Best NBA Player Props Today: Embiid, Lillard, James Headline Thursday's Action

Damian Lillard is making his debut for the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, and we are looking at the NBA player props and odds for several players while utilizing the best NBA odds from our top NBA betting sites.

Thursday's game was intended to feature two top teams from the Eastern Conference, but are we sure the Philadelphia 76ers are still in that conversation? The 76ers will be without James Harden, and while Tyrese Maxey can be the primary ball handler, the 76ers are still down an offensive weapon.

What does this mean for Joel Embiid and his points prop for Thursday when he takes on Giannis Antetokounmpo and company?

To complement today's NBA best bets, here's a look at the most notable NBA player prop odds for Thursday's marquee players, along with my top NBA player prop picks.

NBA player props, odds for Thursday

Damian Lillard (76ers at Bucks)

If you're wondering how these totals compare to Lillard's last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, say no more. Lillard usually had a points total in the low to mid-30s, so his points total is about 5-8 points lower now that he is on the Bucks. As for his assists total and threes made, 7.5 and 4.5 were very common numbers for Lillard last season.

I think it will take some time to iron out this offense and figure out how to properly use Lillard with Giannis Antetokounmpo. This wasn't a move the Bucks were prepping for all offseason; it only happened a month ago. Lillard is projected to score 26 points on Thursday against the 76ers.

Pick: Damian Lillard Under 26.5 points vs. 76ers (+100 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

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Joel Embiid (76ers at Bucks)

With James Harden out, Tyrese Maxey can replace Harden at the point guard position, but who is replacing Maxey's scoring? To win on the road against the Bucks, the 76ers will need all of the offense Embiid can give them.

We have seen the Over for Embiid's points prop steam a bit in the market, and I agree with the move. I would look to play the Over 28.5 points at -115 on Embiid in this spot.

Pick: Joel Embiid Over 28.5 points vs. Bucks (-115 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

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LeBron James (Suns at Lakers)

James went under his points total of 23.5 in the opening game against the Denver Nuggets, and with it being reported that he will be limited to 28-30 minutes per game, we are now seeing him trade with a total of 20.5 points.

There's mic'd up audio from the game against the Nuggets where James is asking the coaching staff to play point guard and that he can be more of a facilitator. That adjustment wasn't made against the Nuggets, but it is definitely something we could see against the Suns on Thursday.

With James' assists total sitting at 5.5 and the Over priced at -115, I think this number allows you to put this angle into action.

Pick: LeBron James Over 5.5 assists vs. Suns (-115 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

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