Thursday NBA Betting Preview: 2 Best Bets and Top Player Prop for March 6
All eyes will be on Hollywood tonight as the Lakers host the Knicks looking to extend their seven-game win streak. Luka Doncic has scored 90 points over his last three games, all smiles in his new home.
Elsewhere, the Brooklyn Nets have a chance to keep their game against the Warriors close, while Dyson Daniels is the player to watch in that Indiana vs Atlanta Eastern Conference matchup.
Lakers -4 over Knicks
LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Los Angeles Lakers bring their seven-game win streak into Crypto.com tonight against the New York Knicks. Luka in a Lakers jersey alongside LeBron. The Knicks have serious title hopes late in the season.
This is going to be one of the best games of the year with an incredible amount of energy. Luka has dropped 90 points and 29 dimes over his L3 and the best thing of all… he looks happy. Luka has found his rhythm and the Knicks have stumbled as of late, losing three of their last six including two nights ago to the Warriors by 12 points at home.
The Knicks bench is bad with Landry Shamet, Cam Payne, and Mitchell Robinson as their only true options. I think JJ Redick outcoaches Thibs, the Lakers bench out-benches the Knicks bench, and Luka Doncic becomes the king of Los Angeles tonight.
Nets +10.5 over Warriors
The Warriors have won six of seven since the All-Star break, including a big win in MSG on Tuesday night against the Knicks. While I don’t think they defeat the Nets in this game, Brooklyn has played incredible defense this season and might give the Warriors trouble should Curry not go nuclear… which is always an issue when betting against Golden State in any capacity.
Cam Thomas is back and will be able to get to the hoop and mid-range spots against the smaller Warriors guards. Their bench is sneakily deep and with a positive 3-point shooting night (they are due for one), this game stays close and Brooklyn backdoor covers at home. Brooklyn beat Golden State in their November matchup and while much has changed, I think the Nets’ bench contributions keep them in this one.
Dyson Daniels (ATL) OVER 14.5 Points
Dyson Daniels has turned into not only a star, but a backcourt game-changer for the Atlanta Hawks. A game winning play against Memphis, where he got the ‘scoop-and-score’ really opened some eyes around the league and most likely secured him the DPOY.
Indiana doesn’t have the best perimeter defense in the NBA and ranks in the 20s in 3-point percentage allowed and just 17th in defensive efficiency. Daniels scored 23 points against Indiana in their February 1st matchup, and I think his 20-point prop has some value here.
Haliburton and Nembhard will be exerting a ton of energy both defensively against Trae Young and offensively against this solid Hawks team to get the victory. Daniels is averaging 14 PPG this season but as the season winds down and Atlanta looks to better their playoff positioning, expect this number along with his MPG to rise.
Jaden Vann
Sports Betting Contributor
Jaden Vann is a Sport Management and Creative Writing student at Syracuse University. Originally from Los Angeles, he covers sports betting and daily fantasy sports with a focus on the NBA, College Basketball, NFL, and College Football.