The NBA season is in full swing and we have an action-packed slate for Friday night. The season is almost halfway over, and teams are jockeying for playoff positions.
We have found three of our favorite NBA player prop plays from the OddsTrader app for the games on Friday, January 6th. Today, we’ll focus on points scored but you can also find other categories like the total number of assists or whether a player records certain milestones, like a triple-double.
The NBA season rolls on and the teams are fighting to stay on top of the standings, so we also used the OddsTrader BetStation to find the best computer-generated predictions for this week’s games and get an edge when selecting our props.
The app is available for free on your device’s app store. It will show you statistical comparisons of each matchup, information on past meetings as well as spread movement, injury news, and even the weather forecast for sports like baseball and football.
Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Friday, January 06, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Wells Fargo Center
DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls)
- Over 25.5 Points Scored
The Chicago Bulls have a tough task tonight when they face the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia. The 76ers are winners of three games in a row. They are 15-1 over their last 16 home games.
The Bulls come into the game with some momentum as well. They made a statement victory over the Brooklyn Nets that snapped their 12-game winning streak. As is par for the course for the Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan led the way.
The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads. They know that to make a push they’re going to need their best players to step forward. They need to get some wins, especially on the road and against other top teams. This gives us an excellent opportunity tonight to back one of the best mid-range scorers in the NBA.
The Pick
DeMar DeRozan is averaging 26.6 points per game this season. He has one game removed from a 44-point explosion against Cleveland and has also put up 42 against Milwaukee three games prior.
Notice the trend here, the better the opponent, the better DeMar DeRozan plays. Against another Eastern Conference playoff rival, expect a big night from DeMar DeRozan tonight.
NBA Prop Pick: DeMar DeRozan Over 25.5 Points (-151) at Caesars Sportsbook
Brooklyn Nets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Friday, January 06, 2023 – 07:30 PM EST at Smoothie King Center
CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Over 25.5 Points Scored
In tonight’s featured matchup on ESPN, the Brooklyn Nets take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams are playing excellent basketball and this game is definitely worthy of the national TV spotlight it has received.
The Pelicans are playing solid basketball, but they’re missing two of their top scorers tonight. With Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson out of the lineup, their primary offensive option is veteran CJ McCollum.
With both men out, CJ McCollum has gone over at this point prop total in three of his last four games, including a 42-point outburst against Philadelphia. He had 28 points in his last outing against Houston. Although his season average is lower, with these two men out, McCollum has increased his point production output.
The Pick
CJ McCollum will have another big night as the number one offensive option for the team. McCollum will rely on his excellent ball-handling ability and excellent long-range shot in order to put up points and try to lead his team to a statement win against one of the NBA’s hottest teams.
Expect CJ McCollum’s point output to continue to rise as he is missing his top two co-stars.
NBA Prop Pick: CJ McCollum Over 25.5 Points (-110) at Bet365
Detroit Pistons vs. San Antonio Spurs
Friday, January 06, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at AT&T Center
Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons)
- Over 14.5 Points Scored
Jaden Ivey was the fifth pick in the NBA draft this year. Ivey was arguably the best athlete, and one cannot watch him on the court and deny his unbelievable explosiveness and ability to get to the rim. Even though he is a rookie, he’s already one of the fastest players in the league.
Jaden Ivey averages 14.9 points per game this season. However, I expect him to get an uptick tonight against the San Antonio Spurs, who are not known for their defense. As the season ensues, Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey has become more comfortable giving Ivey more minutes, leading to an uptick in his production
The Pick
The San Antonio Spurs do not have a guard who has the lateral quickness to stay in front of Jaden Ivey. As the Pistons continue to lose, developing the young players has become more of a priority than getting wins. This leads to more plays being called and sets being run in order to use Ivey’s incredible athleticism.
NBA Prop Pick: Jaden Ivey Over 14.5 Points (-131) at Caesars Sportsbook
