Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10). Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

NBA props for Thursday 4/4: Small slate, big opportunities

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 4/4/24

So. so, close. I was really feeling good about last night's Brandon Miller leading all-scorers prop but he came up a point short of fellow rookie Scoot Henderson. As it was, it was a 1-3 day with Jonas Valanciunas saving us from total disaster.

Tonight we have a small schedule with just five NBA games. However, there are three games I might actually tune into, especially the Nuggets at the Clippers. Denver is in a battle to finish the season at the top of the Western Conference.

NBA Props for Thursday, April 4

Jabari Smith Over 15.5 Points (+120)

Smith is getting starting center minutes with Alperen Sengun out. I like it, even though he does not have the bulk to do it well in some matchups. He can score though, and has bested this total in three of the last four games and six of nine. Against Golden State, he has a favorable matchup offensively and defensively. He is not going to get played off the floor.

Jalen Johnson Over 8.5 Rebounds (+110)

Johnson is another player who has seen his playing time improve throughout the season. Just as important, he is producing, and with leading scorer Trae Young out, they need his offense even more. This is right as seasonal averages so should probably be priced at -110 or +100. The extra hit is great, especially with tonight's opponent, Houston, far from dominating on the glass.

De'Andre Hunter Over 4.5 Rebounds (+124)

Hunter has been a tease throughout his career. He is on a solid stretch right now with five 20+ games in his last 10. That helps keep him on the floor and when he is, he can contribute in other areas too. In the last six games he has been over this prop five times and five rebounds is hardly a major achievement, especially against Dallas, a weak rebounding team. You know I love a good double up.

De'Aaron Fox Over 6.5 Assists (+120)

The Kings are taking on the Knicks tonight. Sacramento is a rare team where their lead guard does not lead in assists (that would be Domantas Sabonis). Nevertheless, I like the number and payout here in a game that should be tight. Sacramento is trying to get up into sixth place in the West and can't take their foot off the glass at all. Fox also had seven dimes the last time these teams met. Fox attacking is a great way to slow down Jalen Brunson too.

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