The same way LeBron is closing in on #1 on the all-time scoring list, we want you to close in on #1 on the all-time wealth list. One prop bet at a time. With prop bets, we don’t need to wait for season-long storylines to play out. Every day is a new day. Fantrax wants to help you win a bit of money, so we will be giving you NBA Player Prop Bets every week. We’ll shy away from keying in on any particular sportsbook, as we know odds vary, and so do props. We’ll focus on our projections, and allow you to find your best odds. Let’s get into today’s props.
NBA Player Props for January 7
Tyrese Haliburton, OVER 23 Points:
When I think of Tyrese Haliburton, I think of elite court vision and IQ…and ONE UGLY SHOT! But that ugly shot is as efficient as it gets as he’s once again averaging over 40% from three and over 20 points per game. He’s heading on his way to the All-Star game, I’d imagine. He’s got an incredible matchup tonight when he faces the Hornets. Charlotte is 29th in offense and 26th in defensive rating. To make matters even better for Tyrese, he’s going to be in an equal pace spot as the Hornets are 8th in the league in pace and the Pacers are 7th in the league in pace. There are going to be plenty of possessions for Haliburton to get his buckets tonight. Bet accordingly! Don’t be scared to sprinkle in some Points+Rebounds+Assists lines as well if you’re afraid of a possible blowout.
Ja Morant OVER 29 Points:
Some superstars are matchup-proof. It doesn’t matter what so-called “lockdown defender” is thrown at them. You just have to hope they miss. The Utah Jazz are going to bring their 3rd-ranked offense into Memphis’ #1-ranked defense. While the Grizz might make it tougher on the Jazz to score, Memphis shouldn’t have a problem. They have a top-10 offense, an elite scorer in Ja Morant, and they’ll face the Jazz’ 27th-ranked defense and 13th-fastest pace. Morant has scored 32 points or more in three of his last five games. I think he’ll be in a nice spot to eclipse that mark again tonight.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander UNDER 28 Points:
The Thunder have an incredibly promising squad. They currently have the 12th-best defense in the league and play with the 3rd fastest pace. That’s certainly a recipe for success. Who knows where this team would be if Chet Holmgren didn’t get hurt? Adding a score-first seven-footer to the mix of this lineup is real firepower. Shai has been propping this team up offensively, but I think he’ll run into a buzzsaw tonight as the Mavs (their opponent) have the 2nd slowest pace in the entire league. Their defense isn’t terrible either at 18th, but it’s fallen from when they were a top-10 team defensively. Regardless, the ball gets into Luka’s hands and everything comes to a screeching halt. Shai will have much fewer possessions than he’s used to, and it’s going to be tough to be efficient against Dallas. Shai’s had 28 or more in four of his five last games, but it’s going to be tough to hit that figure tonight.
For more great analysis check out our full 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit!