Best NBA prop bets today for Kings vs. Pelicans (CJ McCollum's usage should rise)

The No. 8 seed is on the line in the Western Conference on Friday night, but the New Orleans Pelicans won’t have their top dog – Zion Williamson – due to a hamstring injury that he suffered on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Does that put the Pels in a tough spot to win on Friday? According to oddsmakers it does. New Orleans is now an underdog in this game against the Sacramento Kings after opening as a slight favorite at home. 

With so much uncertainty around the Pelicans, I think there are players that we can target in the prop market – rather than betting on a side – for Friday’s contest. 

CJ McCollum is one of my favorite players to look at given his recent usage, but what other players are worth betting on?

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Let’s break down the top props for the Western Conference play-in tournament: 

Kings vs. Pelicans best NBA prop bets 

• CJ McCollum OVER 23.5 points
• Keon Ellis UNDER 2.5 3-pointers made
• Brandon Ingram UNDER 29.5 points, rebounds and assists

CJ McCollum OVER 23.5 points

CJ McCollum has been asked to carry a major load, shooting 17 or more shots in 13 straight games for New Orleans with Brandon Ingram dealing with an injury. 

Now with Zion out, McCollum should pick up the scoring slack. Over this 13-game stretch, CJ is averaging 27.0 points per game, clearing 23.5 points in 10 of those matchups, including seven in a row.

I’m shocked this number is as low as it is, especially since Ingram was only able to play 25 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to Los Angeles. If the star forward is still on a minutes limit, New Orleans has to rely on CJ for offense. 

As long as the usage is there, McCollum should soar past this number on Friday. 

Keon Ellis UNDER 2.5 3-pointers made

Undrafted rookie Keon Ellis has been one of the best stories in the NBA this season, but I’m fading him here after he lit up the Golden State Warriors (3-for-4 from 3) from downtown on Tuesday.

Why?

Usage.

Ellis has attempted more than six shots from deep just one time in his last 10 games, and he’s cleared this number just four times over that stretch.

While he’s been red hot as of late (6-for-10 in his last two games), I wonder if he’ll get enough looks from 3 against New Orleans to clear this prop. On the season, the Pelicans rank No. 2 in the NBA in opponent 3-point percentage. 

I’ll take the UNDER on Ellis given his smaller role in the Kings’ offense. 

Brandon Ingram UNDER 29.5 points, rebounds and assists

Can we trust Ingram in the prop market tonight?

I don’t think so. 

The Pelicans forward has played just 23 and 25 minutes in his two games since returning from injury, putting up 18 and 19 points, rebounds, and assists in those games.

While Williamson’s absence may seem like an invitation for him to have a bigger role, I just don’t see Ingram suddenly walking back into 35 minutes a night.

I’d rather target Trey Murphy III or McCollum (like we are) to have a big-scoring game. I’ll go UNDER on this prop given the uncertainty around Ingram’s minutes.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.