The NBA starts off the weekend with a great 9-game slate on Friday. It will feature a couple of nationally televised games on ESPN. The first of these will see the Toronto Raptors take on the Orlando Magic. That game is followed by the Eastern Conference leaders Detroit Pistons traveling across the country to battle the Golden State Warriors. One of our best bets on the night is on one of these games, so make sure to check out our NBA predictions for every matchup. But first, let’s dive into my favorite player prop bets for Friday’s NBA action.
Jalen Brunson (NY) under 26.5 points (-114)
This will be the second time the Portland Trail Blazers and the New York Knicks meet this month, with Brunson managing 26 points in the first outing. Returning back to his home floor for this game might not be advantageous as he sees a drop in both his field goal and 3-point percentages there compared to when he plays on the road. Brunson is not in great form either, having scored 26 or more points just twice in 6 games since the last meeting between the teams.
One major difference to the first matchup tonight will be the availability of Jrue Holiday. The guard leads the Trail Blazers starters in defensive rating this season and has the size and physicality to make Brunson’s life difficult tonight. With Donovan Clingan behind him, a man who has 6 blocks over his last 2 games, Holiday looks set to do a job on the Knicks star in this one.
Don’t miss our expert’s NBA best bets for EVERY game on today’s slate
Jaylen Wells (MEM) over 1.5 made threes (+100)
The Grizzlies have been hit with several injuries to their backcourt, with Ja Morant, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome all out. The rest of the roster will have to step up and carry the offensive load, which could see Jaylen Wells getting a rise in usage. With more than half of his shot attempts coming from beyond the arc this month, it’s from deep where he can do the most damage.
Wells has really enjoyed taking on the Pelicans this season too. In fact, in 3 games he has managed to hit 4 or more 3-pointers on 2 occasions, shooting at a 58.8% clip from beyond the arc against them. The Pelicans are 29th this season in both opponent 3-point attempts and 3-point makes per game, so those opportunities should be there for him as well. He has been shooting from deep better on the road this season than at home and gave the Pelicans 25-points last time he was in town. I expect him to clear this line as a result.
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