The NBA starts the weekend with a strong 8-game slate. One of the first games of the night will see the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons being challenged by Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. That will be followed up by a nationally-televised game between the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo looking to get his season back on track. You can find out all of our NBA picks, but first, let’s break down my best NBA player props for Friday.
Best NBA player prop bet: Immanuel Quickley (TOR) over 1.5 steals (+138)
The Portland Trail Blazers have been error-prone this season, being the only team in the league that allows opponents double-digit steals per game. The man that could pick their pockets tonight is Immanuel Quickley. The Raptors guard is coming into this contest having recorded 2 steals in each of his last 2 games. With Deni Advija handling the ball for the hosts, Quickley will be able to play an off-ball role defensively, giving him the opportunity to jump passing lanes. The Trail Blazers are on the tail end of a back-to-back too, so they may be more mistake-prone due to fatigue. It should allow a man averaging 1.4 steals per game this month to up his averages.
Read our full Raptors vs Trail Blazers prediction
NBA player prop pick: Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) over 1.5 blocks (-138)
Coming into this game, Jaren Jackson Jr. had recorded 2 or more blocks in 3 of his last 4 games. Going up against a team that he recorded a 6-block game against earlier in the season should present him with a terrific chance to keep his streak going. Over the last 10 games, the Pelicans are 27th in the league in opponent blocks per game. They rely heavily on scoring inside, as during that stretch, they are 2nd in points in the paint. Getting a chance to continuously challenge shots at the rim will give the former Defensive Player of the Year a great chance to hit the over. Both Derik Queen and Zion Williamson give up a major length advantage to him, so Jackson should be set to be a major defensive influence on Friday night.
Find out our expert’s NBA best bets for each of tonight’s 8 matchups
NBA player prop bet: Zach LaVine (SAC) over 2.5 made threes (+100)
In his last game, Zach LaVine was only able to hit 2 three-pointers, making it the first game over his last 8 in which he failed to knock down at least 3. The conditions should be set for him to bounce back here. He will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers who, over their last 10 games, is 27th in opponent three-point percentage and 29th in opponent three-point makes per game. For a marksmen like LaVine, who has made 43.5% of his perimeter attempts this month, this is a perfect opportunity. Expect him to let it fly tonight. With Donovan Mitchell being undersized for a guard, LaVine should be able to elevate and get clean shots off in this one.
Read our full Kings vs Cavaliers prediction
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