The return of the NBA in late July means the return of player prop betting. Whether you’re a fan of going all in on the superstars or enjoy looking for the under-the-radar steals, player props are a huge part of NBA bets. Today, we focus on five key players to watch out for in the Eastern Conference that have potential player prop value on DraftKings Sportsbook. Place your bets here. You can also download the DK Sportsbook app.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics
If I were to ask you to name the top five players for the next decade of NBA basketball, odds are you’d include Jayson Tatum. He has all of the tools you’d look for in a superstar. He can score at will on every level, can rebound and defend, has the ability to take games over, and doesn’t shy away from the clutch moments. He’s currently the leading scorer and centerpiece of the Celtics, a team who I think has the second best chance of winning the East. With other young players taking up most of the spotlight thus far (like Luka and Zion), I think Tatum is out to prove just how good he can be and that he deserves every bit of attention as well. Look out for the young star to make that jump up into the NBA’s elite as he tries to lead the Celtics to a deep playoff push in Orlando.
Stat props to look out for: Points
Caris LeVert - Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are entering the restart without Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, DeAndre Jordan, and Wilson Chandler. What exactly does that mean? It means that Caris LeVert will have to shoulder most of the load. He’ll be relied on as the #1 option in that offense and will need to take his scoring to the next level if the Nets want a glimpse of hope. LeVert, who already averages nearly 18 points per game, definitely knows this, so I expect him to increase his shot attempts dramatically. As a bettor, whenever I see an increase in shot attempts, I always love to take that over for points.
Stat props to look out for: Points, Three Pointers
Ben Simmons - Philadelphia 76ers
The prop bets I’m looking out for with Ben Simmons are his steals and rebounds, especially in the first couple of games in the schedule. After a few months off, I expect every team to be a little rusty coming out of the gates. Rust means an increased amount of turnovers and missed shots. For someone like Ben Simmons, who I’d imagine is desperate to prove his worth in the playoffs after last year’s heartbreaking elimination, these should be areas where he will look to take advantage. He’s already an excellent defender and rebounder to begin with, averaging 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals. I expect him to amplify those numbers early on.
Stat props to look out for: Steals, Rebounds
Rui Hachimura - Washington Wizards
Rui Hachimura is in a similar position to Caris LeVert. The Wizards’ rookie first rounder is being forced into the spotlight whether he’ll like it or not. With Bradley Beal, Davis Bertans, and likely Thomas Bryant being out, Hachimura suddenly becomes the Wizards’ leading scorer and rebounder. He’s had a solid year so far, averaging 13.4 points and six rebounds. The question is whether or not Rui is ready to step up yet. His touches should more than double in Orlando due to the thin roster, and as the lead big man, he’ll need to dominate the boards. If he can rise to the occasion, or at least just see this as an opportunity to develop himself, he could be a nice little unsung hero to prop bettors.
Stat props to look out for: Points, Rebounds
Kyle Lowry - Toronto Raptors
So far, you’ve seen a lot of “if’s”, “could’s” and hopeful hypotheticals. The first four players I featured are what I consider the hopefuls - the ones who have a very good chance at elevating their game given their team scenarios. Kyle Lowry is different. I like Kyle Lowry here for the complete opposite reason: stability. Lowry is a defending champion on a veteran team who still has all of their key pieces heading into Orlando. For Lowry and the Raptors, this should be business as usual. I don’t expect them to lose a step. With so much uncertainty surrounding the competition, I expect Toronto to thrive early on. As the leader of that team, I like Kyle Lowry to step up his game in all facets.
Stat props to look out for: Points, Rebounds, Assists, Steals
Place your bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DK Sportsbook app.
For sports betting, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DK Sportsbook app.
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