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5 Best Player Prop Bets for 2019-20 NBA Season

Jake Mitchell

by Jake Mitchell in NBA Basketball

Updated Apr 6, 2020 · 12:39 PM PDT

James Harden
Houston's James Harden is fourth in NBA MVP odds. Photo by David Santiago/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire
  • The NBA season tips off on Tuesday, October 22nd
  • James Harden has +800 odds to win NBA MVP
  • Joel Embiid’s over/under on total games played is set at 63

The NBA season is just days away, which means there’s still time to jump on all kinds of NBA player props. There was unprecedented player movement this offseason, and it opened up plenty of new opportunities and openings for players around the league, so there is value to be found everywhere in the NBA this year.

We cover the five best player prop bets for the season below.

James Harden 8-1 to Win MVP

Houston has come extremely close to knocking off Golden State in two consecutive postseasons, and the Rockets now come up against a now wide-open Western Conference. Harden will be paired with a new backcourt partner in Russell Westbrook.

Harden finished seecond in MVP voting last season, despite his numbers being even better than in his MVP campaign. He had 30.4 points per game that year, and that number jumped to 36.1 last season.

He hasn’t slowed down at all since winning the award, and with an offense that should now be reinvigorated with the switch from Chris Paul to Westbrook, Harden’s production should remain at an MVP level.

Odds to Win NBA MVP

Player Odds
Giannis Antetokounmpo +250
Steph Curry +500
Anthony Davis +500
James Harden +800
Kawhi Leonard +900

*All odds taken 10/18/19

Joel Embiid Under 63 Total Games Played

The 76er center is one of the NBA’s most unique talents, but unfortunately, he’s also been plagued by persistent injury issues. After a 2018-19 year that followed that script, it’s safe to say that Philadelphia will play it safe with Embiid.

Since 2018, Embiid has dealt with injuries to his back, knees, and ankles. Like so many 7-footers through history, it’s hard for Embiid to stay entirely healthy with his size.

Even if he avoids significant injury, the concept of “load management” has become commonplace in the NBA. Between potential injury and 76er precaution, Embiid has a good chance of finishing under 63 games played.

Joel Embiid Games Played Odds

Games Played Odds
O 63 -120
U 63 -120

Caris LeVert Over 16.5 Points Per Game

Brooklyn made a couple of huge splashes during the offseason, adding Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. However, as the latter recovers from an Achilles injury, there are still plenty of playmakers on the Nets roster.

Many hadn’t paid attention to this franchise until they made those two signings, but Brooklyn has quietly built an impressive young core. Spencer Dinwiddie has improved as a point guard and become one of the league’s best social media follows, but it is Caris LeVert that is poised to have an especially strong season.

LeVert, even through big injuries, has gotten better every year. In his three seasons, LeVert’s points per game has risen from 8.2 to 12.1 from Year 1 to 2, and then up to 13.7 last season. Now, with defensive focus centered on Kyrie Irving and Durant on the shelf, LeVert has a chance to become an effective second option on a playoff team.

Now healthy, with new energy injected into the franchise, LeVert’s game should flourish this year.

Caris LeVert PPG Odds

Points Per Game Odds
O 16.5 -120
U 16.5 -120

Ja Morant to Average Over 6.5 Assists Per Game

During his huge season guiding Cinderella story Murray State to the NCAA Tournament, Morant catapulted his stock to the top of the draft, going 2nd overall to the Memphis Grizzlies. On his way there, Morant averaged 24.5 points and 10 assists per game.

While Morant will likely be a proficient scorer in his new role at Memphis, it’s the assist per game prop that is truly exciting. Through the preseason, he’s already adding to the hype. Only James Harden is averaging more assists right now.

Offensively, the Memphis Grizzlies are absolutely going to run through Morant. This team has some good pieces at forward and center, with Jonas Valanciunas, Josh Jackson, Jae Crowder, and rookie Brandon Clarke. As far as guards go, however, Morant is unquestionably the man.

This was Morant’s role at Murray State, and he showed there that he is an effective passer. Once again asked to be the primary passer in an offense, it’s a safe bet that Morant will rack up the assists.

Ja Morant Assist Per Game Odds

Assists Per Game Odds
O 6.5 -120
U 6.5 -120

RJ Barrett to Average Over 14.5 Points Per Game

Where the aforementioned LeVert could flourish with new threats around him, Barrett is one of the Knicks’ top options by default. The New York roster is littered with good role players, but Barrett was drafted No. 3 overall for a reason.

In the preseason, Barrett is already averaging 15.8 points per game, and shooting 46.3% from the field while attempting 13.5 shots per game. The rookie is effective early on, and those encouraging numbers suggest that his role will become even bigger as he grows into the NBA.

RJ Barrett PPG Odds

Points Per Game Odds
O 14.5 -120
U 14.5 -120
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