PropBetGuy’s Tuesday NBA Player Prop: Cleveland’s Lauri Markkanen in Tough Spot Against Nets

PropBetGuy breaks down his favorite NBA prop of the day below, but you can follow all of his bets in the Action Network app.

Lauri Markkanen PRAs

In his first season in Cleveland, Lauri Markkanen averaged 21.7 PRA in 31 minutes per game for the Cavs. He’s stayed under this line in 35 of his 61 games played, including in two of the three matchups versus the Nets this season.

Brooklyn is a tough matchup for Markkanen, as he’ll likely be checked by Kevin Durant. Even with KD taking a slight step back from the defensive prowess he’s shown in the past, it’s likely a matchup the Cavs won’t be looking to attack. Darius Garland has shown that he can’t be slowed down by the Nets defense, and both Caris LeVert and Evan Mobley should have advantageous spots offensively.

The Cavs will be in a tough spot figuring out how to defend Durant. The impact of the Cavs' game plan is likely to directly affect Markkanen’s production. If the Cavs go with Mobley on KD, they could opt to play Kevin Love more minutes at center, which would add a high-usage player into the lineup. Or, Cleveland could opt to deploy the more mobile Lamar Stevens, who could eat into Markkanen’s minutes.

Either way, I don’t see this being the best spot for the Finnish forward. I have Markkanen projected at 19 PRA tonight.

Pick: Lauri Markkanen under 22.5 points + rebounds + assists (-105 at DraftKings) | Bet to: 21.5

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