Capitalizing on high-value NBA player props has been a strenuous process as of late with the box scores not cooperating, so with a limited slate of just five games on the schedule for Thursday night, let's mix it up with some safer wagers and a singular long shot to potentially boost units.
Here's a look at three expert player prop picks for games on January 16, 2025, including one which anticipates Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets to continue his scorching offensive run on the road (23.5 points, OVER at -113) against the Sacramento Kings.
Jalen Green OVER 23.5 Points vs. Kings (-113)
Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings, 10 p.m. ET
It's not the time to start fading Green, as he's shown zero signs of slowing down putting the ball in the basket by averaging 30.6 points on 52.7 percent shooting from the field and 47.8 percent from 3-point range across his last seven appearances, good enough for third in the Association during that span.
The Kings rank just 23rd in opponent's points per game at the shooting guard position, and Green has lit them up once already this season in their backyard to the tune of 28 points on just 14 shot attempts with five makes from behind the arc back on Dec. 3. He's reached an OVER on 23.5 points in six-straight outings, as well, attempting fewer than 21 shots just twice. The two occasions in which Green didn't were actually his most efficient performances, converting just under 68 percent of his shots while averaging 38 points.
Houston knows how its bread is buttered these days, and that's giving the rock to Green and letting him produce. That formula has served them well lately, so there's no reason to think that won't once again ring true on Thursday.
Cade Cunningham UNDER 9.5 Assists vs. Pacers (-111)
Preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m. ET
A recent 17-dime night against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 11 probably has this prop higher than it realistically should be for Cade Cunningham against the Indiana Pacers, who are tied for 13th in opponent's assists per game at 26.
The Detroit Pistons are 7-2 over their last nine games, but Cunningham has reached double-digit assists just once over that period and that was his outburst north of the border. He finished with exactly nine three different times, but that still wouldn't be good enough to go OVER on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
A 24-point victory over Indiana on Nov. 29 saw Cunningham register 11 assists, but he had just eight in the season opener on Oct. 23, adding to oddsmaker's rationale as to why they set the mark at 9.5. Considering how rare it's been as of late for the 23-year-old floor general to record 10 or more, it's better to bet the UNDER.
Devin Booker To Make 4+ 3-Pointers vs. Wizards (+140)
Preview: Phoenix Suns vs. Washington Wizards, 7 p.m. ET
Bradley Beal has been ruled out for this matchup due to an ankle injury, although one would think the Phoenix Suns should be just fine without him taking on a Washington Wizards team owning the worst record in the league at 6-32 and one that's in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. His absence should free up even more looks for teammate Devin Booker, as we'll need him to catch fire from the perimeter on Thursday.
Booker needs to drill at least four 3-pointers at Capitol One Arena, which he's pulled off in each of the last three games. He's shot 17-of-35 from 3-point range at a 48.5-percent clip, and now gets to take on the Wizards who sit 29th in opponent's 3-pointers made (14.7) and last in attempts (40.4).
