Only five games are taking place Thursday night in the Association, so we have three best bets. Remember, there's a 2 p.m. ET matchup between the Cavaliers and Nets that's being played in Paris. We don't have any plays from that contest, but don't be confused when the evening rolls around and one game is already in the books.
Thursday's TNT doubleheader features some top contenders in each conference. Let's get to our best bets.
Isaiah Hartenstein: Over 19.5 points + rebounds
Hartenstein has been on a rebounding tear for the Knicks since earning more minutes due to Mitchell Robinson's absence. Hartenstein isn't as effective as Robinson on the offensive glass, but he's not too far behind.
He's averaging 13.6 rebounds through five games in January. Hartenstein has recorded at least 19 points and rebounds in the last four contests, including the last two where he only scored five and eight points, respectively.
The Mavericks are the NBA's third-worst rebounding team and have a below-average defense. There should be plenty of opportunities for Hartenstein to rebound and score.
Odds: -125 (playable to -140)
Kevin Durant: Over 37.5 PRA
One of the Suns' biggest problems is that they don't have a true point guard running the offense, and it's hurt them throughout the season. This means Durant and Devin Booker are forced to take on more playmaking responsibilities.
Durant has always been an underrated passer because of how prolific he is as a scorer. He's been doing both at a high level this season, averaging 41.9 combined points, rebounds, and assists per game.
The Lakers' defense has been struggling, so Durant should find holes to score and create for teammates. In the three times he's played the Lakers this season, he's averaged 48.6 combined points, rebounds, and assists.
Odds: -125 (playable to -140)
Bucks team total: Over 123.5
The Celtics played in Boston last night and then traveled to Milwaukee immediately following the final buzzer to face the Bucks in the second leg of a back-to-back. This will be the Celtics' third game in four nights and their fourth in six.
Boston's win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday was an overtime thriller where most starters played over 40 minutes. The Celtics are an elite defensive team, but they will run out of gas here.
Even though it's a nationally televised game, there's a chance some Celtics starters rest. The Bucks are favored by 4.5 at home, which wouldn't typically be the case if Boston wasn't amid a tiring January stretch.
The Bucks have the second-best scoring offense, averaging 124.1 points per game. While its defense is suspect, Milwaukee can score on anyone and should run it up against a tired Boston group.
Odds: -115 (playable to -130)
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
