Friday's Top NBA Prop Picks

Kenny Ducey

Last Updated: January 21, 2022 10:19 AM EST • 1 min 54 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

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There’s a loaded slate of games on Friday, which gives us plenty of opportunities to exploit some player props. Read on for our NBA prop picks.

We’re back to normal and selecting from a jam-packed NBA schedule on Friday, and I'm taking advantage of weak frontcourts again, both of which play in L.A this time. I’m also backing a typically poor defense that's been phenomenal recently.

Here are my top prop picks for Friday’s NBA schedule (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook, and pick confidence is based on a one-to-five star scale).

Friday's Top NBA Prop Picks

Wendell Carter Jr. over 8.5 rebounds (-120) ?????Shai Gilgeous-Alexander under 23.5 points (-120) ???Joel Embiid over 30.5 points (-105) ????

Friday's Top NBA Prop Predictions

Carter Jr. Over 8.5 rebounds (-120)

Carter was a machine before his seven-game absence, averaging 11.7 rebounds over seven contests. He's always been important to the fabric of his team's defense and will get massive minutes.

This is an incredibly low number and should be well within reach. The former Bulls big man has posted double-digit rebounds in each of his last seven games while going over 11.5 in three.

Additionally, the Lakers' frontcourt is among the league's worst, and it ranks second-last in rebounding over the last two weeks. They’ll also be playing LeBron at the small-ball five-spot, which has worked for them. The Magic will need Carter’s defense throughout the game.

Gilgeous-Alexander Under 23.5 points (-120)

Something has gotten into the Charlotte Hornets. They’ve ranked second in defensive efficiency over the past two weeks and continue to produce great performances on that end of the floor. Their guards are beginning to lock up opponents, which is one of the most encouraging signs for the team all season.

Which is why I'm ready to fade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Friday. As Oklahoma City's go-to guy, Charlotte’s defensive focus should revolve around stopping him, and I expect the Hornets to succeed given their recent results. Furthermore, 23.5 is an incredibly inflated line after a nice run of games in which he scored 30-plus points three times in a week.

This is an excellent sell-high spot.

Embiid Over 30.5 points (-105)

The Los Angeles Clippers have been one of the NBA's weakest teams when trying to defend centers, and that won't change Friday night. Joel Embiid is coming to town, and he's the hardest test for any frontcourt.

Embiid is averaging 28 points per game this season. He's also posted 32-plus points in three straight contests, capping off the run with 50 points against Orlando last time out. Embiid matches up incredibly well against a team that likes to play small ball and has been dealing with Marcus Morris' injury.

The Clippers give up over 23 points per game to opposing centers and Embiid is among the best. He should be able to cash the Over easily.

SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com's community forums and betting tools.

NBA prop picks made 1/21/2022 at 2:53 p.m. ET.

Written By:
Kenny Ducey

Kenny is a contributor for DraftKings and a former member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He's covered Tennis, Football, Basketball, and Baseball dating back to his time at Sports Illustrated. He's based out of New York, where sports have taken a turn for the worst, yet somehow his support for the Jets and Knicks has not wavered in the slightest.