We have three NBA player props for Thursday's lone matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz, but we're still focused on a trio of key players who could be in line for big (or poor) performances tonight.
Both of our betting experts are focused on frontcourt players for the Mavs, as today's piece centers around Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively. Continue below for our NBA prop picks for Thursday, November 14.
NBA Player Props Thursday
- Daniel Gafford Over 10.5 Points (-118)
- Dereck Lively Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds (-120)
Mavericks vs Jazz Player Prop Pick
Gafford has been rolling in November, averaging nearly 15 points per game. He got a boost from Dereck Lively missing a few games, but his playing time against Golden State was encouraging. Lively returned on Tuesday against the Warriors and split the center minutes right down the middle with Gafford. Both guys have played well this season, so it's fair to expect an even split tonight.
RotoGrinders has Gafford and Lively projected for 24 minutes apiece. When Gafford has earned 20+ minutes this season, he's averaging 14.9 points per game.
Utah has struggled mightily on defense this season. They have the 4th-worst defensive rating and have allowed the 5th-most points. Centers have had their way with Utah, continuing a trend from last season, as they have allowed the 2nd-most points per game to the position. Last season, they ranked 4th.
Pick: Daniel Gafford Over 10.5 Points
Mavericks vs Jazz Player Prop Pick
By Matt Moore
Dereck Lively finally returned to the Mavericks lineup this week, and may still be trying to find his stride, but he cruised past this number for 20 points and rebounds against Golden State in his season debut.
The key is Utah's pick-and-roll defense. Utah is actually surprisingly good at defending ball-handlers, but they give up the 5th-most points to the roll man in pick-and-roll sets. You know what that means: Lob City.
Plus, Utah gives up the most transition points of any team in the league and Lively's a great rim-runner. Lively should be able to clear this line again against a weak Utah defensive frontcourt tonight.
Pick: Dereck Lively Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds
