Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) Under 24.5 Rebounds + Assists (-120)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Nuggets gear up to face the Trail Blazers, it's worth considering a contrarian approach on Nikola Jokic's rebounds and assists total, currently set at 24.5. Despite his recent averages of 15.2 rebounds and 12.8 assists over the last five games, we should note that Jokic has faced challenges against Portland. In fact, his numbers dip when playing them, averaging just 11.8 rebounds and 9.6 assists. Even at home, where he usually shines with 14.6 rebounds and 13.2 assists, the Trail Blazers have historically kept him in check, with his home averages against them sitting at 13.2 and 10.2. With Jokic hitting the under in two of the last three games and the data suggesting an expected value closer to 20.78, it could be wise to lean into the under for this matchup.

Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) Under 13.5 Rebounds (-127)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Denver Nuggets prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers, all eyes will be on Nikola Jokic, but this time for a different reason: targeting the under on his rebounds at 13.5. While Jokic has been a rebounding machine, averaging 15.2 over his last five games, context is key. His recent home performances show a slight dip to 14.6, and against the Blazers, he's averaged just 11.8 rebounds recently. The matchup also favors a lower total, as Jokic has only hit the over 33% of the time at home against Portland in their last dozen encounters. With an expected value of just 11.85 rebounds, the odds seem to tilt in favor of the under. Given his strong offensive role and potential for limited rebounding opportunities, betting the under presents a compelling angle to explore in this intriguing matchup.

Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers) Under 11.5 Rebounds (-111)

Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing

As the Portland Trail Blazers roll into Denver, all eyes will be on Donovan Clingan and his rebounding prowess. But here's the thing: despite his impressive numbers against the Nuggets-averaging 12.8 boards in their last matchups-his recent form tells a different story. Clingan has been pulling down just 10.6 rebounds on the road lately, and with the altitude in Denver often sapping energy, we might see him struggle to hit that 11.5 mark.Even more telling is his recent hit rate of 3-for-3 on the under, suggesting a trend that's hard to ignore. With an expected stat value around 9.95, it feels like the odds are stacked against him maintaining that high output away from home. So, backing the under on Clingan feels like a savvy play; sometimes, less really is more, especially in a hostile environment like Denver.

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