I expect his assist numbers to increase in tonight's matchup. Even though it is only a one-game sample, Siakam finished tied for the team lead with nine potential assists. Last season, he averaged 5.4 potential assists per game, and that figure should climb with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined. Without their top facilitator, more playmaking responsibility will fall on Siakam, especially as defenses shift additional attention his way. Memphis also finished in the bottom half of the league in assists allowed per game last year (27). Let's attack this over with Siakam's assists tonight.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 7.5 Assists (-115)

Let's look at another assists prop, except this time we are betting the under. I am taking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to stay under 7.5 assists tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. As noted earlier, the Thunder will be without some key pieces, which should not only limit the number of playmakers he has around him, but also push him into an even larger scoring role. He already carries a massive offensive load, and passing is not his primary focus.
Atlanta's defense has holes, so this sets up as a game where SGA should be looking to attack and score every time he gets the ball rather than creating for others. Considering how favorable of a scoring matchup this is, it should prevent him from reaching eight assists.
Josh Giddey Under 19.5 Points (-104)
Josh Giddey was the unsung hero of last year's Bulls team and is expected to take another step forward this season. With those expectations come inflated prop lines. Yes, he scored 19 points in the season opener against Detroit, shooting 42 percent from the field and going 8-for-11 at the free-throw line, but that level of scoring feels unlikely to repeat in this matchup. Orlando is far less likely to send him to the charity stripe that often, and this is a tougher defensive test overall.
The Magic are coming off an excellent defensive season, ranking second in points allowed per 100 possessions and 11th in effective field goal percentage allowed. Giddey consistently looks to set up teammates, and this projects as a game where his playmaking takes priority over his scoring.
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