The Lakers cleared out DeAngelo Russell in a trade before the draft, which means Ball should have plenty of playing time available to succeed. The totals in the prop bet are not too high, and a solid rookie season would mean the “overs” are the correct choices when it comes to his points and assists total for the 2017-18 NBA regular season.
NBA Prop Odds at BookMaker.eu
Number of Lonzo Ball Points Per Game During The 2017-18 Regular Season
Over 10.5 ( -115 )
Under 10.5 ( -115 )
Number of Lonzo Ball Assists Per Game During The 2017-18 Regular Season
Over 5 ( -500 )
Under 5 ( +330 )
Odds Analysis
The points are pretty straightforward, with a number that seems pretty logical as Ball isn’t a big-time scorer but should get enough shots to average near double digits. The juice is -115 on each side of the total, with the bettors banging the “over” at nearly an 85 percent clip, clearly expecting him to put up points this season.
The assist total is much more interesting with “over” five the huge favorite at -500 and the “under” a heavy underdog at +330. Even though the “under” pays off nicely, 64 percent of the bets are still hitting the “over” despite the low payout.
Why Ball WIll Average More Than 10.5 Points and 5 Assists Per Game In 2017-18 Regular Season
The Lakers scored a bunch of points last season, as they didn’t play much defense and liked to move the ball at a fast pace. Ball will fit right into the offensive scheme, as he is impressive at pushing the tempo and finding open teammates.
Ball averaged 14.6 points and 7.6 assists per game last season in 35.1 minutes for UCLA, and even though the defenses are tougher in the NBA, the scoring is higher than in college because of the level of skill players around him.
The best point guards in the NBA average double-digit assists, and while Ball likely won’t do that immediately as a rookie, he has a big margin for error if he’s just marginally effective. The five assist mark seems like it is easily attainable because Ball is an exceptional passer.
While he has an ugly looking shooting stroke, it is pretty pure, and if he makes a couple 3-pointers a game, it doesn’t take much more effort to get to 10.5 points per contest. Both numbers are certainly attainable and likely to get hit.
Why Ball WIll Average Less Than 10.5 Points and 5 Assists Per Game In 2017-18 Regular Season
The Lakers are in a rebuilding phase, and Ball is expected to be handed the reins to the team early as they go through their growing pains. However, it’s not a guarantee that it happens. If the coaching staff chooses to bring him along more slowly, the totals suddenly get much harder to reach.
If Ball starts and sees the court regularly, the assist number seems likely to average six or seven per game. However, if he comes off the bench and has a reduced role, then the +330 bet is very enticing.
Furthermore, the defense in the NBA is much tougher than in college. If Ball struggles to adapt, it won’t be easy to hit those numbers. While the kid looked great in college and seems to be polished, plenty of players go through growing pains.
If Ball isn’t ready for primetime early on, the “under” will be the more salient play for both his assist and point totals.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
