Skip to content

NBA Sunday best bets, player props: Bucks undervalued vs. Rockets

Gary Dineen / National Basketball Association / Getty

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.

The first weekend of the NBA's return winds down Sunday, which features a loaded, six-game slate.

Here's what stands out from a betting perspective with 12 teams gearing up for their second game in the bubble.

Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks (-4, 241)

The Rockets did whatever they wanted offensively in their 153-149 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. They scored 64 points in the paint and took 39 shots from the free-throw line.

Don't expect so much free-flowing basketball when the Rockets match up with the Bucks, who allow the fewest points in the paint per game and are No. 1 in defensive rating.

Houston has a run-and-gun style, but the Bucks play at the fastest pace in the league. They won't mind a shootout.

Pick: Bucks -4

Sacramento Kings vs. Orlando Magic (-3, 225)

This total saw some immediate "over" money and was pushed from 223 to 224.

Sacramento and Orlando both put on an offensive clinic Friday. The former scored 129 points on the San Antonio Spurs while the latter bullied the Brooklyn Nets en route to 128 points. But this game matters a bit more with postseason bids on the line, so expect two of the slowest-paced offenses to play a little more controlled.

The total closed at 211 when these two teams last met in January. It still feels a tad high after making any sort of adjustments.

Oddsmakers got a little out of hand with this one and the market followed. Expect more over money, but the under is the play to make.

Pick: Under 225

Player props

Nets-Wizards top scorer - Joe Harris +950

I like the value on Harris to be leading scorer in the Brooklyn Nets-Washington Wizards game. He's behind teammate - and favorite - Caris LeVert (-175) and Wizards forward Rui Hachimura (+450) in the odds.

The Nets are essentially a lock to make the playoffs, sitting six games in front of Sunday's opponent. Harris has phenomenal upside if this game turns into a track meet with limited defense.

Washington's perimeter defense is the worst among bubble teams. The unit also allows the most points per game to opposing shooting guards and the second-most to small forwards.

Wherever Harris plays, he'll have a solid matchup.

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox