🏀 NBA Player Props & Best Bets Tonight: LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Ant Edwards
Friday's schedule features a loaded nine-game slate, and I’ve zeroed in on three NBA player props tonight ahead of the opening 7 p.m. ET tip.
With elite talent taking the floor - including Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic, and LeBron James - there’s plenty to like. Let’s lock in.
🏀 NBA player props: Feb. 20
See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds.
| Player | Prop bet | Best odds | Unit size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves | Under 28.5 points | -102 via FanDuel | 1u to win 0.99u |
| Nikola Jokic, Nuggets | to record a triple-double | -120 via FanDuel | 1u to win 0.91u |
| LeBron James, Lakers | 8+ assists | +126 via FanDuel | .5u to win 1.06u |
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.96 units
💰 Best NBA player prop: Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves, Under 28.5 points (-102)
Check out all of our NBA analysis and expert predictions this season.
We're entering blowout territory in this one, with Anthony Edwards taking on the Dallas Mavericks without Cooper Flagg. In games won by 10 points or more, Edwards has gone Under this number in three of the last four in those situations, including a 14-point game in his most-recent 133-109 victory against the Trail Blazers. For what it's worth, the T-Wolves won by 13 against Dallas in late January, with Edwards pouring in just 20 points. We like what we see in these trends.
Our Corey Scott is on the other side with Ant Man, and he actually justifies taking his over as part of his Mavericks vs. Timberwolves player props.
🔥 More NBA player prop picks
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets, to record a triple-double (-120)
Jokic continues to pour in triple-doubles, so why would we walk away from this play if it keeps cashing? Prior to the break, Jokic recorded four straight triple-doubles, and is going up against a Trail Blazers team he should be able to have his way with. Jokic is going to want to bounce back after a subpar game from his standards yesterday, so we'll be riding him with confidence here.
LeBron James, Lakers, 8+ assists (+126)
LeBron has been on an absolute tear - averaging 10.5 assists over his last four games - and the Lakers are getting a major reinforcement tonight. Luka Doncic is returning from a hamstring injury, and Austin Reaves is finally off his minutes restriction.
In the few games this season where the "Big Three" (LeBron, Luka, and Reaves) have all been healthy, LeBron has tended to hover around that 7-8 assist range rather than the double-digit explosions we've seen recently. At +126, we're going to take that chance he ends up with eight tonight.
👑 More LeBron James player props!
Corey Scott expects James to record fewer than six rebounds with his Clippers vs. Lakers player props.
NBA Play of the Day
Here is LJ Blut's X video Play of the Day that features Nuggets ML.
The Denver Nuggets are positioned to win tonight against the Trail Blazers because of their offensive efficiency and depth. Denver thrives in half-court sets, where their ball movement and inside-out scoring create high-percentage looks. Their frontcourt advantage, led by Jokic, should control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities for Portland. The Nuggets are also one of the better road teams in the NBA, with a 20-10 record.
Defensively, the Nuggets can force tough perimeter shots and dictate the tempo. Expect Denver’s experience and late-game execution to seal the win comfortably.
If you want to read more about this pick, Denver Nuggets vs. the Portland Trail Blazers
💡 How I'm betting the NBA slate
Friday's card is built around matchup edges I’ve identified, with unit sizes adjusted based on where I see the strongest value. While I typically keep plus-money plays closer to 0.2 units, this is one of those spots where the data supports LeBron, which allows me to increase my bankroll exposure to a half-unit. All in, I’m risking about $125 - 2.5 total units, with my standard unit size set at $50.
If you're looking for the do's and don'ts of bankroll management, our LJ Blut has you covered.
🚀 NBA parlay picks
💵 Best NBA parlay for Thursday
- Edwards Under 28.5 points (-102) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Jokic to record a triple-double (-120) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- James 8+ assists (+126) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: +721 via FanDuel (.5u to win 3.3u)
🎟️ Most-bet NBA player props tonight
Betting insights via BetMGM.
| Player | Team | Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rui Hachimura | Lakers | Under 10.5 points | -135 |
| Jarace Walker | Pacers | Under 21.5 points | -130 |
| Tre Johnson | Wizards | Over 12.5 points | -120 |
| Zion Williamson | Pelicans | Over 34.5 points + rebounds + assists | -125 |
| Egor Demin | Nets | Over 6.5 rebounds + assists | -115 |
It makes sense that bettors are fading Rui Hachimura with Doncic returning and Reaves coming off his minutes restriction. However, with James questionable tonight, I would be cautious about playing an Under on Hachimura.
Jarace Walker Under 21.5 points (-130) is a solid bet, even though the Pacers’ top four scorers are injured. While Walker has scored 19 and 23 points over his last two games, it’s not profitable in the long term to blindly bet players’ Overs when their role expands - the number has to be low enough.
🔮 NBA futures odds after All-Star break
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