NBA Player Props Bet Picks & Predictions: Friday (1/31)
We are in the dog days of summer (winter but you get it) with the NFL season almost over and the NBA garnering more viewership. If you're just joining us for the first time, welcome, it's been a great season, and I hope we continue that trend tonight as we inch closer to the All-Star break. We have a seven-game slate tonight, which means we have some good props. There are some surprisingly few questionable tags tonight but that can change. As always, monitor injury news and lineup announcements. The best way to stay sharp regarding NBA player props is by staying on top of the news. The second best way is to shop around at different books. Player props rarely have identical odds across platforms, so ensure you get the best value. Let's get to it.
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Friday’s Best NBA Player Prop Bets
Last Time: 2-0 | Season: 91-68
Trey Murphy Under 28.5 Pts + Ast + Reb (-120 DraftKings)
To go against the Celtics is to fade opponents’ props. That is the case tonight for Trey Murphy. Murphy has been solid lately, playing 28 minutes a night but with lower scoring numbers and usage rate. Despite the three extra minutes, I don't expect higher performance as we've yet to see consistent proof of that and Boston isn't exactly the best opponent. They allow the second-fewest PAR to opposing small forwards with a top-five ranked defense and bottom-six pace of play. Murphy is projected closer to 21 in the PAR here and I would be surprised if he manages much more. The Celtics have only been playing slower lately, but they are healthy and ready to take on a Pelicans team that should be moving away from Murphy's usage as they get healthier. Don't be afraid to ride the under.
Immanuel Quickley Over 25.5 Pts + Ast + Reb (-110 DraftKings)
On the other side, we have the Chicago Bulls, the best team to face when betting on opponent props. Of course, I have to lead by saying that Quickley is questionable tonight with a groin strain but is expected back. His prop is low, but if he's back, he's back. Toronto has been pretty hot of late, winning seven of their last eight matchups. With Quickely back, the Raptors are set up nicely as five-point favorites with a 235 total. The Bulls are the third fastest-paced team in the league with a bottom-five defense. They allow the third most PAR to opposing point guards, and the Bulls' defense takes a step back on the road. Quickley has to be back, of course, but given he gets the start, I love his prop. If he isn't, go with RJ Barrett over 26.5 Pts + Reb (-120 FanDuel).
Michael Porter Jr. Over 21.5 Pts + Ast + Reb (-111 FanDuel)
In case you are unaware, the Philadelphia 76ers rank 29th in defensive efficiency over the last 15 games. Who would’ve thought? Joel Embiid remains out and despite four straight wins after quite the losing streak, they still are nine-point underdogs to Denver. That's where Michael Porter Jr. comes in. The Denver forward is projected at 26 in this combo prop, as the third-ranked Denver offense should handle the 76ers struggling defense without much trouble. He's covered the line in 81 percent of games so far so despite a recent dip, he's due for a bounceback performance. I expect the 76ers to offer that to Porter Jr. who has tallied 17 points, six boards, and two assists on the road this year. Even if he doesn't play to his average that is still plenty to cover this line.
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Ryan Coleman is a featured writer at BettingPros. Follow him on Twitter @ryancoleman_98. For more from Ryan, check out his archive.