NBA Player Props & Bets: Sunday (3/8)
There are 10 games in the NBA today, and certainly no shortage of betting options to consider given the tremendous slate. Here are some of our favorite NBA player props for Sunday, March 8th.
Jayson Tatum 12+ Rebounds + Assists (-117)
Jayson Tatum returned to the floor on Friday after missing nearly 10 months due to an Achilles tear. Tatum played 27 minutes and finished with 12 rebounds and seven assists. It may be difficult to emulate that type of performance against Cleveland this afternoon, but we believe he eclipses 11.5 combined rebounds + assists.
As somewhat expected, Tatum chose to be more passive in the early stages of his first game back. The most shocking turn of events wasn't even the time on the floor for someone who hasn't played the whole season; it was the 12 boards. Tatum averaged 8.7 rebounds in 36.4 minutes last season. He looked like someone who had truly missed being on the floor, and the rebounds and assists showed it.
The Celtics forward will more than likely play around 25 minutes in this contest, which should result in at least 12 combined rebounds + assists. Tatum accumulated 19 combined boards and dimes in his first game back.
Victor Wembanyama 12+ Rebounds (+109)
The Spurs special. There's no other way to describe them. Not only is this team capable of powering back from a 20-point deficit, but the Spurs own the second-best record in the NBA. Victor Wembanyama has obviously been a major contributor to the team's success, and he's in a great spot today to bring us some good fortune on a plus return.
Wembanyama is averaging 12.1 rebounds when playing at home this season, and has finished with at least 12 boards in two out of the last three games in San Antonio. The Spurs center is averaging 12 rebounds over his last 10 home games. He hauled in a powerful 16 boards in 29 minutes when the Spurs and Rockets last met.
Wembanyama is averaging 12.1 rebounds against opponents in the Southwest Division. We wouldn't fault you for taking his points + rebounds combo prop, as this could be a monster game for Wembanyama. Having said that, we are going to take our chances on the 22-year-old finishing with 12+ rebounds at +109 odds.
Alex Sarr Under 22.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-103)
The Wizards center has missed the previous 10 games due to a hamstring strain, and this line seems more indicative of a full allotment of playing time. Considering Alex Sarr will be taking the court for the first time since early February, a combined 23 points + rebounds + assists seems ambitious.
Before succumbing to injury on February 8th, Sarr was averaging 24 points over his previous four games. He played 25 minutes when Washington and New Orleans last met, which resulted in 14 points, one rebound and three assists. Sarr is averaging 15 points with 4.6 boards and 1.4 assists in his last five road games.
Soft tissue injuries are known to linger, and it's highly debatable that the Wizards would push Sarr to his max in his first game back. Given the recent form on the road before the injury, as well as the possibility of a minutes restriction, we feel it's best to take the under on this combo prop.
Nique Clifford 23+ Points + Rebounds + Assists (-123)
Nique Clifford is coming off his fewest minutes played since January 23rd, and things look promising for us to benefit from a low line. Clifford played 21 minutes on Thursday, yet averaged almost 33 minutes on the floor in February. The young guard played 42 and 39 minutes in his other two games this month.
Clifford is averaging 13.8 points, six boards and four assists in his previous six contests. The Kings guard is averaging 32.9 minutes as a starter, and should see another start with Keegan Murray most likely out with an ankle injury.
Clifford has seen an increase in usage over the previous 10 games - going from 16.4% on the season to 18.7% over the last 10 contests. The Colorado State alum is producing with his increased playing time, and he gets the home-court bump. It’s hard to pass on this prop given all the positive avenues to success.
Moussa Diabate & Oso Ighodaro Under 17.5 Combined Rebounds (-109)
We close out the day with a player combination selection that we may have a slight edge on. Moussa Diabate & Oso Ighodaro each have a rebound line set at over eight rebounds. However, the success rate on that as of late leaves a lot to be desired. The Hornets and Suns rank fifth and sixth, respectively, amongst the league in terms of the slowest pace of play. Each team also ranks in the top eight in team field-goal rate.
Ighodaro is pulling down 6.6 rebounds per game over the last 10 games, but half of those contests resulted in four boards or fewer. He averages five rebounds per game when playing at home, and only 4.8 boards in the previous five games in Phoenix. The Suns forward averaged 4.7 rebounds in February.
As for Diabate, he is the catalyst for the high combined rebound total for this contest. He has been solid in the rebounding department for the past couple of weeks. The Hornets center is averaging 10 boards over the last 10 games, including games of 14 and 15 rebounds. However, Diabate also fell short of 10 boards in four out of the last seven games.
This will be the sweatiest selection of all our options today. That won't stop us from taking the under on Ighodaro and Diabate ending this game with a combined 18 rebounds.
Enjoy the games tonight. Best of luck with your picks.