty of other sources, as well. Serge Ibaka has reached double-figures in four consecutive contests and Lou Williams went for 21 points this past Sunday against Chicago. The Kings also have plenty of depth, but Fox is clearly the go-to guy. The former Kentucky star has surpassed the 20-point mark in three of the last four games and he is coming off a 29-point effort on Wednesday against Portland. Backcourt mate Buddy Hield is slightly banged up with an ankle issue, so Fox may have to do even more than usual.
LeBron James Over 33.5 points + rebounds (-115)
James has scored at least 26 points in five of the last six games. The only exception during this stretch is an 18-point performance against Houston and that was mainly because he attempted only 15 shots during a blowout victory. The 36-year-old is also brimming with confidence from three-point land right now; he has made nine of 17 attempts over the past two outings. Assuming James scores at least 26 again on Friday, at maximum he would have to grab eight rebounds to exceed this number. That should not be too hard against a New Orleans squad that doesn’t have much height other than Steven Adams.
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