We have a small NBA slate tonight of just 4 games, but some BIG headlines in each matchup. The biggest one is none other than Ja Morant returning for his first action this season against the New Orleans Pelicans. Deandre Ayton plays his old team in the Phoenix Suns and we get a 2021 NBA Finals rematch between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors to wrap up the night. FanDuel is giving us a “No Sweater” bet for tonight on th e Grizzlies vs Pelicans and Celtics vs Warriors. Terms dictate that it needs to be 3+ legs and the final odds must be +400, with the maximum return for myself being $25. I like all of the plays listed below as 1u straight picks, but why not have a little fun and parlay them too? Let’s dive into my best NBA player prop bets tonight, and you can also read our'NBA picks for today’s games.
Jaren Jackson Jr over 18.5 points (-113)
We are getting a major discount on Jackson tonight with Ja Morant returning, but this let's assume Ja returns a little skittish. This matchup is perfect for Jackson as the Pelicans are bottom 8 in opponent field-goal percentage in the restricted area and post-up defense. Jackson has put up 20+ points in 6 of the last 7 games. His best scoring output of the season last year? It was against New Orleans where he dropped 40. I'm expecting Ja to be more pass-first in his first game back and it lines up nicely for Jackson to continue his dominance.
Read our full Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans predictions
CJ McCollum over 2.5 threes made (-120)
I hate betting three-point shooters on a hot streak, but the Grizzlies are too good of a matchup to pass up tonight. They allow the most made above-the-break three-pointers per game (11.8) and that's McCollum's sweet spot. He's hit this in 5 of the last 6 games and went 6-of-11 from three-point range against the Grizzlies in the season opener.