The New Orleans Pelicans are in their own tier when it comes to nightmare seasons, but they’re not the only struggling team on tonight’s hoops schedule.
While it doesn’t get grimmer than New Orleans’ 3-21 record and no first-round pick, the Sacramento Kings are fumbling their way to another forgettable year, while the depleted Indiana Pacers are 5-18.
Thankfully, there are some more promising outlooks to target in the NBA player props market, and my favorite NBA picks include wagers on De’Aaron Fox and Julius Randle, two key figures on playoff contenders.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 De’Aaron Fox |
Over 24.5 points | -105 |
 Julius Randle |
Over 29.5 points + assists | -115 |
 Russell Westbrook |
Over 7.5 assists | +105 |
Prop #1: De’Aaron Fox Over 24.5 points
We’ll have to wait a little longer for an extended look at how De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama fit together. Until then, the San Antonio Spurs point guard seems to be thriving as a No. 1 option.
Fox is averaging 25 PPG this year, and he’s cashed this Over in four straight outings, including a 31-point effort last week against the Orlando Magic. Going back further, he’s poured in at least 25 points in nine of his past 10 contests.
Some of that comes down to volume, with 17.7 FGA per night, but it also speaks to a hotter hand from 3-point range, where he’s making his triples at a 38% clip. So Fox is an obvious candidate for a big points total here against the Pelicans, who’ve served up a string of dud defensive performances this season, allowing 123.2 PPG.
New Orleans was blown out by the Brooklyn Nets at the weekend, and it’s a massive ask for this slumping squad to keep Fox quiet with two rookies in the starting lineup.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FDSN SW, GCSEN
Prop #2: Julius Randle Over 29.5 points + assists
Who had Julius Randle pegged as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ top assists man through 20+ games?
It’s been a rollercoaster start for the T-Wolves, including some ugly late collapses, but Randle has been an integral part of their current five-game win streak.
I’ll take the Over on this combo prop tonight against the Phoenix Suns, with Randle averaging 23 PPG to go with 5.9 APG. While those numbers fall just short of this O/U line, he’s nailed this Over in three of his last four contests.
Minnesota also has a question mark around Anthony Edwards, who’s dealing with an illness, and his absence would pave the way for Randle to take on a bigger role in the offense.
Randle’s numbers this year look a lot closer to his time with the New York Knicks, and it has to be a positive sign for the Timberwolves that he’s maintaining his efficiency with a bigger share of the shots. Minnesota’s offense would also get a boost here if Dillon Brooks (questionable) is ruled out for Phoenix.
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Peacock, NBCSN
Prop #3: Russell Westbrook Over 7.5 assists
Just when you think Russell Westbrook might have run out of NBA teams willing to roll the dice, the Kings enter the chat. To be fair to Russ, he’s given Sacramento a spark and found a way to fit in with ball-dominant wings.
With Dennis Schroder listed as questionable, Westbrook should get the bulk of the point guard minutes tonight against the Pacers, and I see him continuing his strong playmaking run. There’s also a passing void to fill with Domantas Sabonis still sidelined.
Westbrook has finished with 8+ assists in three of his last four contests, racking up a stunning tally of 40 dimes in that span, and Indiana’s small backcourt will have a tough time matching his size and athleticism.
His connection is growing with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan — and that pair of bucket-getters will be Russ’ ticket to this Over. He’s getting a steady workload around 30 MPG, so look for him to be the Kings’ creative engine again tonight.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBCSBA, FDSN IN
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