NBA Tuesday best bets: 3 player props to target

Happy New Year, everybody! As the calendar switches over to 2024, NBA teams have completed more than one-third of the regular season.

Tuesday's slate features six games, and our card targets some intriguing player props. Let's get to the plays and kick off a hopefully prosperous 2024.

Alex Caruso: Over 17.5 PRA

Caruso's role with the Bulls has elevated since Zach Lavine's absence. Caruso's a big reason why Chicago's playing its best basketball of the season. The Bulls are 5-2 in their last seven games, including two wins over the 76ers.

The Bulls travel to Philadelphia once again for a Tuesday night matchup. Caruso combined for at least 18 points, rebounds, and assists in his two prior matchups with the Sixers this season. He's also reached that number in five of the last seven games.

Caruso's not just scoring at a higher clip; he's playmaking and rebounding for a scrappy Bulls team. Caruso's averaging career highs in points and rebounds.

Odds: -115 (playable to -130)

Nic Claxton: Over 23.5 PRA

Claxton cleared 23.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists in four of the last five games. He's been a monster on the glass all season, averaging a career-high 9.9 rebounds per contest for the Nets.

He's been particularly dominant on the glass in recent games, collecting at least 11 boards in the last four contests. The Pelicans are an average rebounding team, which Claxton should use to his advantage.

Claxton's offensive role is primarily as a rim-runner and screener, but his teammates often find him around the basket for open looks. Claxton should have no problem clearing this number with points and rebounds alone. However, if he can dish out his usual two assists per game, it'll be an even easier cash.

Odds: -120 (playable to -140)

Chris Paul: Under 11.5 points

Paul soared past this point total in his last game, scoring a season-high 24 points in a loss to the Mavericks. In his prior seven games, though, Paul scored double-digit points just once.

Paul is averaging 8.9 points this season and scored 10 or more points in just 12 of his 29 games played. The Warriors' offensive struggles have been well-documented. Golden State could use the scoring help, especially when Klay Thompson struggles like he did against the Mavs.

Paul played 33 minutes against Dallas - well above his season average - and attempted nine threes, five more than his average. Don't expect a similar scoring performance against the Magic, who have a top-five defensive rating and have success pressuring guards.

Odds: -120 (playable to -140)

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @soshtry for more betting coverage.