Trades impact the way that players are used on each team. Certain players will get a bump in usage, other players will have their usage decline. Let’s take a look at five NBA trades and how they could affect player props this season when betting at the top NBA sportsbooks.
Damian Lillard to the Bucks
The addition of Damian Lillard to the Bucks could highly affect two players’ props. Giannis Anttokounmpo should be getting more assists. Brook Lopez should be getting fewer blocks.
The ability to drive and dish to one of the best shooters in NBA history will surely raise Giannis’ assist total. With Lillard on the perimeter and able to run a lethal pick-and-roll, Giannis is in line to have more assists this season than he has ever before in his career
The addition of Damian Lillard came at a cost, however. The Bucks had to move on from Jrue Holiday, one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the league, in order to acquire Lillard. The Bucks bolstered their offense at the expense of their defense. This should mean fewer blocks for Brook Lopez.
With Jrue Holiday able to successfully maneuver his man into the waiting center, Lopez was in position for plenty of blocks that were set up by Holiday’s strong defensive ability. With opposing players more likely to beat the Bucks point of point-of-attack defense, Lopez will not be in a position to record as many blocks this season.
Therefore, Lopez should have fewer blocks this season than he did while teaming with Jrue Holiday.
Jrue Holiday to the Celtics
On the Milwaukee Bucks, Jrue Holiday was the second offensive option for most of the season. With Khris Middleton suffering from injury, the Bucks relied on Holiday as their second-best offensive player. However, on his new team in Boston, he will be the fourth-best offensive player and the fourth option. They should mean fewer opportunities for shots, yet more opportunities for assists.
Now that he is playing with more offensively gifted teammates, Holiday’s points will go down yet his assists will go up. Keep this in mind when you’re betting player props for Jrue Holiday this season.
James Harden to the Clippers
James Harden going to the Clippers will have a massive effect on the team’s usage. This greatly diminishes Russell Westbrook’s value as a fantasy option this season, meaning he will go over on his point prop totals way less often.
Harden is a gifted passer and will steal many point-guard minutes away from Westbrook. Westbrook, who is not as effective off the ball, should see his points and assist totals decline as he gets less opportunity to run the offense.
Harden should still garner plenty of assists, yet his teammate Russell Westbrook will have less of an output. With Harden on the Clippers, remember Westbrook’s numbers will decline.
James Harden leaving the 76ers
The 76ers acquired Nic Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, and KJ Martin from the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden. All these players will be required to play a heavy defensive role. We do not have too many adjustments on their props as this is similar to what they were asked of in Los Angeles.
However, this is an excellent opportunity for Tyrese Maxey. The Harden trade was done with the idea that Maxey could take over Harden’s role. Maxey is lightning quick, has the ability to get to the rim, and is a solid passer. Maxey is in line for an offensive explosion this season as the clear number two option on the offense. The loss of James Harden means an uptick in usage for Tyrese Maxey. Tyrese Maxey will be going over on a lot of points and assists props until the sportsbooks adjust.
Jordan Poole to the Wizards
Jordan Poole has always been a talented scorer, yet he played in the shadow of Steph Curry. Now on a rebuilding Washington team, Poole has been given the green light to shoot as often as he feels fit. And Poole feels fit to shoot quite often!
Poole will put up huge numbers on a team that plays at a high pace and that will value him as their first option with the ball. This will be great for Poole’s development and he should be a contender for the most improved player with all the extra looks that he will receive. With Jordan Poole going to the Wizards he will have an opportunity to keep raising his usage every night. Look for overs on Jordan Poole this season.
