Top 5 NBA Player Props for Friday, February 23: Can the Wizards Keep Holmgren Off The Glass?

After a week-long layoff, the NBA slate for Friday, February 23 is filled with 20 teams in action. Top-tier teams in both the Eastern and Western conferences will fill arenas across the country to tip off everyone’s weekend.

With so many standouts in action Friday night, which players are primed to have an excellent night and cover player prop wagers? We’ll reveal our top five player prop bets for Friday’s slate below.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell OVER 27.5 Points

In Donovan we trust. That’s the motto for the second-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers (36-18) as Mitchell – who missed Thursday’s action due to illness – is slated to return Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers (32-23).

On the year, Mitchell is averaging 28.4 points per outing, ranking fourth in the NBA. He’s also handing out 6.3 assists per game while collecting 5.4 rebounds each night.

Expect Mitchell – who scored 36 against the 76ers two weeks ago – to continue his torrid scoring pace Friday night.

Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden UNDER 2.5 3-Point Field Goals

Now with his fifth team over his 15-year playing career, James Harden continues to cement his status as a future NBA Hall of Fame candidate. The Los Angeles Clippers guard is averaging 17.4 points while knocking down a career-best 42.2% of his three-point field goals.

Yet against the Grizzlies, expect Harden to fall short of this player prop bet. In three games against Memphis this season, Harden has failed to hit more than a pair of three-point shots, giving bettors confidence the Clippers’ star will not cover this player prop wager.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren UNDER 8.5 Rebounds

When Oklahoma City drafted Chet Holmgren last season, the Thunder realized that the 7-1 forward from Gonzaga could have an immediate impact on their team. This season – his first in the NBA – Holgrem is proving his backers right by averaging 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

In the Thunders’ first matchup against Washington, Holmgren exploded for 31 points while adding five assists and two blocks to his totals. The rookie of the year candidate did not have an extraordinary night on the glass, however, collecting just four rebounds.

Expect a similar night Friday against the Wizards as Holgrem will fail to cover this player prop bet.

Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic OVER 9.5 Assists

One of the most overlooked aspects of the Denver Nuggets’ play is Nikola Jokic’s ability to pass. Yes, the 6-11 Serbian can score and rebound as he averages 26 points and 12.1 rebounds each night. But the ninth-year athlete can also find open teammates, earning 9.1 assists each night and currently ranking fourth in the NBA in that category.

Moreover, Jokic looks refreshed following the NBA All-Star break. In a game Thursday against Washington, Jokic recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 19 rebounds and 15 assists.

Expect the big man to continue his torrid streak on Friday against Portland by dishing at least 10 assists to successfully cover this player prop bet.

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James UNDER 38.5 Pts + Reb + Ast

After missing Thursday’s 128-110 loss to Golden State, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham told reporters that LeBron James will play Friday night against the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers need James’ production as the 21-year veteran forward averages 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists nightly – levels that rank among the top 35 in each category.

In a previous matchup against San Antonio this season, James dominated the Spurs by scoring 23 points, dishing 14 assists, and collecting seven rebounds. That matchup also did not feature Anthony Davis, leaving the veteran as a one-man show against San Antonio in a losing effort.

In Friday’s game, James will find open players and easily score against the Spurs. However, with Davis on the court, James will not exceed the 38.5-mark needed to successfully cover this player prop combo (points, rebounds, and assists total) bet.