Cam Thomas hasn't shown much rust since returning to the Nets lineup and I'm backing him against a slumping Hornets squad today.
My NBA picks are also backing Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher while fading Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. Here are my best free NBA player props for Saturday, March 8.
Link to NBA picks
Best NBA player props today
Cam Thomas Over 21.5 points (-115 at bet365)
Jakob Poeltl Under 9.5 rebounds (+100 at bet365)
Zaccharie Risacher Over 1.5 threes (-125 at bet365)
NBA player props for March 8
Cam Thomas Over 21.5 points (-115 at bet365)
The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, but playing without Cam Thomas for much of the season has been a contributing factor. Thomas averaged 22.5 points per game last season, with that increasing to 24.2 ppg this season, but he has played in just 22 games due to a lingering hamstring injury.
Thomas played a total of just three games from December through February but returned to Brooklyn's lineup this week without skipping a beat. He scored 24 points in just 26 minutes against the Spurs on Tuesday before dropping 23 points in 27 minutes against the Warriors' stingy defense on Thursday.
Thomas has been on a minutes restriction, but he should start to see his playing time increase, which makes the O/U of 21.5 on his points look too low tonight. He's the unquestioned No. 1 option for the Nets, and with their second-best scorer Cameron Johnson out, that should mean an even higher shot volume.
Over the last 10 games, the Charlotte Hornets are 25th in the league in defensive rating and ninth in pace. They also struggle against isolation plays and will have a tough time staying in front of Thomas.
Jakob Poeltl Under 9.5 rebounds (+100 at bet365)
On the surface, this seems like a good matchup for Jakob Poeltl who averages 9.8 rebounds per game and is facing a fast-paced Washington Wizards squad that's 28th in rebounding rate.
However, Poeltl has been in and out of the Toronto Raptors lineup since the start of February due to a lingering hip injury. That kept him out of last night's game and has led to his minutes and stats being suppressed in recent weeks.
The center has been held to fewer than 9.5 rebounds in nine of his last 12 games. That includes a game against the Wizards on January 29 when he logged eight boards in 27 minutes.
Zaccharie Risacher Over 1.5 threes (-125 at bet365)
The Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks face off in a rematch of Thursday's clash, which Atlanta won 124-118. Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher chipped in with 11 points while going 3-3 from deep in that game.
Risacher has been inconsistent in his rookie season, but he has stood out in one area lately: his 3-point shooting. Over the last 16 games, Risacher is knocking down 2.3 treys per game at a sizzling 50% clip.
The first pick overall in last year's draft has hit at least a pair of triples in seven of his last nine contests.
With the Pacers playing a Top-10 pace and having a below-average defense, back Risacher to go Over 1.5 threes again today.
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NBA odds today
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