With the all-star weekend done and dusted, it is time for teams to make one last push for either playoff positioning or for more lottery balls. Among tonight’s 10 game slate is a clash at the top of the Eastern Conference as the Detroit Pistons take on the New York Knicks. The Pistons seem to have run away with the top seed in the conference, but a loss here would see them staring to edge towards the chasing pack.
You can check out all of our NBA previews. But first take a look at my favorite player props for the nights action.
DeMar DeRozan (SAC) Over 16.5 points (-114)
With Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine both undergoing season ending surgery, DeMar DeRozan should see no shortage of touches. Over his last 10 games he is still averaging 17.9 points per game and is more than capable of keeping that going against the Orlando Magic. He will be matched up against Desmond Bane — and while Bane is a good on-ball defender, DeRozan is elite at taking contested jumpers. With Bane being undersized and having a notoriously short wingspan, a player like DeRozan should flourish. The Kings star is averaging 6 free-throws attempts per game this month and has been efficient knocking these down, making over 86% of them. That could leave him needing just 6 made field goals. It’s something he should achieve as the teams go-to offensive option.
Ryan Kalkbrenner (CHA) Over 1.5 blocks (+148)
With Moussa Diabate being suspended, rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner will have to step up. With his size, his biggest contribution should come on defense. He has already dominated the Houston Rockets on that end this season, recording 2 blocks and 4 steals in just 19 minutes of action. Matched up against Alperen Sengun, he should see a lot more time on the floor tonight — as he is one of the only players capable of physically going up against Sengun. The Hornets center has managed to hit the over on this line in 4 of his last 6 games, too, despite playing for more than 20 minutes in just one of those games. Over the last 10 games the Rockets have been in the bottom 10 of the league in opponent blocks per game — so with a larger role, Kalkbrenner should be a shot-blocking force.
Victor Wembanyama (SA) Over 2.5 blocks (+122)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama continues to lead the NBA in blocks per game, averaging 2.7. He will now be taking on a Phoenix Suns team against which he had success in this category earlier in the season. The matchup should be favorable going up against Mark Williams, a center who needs to attack the rim for his scoring. Wembanyama is one of the few players in the league who has a size advantage over him. That in itself should help lead to blocks. Over the last 10 games, the Suns have been in the bottom 10 in the league in true shooting percentage. Do not be surprised to see them try improve on that by attacking the rim, playing into the hands of Wembanyama.
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