We have three NBA player props for this Thursday, and our staff of basketball betting experts is focused on some key players who could be in line for noteworthy performances as we head down the homestretch of the work week.
Read below for our NBA player prop picks for Thursday, December 5.
NBA Player Props for Thursday, Dec. 5
- Trey Murphy Under 9.5 Rebounds & Assists (-115, bet365)
- Devin Vassell Over 17.5 Points (-115, Caesars)
- Dejounte Murray Under 35.5 Points, Rebounds, & Assists (-120, DraftKings)
Suns vs. Pelicans Player Prop Pick
By Allan Lem
This season, Murphy is averaging 7.2 combined rebounds and assists. That's actually in line with his 7.1 average from last season. This season, he's surpassed 7.2 combined rebounds & assists in just two of his nine games.
Early RotoGrinders projections have him projected for 7.26, and that's with Brandon Ingram, Yves Missi, and Herb Jones projected to play (all listed as questionable). My projections also have him closer to 7.5 assuming those three are in.
It would be big blow if Missi missed this game, as he's done a good job soaking up rebounds, so you could certainly wait for news before jumping on this. I'm playing this for a half-unit given the uncertainty of the roster, but even with the questionable tags, I like lower than 9.5 given Murphy's historic averages.
Pick: Trey Murphy Under 9.5 Rebounds & Assists
Bulls vs. Spurs Player Prop
The Spurs should be a popular target without Victor Wembanyama and going up against one of the worst defenses in the league. Wemby's absence will open up tons of usage and opportunities for the healthy Spurs, and Vassell is my favorite choice. He has the best combination of playing time, usage, and individual matchup.
Vassell has been in and out of the lineup due to injuries this season. He's only played seven games so far, but he did get up to a season-high 28 minutes on Tuesday. He had played 21 and 24 minutes in the two games since his most recent injury, so we're looking at a steady increase in workload. I'm expecting him to reach 30 minutes tonight for the first time this season.
Vassell has come off the bench in each appearance. Leading the second unit has allowed him to post a career-high 26.4% usage rate. He's 2nd on the team behind Wembanyama in usage for the 2nd straight season, but the gap is much closer this season. He should lead the team in usage and shots tonight.
Chicago has allowed the most points per game. They rank 26th in defensive rating and 1st in pace. Chicago has allowed the most points per game to shooting guards. Give me Vassell's over tonight.
Pick: Devin Vassell Over 17.5 Points
Suns vs. Pelicans Player Prop Bet
By Allan Lem
Through five games this season, Murray is averaging 26 combined points + rebounds + assists (PRA). For additional context, Murray averaged 34.2 PRA last season with the Hawks. His biggest issue so far this season has been his shooting, where he's been just 27.2% from the field. All of his other metrics look in line with his career numbers, but his form appears to be rusty since coming back from injury.
The biggest variable here are the statuses of Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Yves Missi, who are all questionable. Ingram and Jones both put in full walkthroughs on Wednesday, and head coach Willie Green is "hopeful" both can play. If they do, that will help take away some of the usage from Murray.
Given Murray's current form and the potential for the Pelicans to have one or both of Ingram and Jones back, I'll take under 35.5 PRA.
Pick: Dejounte Murray Under 35.5 Points, Rebounds, & Assists
