NBA Best Player Props Today – March 3, 2025

We are back after a relatively quiet NBA weekend, so let’s do a quick recap before jumping into today’s picks.

The Sixers officially shut down Joel Embiid for the year. In what can only be described as a season from hell, the Sixers are now just two games out of the final play-in spot.

Tyrese Maxey and Paul George will have to continue carrying the load.

The Cavs are the NBA’s hottest team, having secured a massive comeback win at Boston. They are now on a 10-game win streak.

Cleveland has so much depth that they can run a multitude of different looks, and right now, I think they should be the favorites to come out of the East.

The Suns continue to be a disaster, going 2-8 over their last 10 games. Each loss looks more and more concerning, as they appear disconnected.

I’m not sure what the fix is, but my guess is that it won’t come until the offseason.

Shams Charania reported that the team will work with disgruntled star Kevin Durant to find a trade in the summer.

Those are your quick updates; let’s get into it!

Stephen Curry Over 25.5 Points (-120) at bet365

Over the last 10 games, the Warriors are 7-3, and Steph Curry is averaging 33.6 points per game. He looks rejuvenated since the Jimmy Butler trade, and I think that continues tonight.

Whenever Curry plays against the Hornets, there’s something special in the air. Curry grew up in the area when his dad, Dell Curry, played for the team. He has a connection to the team and the city.

While Curry has been on a hot streak, the Hornets have not. They are 1-9 over their last 10 games and gave up 128 points to the Warriors last week. The Warriors are dominating teams and have finally found a rotation that works.

Over the last 10 games, Curry has impressive splits, shooting 49% from the field, 41% from three, and 91% from the free throw line. He has been practically unstoppable.

Look for Curry to continue his strong performance in his hometown as the Warriors push to move out of the play-in spot.

Odds Comparison for Stephen Curry Over Points

Sportsbook	Odds
bet365	25.5 -120
Hard Rock Bet	25.5 -120
BetMGM	25.5 -140
FanDuel	26.5 -102
DraftKings	26.5 -105
Caesars	26.5 -106

LaMelo Ball Over 22.5 Points (-125) at Hard Rock Bet

Back to back guards in the Warriors-Hornets game here. LaMelo Ball started the season on fire, scoring over 30 points per game for the first month and a half.

Since then, his scoring has dropped each month, averaging 14.8 points per game in February (only five games played).

Ball is far too talented for that level of scoring, but at his best, he is one of the league’s most gifted players.

Here’s another interesting fact: Ball has never scored more than 22 points against the Warriors. He has played against them five times, with the last game coming in 2022.

All of this adds up to one big thought for me: he is due! Coming off a brutal loss to the league’s worst team (Washington), Ball and the Hornets should bounce back.

The Hornets will be without two backup guards, Tre Mann and KJ Simpson, tonight, so I expect even more minutes for LaMelo.

I also love the matchup for Ball against the Warriors. Since acquiring Jimmy Butler in a trade, they have allowed more points to point guards than any other position.

With a healthy mix of Podziemski and Curry on LaMelo tonight, look for him to return to his early-season form. If you are looking for a longer shot bet, Ball to score 30+ is +265 at bet365.

Odds Comparison for LaMelo Ball Over Points

Sportsbook	Odds
Hard Rock Bet	22.5 -125
BetMGM	22.5 -125
bet365	22.5 -135
FanDuel	23.5 -114
DraftKings	23.5 -115
Caesars	23.5 -121

Ausar Thompson Over 2.5 Assists (-125) at bet365

Ausar and his twin brother Amen (Houston Rockets) have been two bright spots for teams that had low expectations coming into the season, and now are squarely in the playoff picture.

Both have the middle name XLNC, pronounced ‘excellence,’ and they have certainly lived up to it.

Focusing on Ausar, he has found his rhythm over the last month. He is averaging 12.8 points per game, 3.9 assists per game, and 5.4 rebounds per game.

All these figures are up from his season averages; he has excelled with more playing time and has become a core part of the offense.

Playing off Cade Cunningham, who is fourth in the league in touches, Thompson benefits from all that attention.

Over the last 13 games, he has had three or more assists in 11. His playmaking is rounding into form.

Let’s quickly talk about the rotation: The Pistons lost Jaden Ivey on New Year’s Day this season. Since that point, Thompson entered the starting lineup, and his stats increased.

Tonight, the Pistons will be without another starter, Tobias Harris, who is third on the team in touches.

I love the way Ausar has played over the last month. In his lone game against Utah this season, he had four assists in just 20 minutes of action.

I expect a higher minutes total, more touches, and a continuation of his growth since the start of the year. Give me all the Thompson twins stock I can get.

Odds Comparison for Ausar Thompson Over Assists

Sportsbook	Odds
bet365	2.5 -125
BetMGM	2.5 -130
Hard Rock Bet	2.5 -135
Caesars	2.5 -160
DraftKings	2.5 -166
FanDuel	3.5 +132

Jamie’s record this season: 7-5