Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23). Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Props for Thursday Jan. 18: Keeping Pace

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 1/18/24

Last night we lost an opportunity as Giannis did not suit up as the Bucks got dominated by the Cavs. Or maybe we dodged a bullet. You can't know for sure. Other than that, we posted a 1-2 record, thanks to Scottie Barnes directing traffic for new-look Toronto (assist prop). He scores too — see below.

Tonight we have a shorter five-game slate. It is too bad top guard Ty Haliburton is not available for the Pacers' trip to Sacramento this evening. He adds to the entertainment and intrigue.

Results to Date: 63-115, -247.1 Units (points for honesty)

NBA Props for Thursday, Jan. 18

DeMar DeRozan Over 21.5 Points (+115) Alt Line

The Raptors made a bunch of changes that I think are going to help speed up their game. Chicago is in town tonight and gets a chance to poke at a Raptors team that played last night too. DeRozan is going to feel very comfortable in his former stomping grounds and the removal of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam will make it easier for him to post good numbers. Especially with his mid-range game.

Scottie Barnes Over 19.5 Points (+100)

The Raptors are now officially in the hands of the versatile Barnes. The latest new additions are not expected to carry much of the scoring load and Barnes is averaging right at 20 ppg for the season. He might not be one of those scorers who heats up for 55, but he had 20 last night, the sixth time in the last 10 games he has reached that threshold so there is come consistency there. This one should be priced -110.

Aaron Nesmith Over 13.5 Points (+120)

Nesmith should see a bump in usage tonight as it looks like Siakam is not going to be with his new team in Sacramento. That and the fast pace of play should make it comfortable to expect a little extra production tonight. He should be in the starting lineup tonight too and that has elevated his production throughout this emergent season.

Myles Turner and Keegan Murray Over 13.5 Rebounds (+100)

Per the above, I am looking for a high-possession game tonight. Ty Haliburton is out, but the Pacers can push without him and the Kings do not play slow. This combined rebound total is just a smidge above seasonal averages but the pace will help and so will the need for the Pacers to have Turner on the floor to guard Domantas Sabonis.

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