The NBA player props market has been a difficult one to maneuver to kick off the new calendar year, but all it takes is a streak of good fortune to turn things around and boost units in a hurry. Thursday's eight-game slate provides those types of opportunities and then some.
Here are three player prop expert picks to potentially wager on, including a combination prop for Immanuel Quickley in points and assists (-102) as the struggling Toronto Raptors visit Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on January 9, 2025.
Immanuel Quickley OVER 21.5 Points + Assists vs. Cavaliers (-102)
Preview: Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 p.m. ET
Quickley has shown glimpses of why the Raptors invested $175 million in him over the next five years in his four games since returning to the starting lineup following a right elbow injury. He's averaged 16.3 points, three rebounds, and 8.5 assists during this stretch, but is shooting below 40 percent from the field (38.2) and under 30 percent from 3-point range (29.6). His poor efficiency should hopefully improve with more reps as he works his way back into game shape.
The red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers allow the second-most points to opposing point guards at 26.4 per contest. It was during the season opener on October 23 when Quickley registered 13 points and four assists versus Cleveland at Scotiabank Arena in just over 14 minutes of action prior to going down with a right pelvic contusion.
He's at least nailed an OVER on 21.5 combined points and assists in three of his four appearances since getting back on the hardwood, and while Toronto is also on the second night of a back to back. The Cavaliers just had a physically and emotionally draining performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday in a 129-122 victory. The stars are aligned for Quickley to reach yet another OVER on this number.
Cade Cunningham OVER 15.5 Rebounds + Assists vs. Warriors (-113)
Preview: Golden State Warriors vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m. ET
The former No. 1 overall pick thrives when competing on no rest, and he'll be projected to do so once again when the Detroit Pistons play host to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday evening.
Across six instances in 2024-25 when Cade Cunningham has taken the floor on consecutive nights, he's hit an OVER on 15.5 combined rebounds and assists all but one time, and he still achieved 15 in the one instance he didn't. Now, the OVER and UNDER have identical odds at -113, which is rather surprising considering Cunningham has gone UNDER in four-straight outings and nine of his last 10.
The optimism from oddsmakers likely stems from his aforementioned success playing on back-to-back days, along with the fact that the Warriors rank 25th in rebounds allowed to opposing point guards and 19th in assists allowed, as well. It's a 50-50 shot here with the odds being what they are.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. OVER 13.5 Points vs. Jazz (-106)
Preview: Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz, 9 p.m. ET
The recent suspension of Jimmy Butler for conduct detrimental to the Miami Heat has boosted the stock of Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was recently inserted into the starting lineup and has seen his production flourish in a grander role.
Sure, it's a slim window, but Jaquez Jr. is averaging 17 points on 51.9 percent shooting, 8.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 steals in the last two games. He needs just 14 points against the Utah Jazz on the road Thursday night to achieve an OVER at -106, and Jaquez Jr. has gone a perfect 2-of-2 during this recent run.
The Jazz are the worst defensive team in basketball (118.4 points per 100 possessions), and that number gets worse at the Delta Center (120 points allowed per 100 possessions). Wager on Jaquez Jr. with confidence as there should be limited resistance on Utah's front.
