Best NBA Player Prop Bets for Thursday, January 5
What kind of performances can we expect on Thursday evening from Christian Wood, Paolo Banchero, and Lauri Markkanen? Follow along as our NBA betting expert, Nick Galaida, breaks down his three favorite NBA prop bets for January 5 on the hardwood
On Thursday evening, the NBA slate features four games, beginning with the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at 7:00 p.m. EST. Though only eight teams are in action, there is plenty of value to be found in the player prop market, with multiple intriguing matchups on the board. Across the last seven days, we are 11-8 in this article – we will hope to improve even further on that number with our January 5 recommendations!
Don’t live in a state with sports betting? Use our PrizePicks & Vivid Picks promo code ‘GRINDERS’ for a combined 3100 sign-up bonuses on NFL props for NFL Week 1
NBA Player Props, January 5, 2023
- Christian Wood o8.5 rebounds
- Paolo Banchero o6.5 rebounds
- Lauri Markkanen o7.5 rebounds
Christian Wood o8.5 rebounds (-113)
Per EdgHouse, Christian Wood has only eclipsed this number in 11-of-35 games this season (31.4% hit-rate). However, he is averaging 9.0 rebounds per 36 minutes of action this season when both Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber are on the sidelines. Since Kleber last played on December 12, Wood has totaled at least seven rebounds in 8-of-11 games, making him competitive at this number against a Boston Celtics team that is worse than league average on the glass. In 38 games this year, Boston ranks 17th in rebound percentage as a team. Take the over here.
Paolo Banchero o6.5 rebounds (-108)
Paolo Banchero has rarely eclipsed this number during the first half of his rookie campaign, but tonight could be one of those instances, with both Bol Bol and Moe Wagner in street clothes this evening. In 335 minutes with both Bol and Wagner on the sidelines this year, Banchero is averaging 7.8 rebounds per 36 minutes of action. The Memphis Grizzlies are a strong rebounding team, ranking 6th in team rebound percentage during December, but this market number remains far too low in this spot – even in a tough matchup. Per StatMuse, Banchero has cleared this number in 6-of-9 games played without Wagner since October 26, making this a worthwhile risk for bettors on Thursday.
Lauri Markkanen o7.5 rebounds (-130)
Per EdgHouse, Lauri Markkanen has eclipsed this number in 22-of-37 games played this year (59.5% hit-rate). On Thursday evening, Markkanen has a matchup against a good rebounding Houston Rockets team, but the volume here remains too high to pass up. On the season, Markkanen is averaging 12.8 rebound chances per game, converting 66.0% of those opportunities into actual rebounds. These numbers remained nearly identical during the month of December when Markkanen averaged 8.5 rebounds on 12.5 chances per contest in 12 games. Expect him to be active on the glass once again in a matchup that could feature plenty of possessions. In their last 15 games, the Utah Jazz have played at the 10th-quickest pace of any team in the league.
Image Credit: Imagn