Victor Wembayama debut, prop odds: Spurs vs. Mavericks prediction, picks

Victor Wembanyama is making his regular-season NBA debut Wednesday, not that you could possibly miss him.

The 7-foot-4 Frenchman possesses guard-like offensive abilities, but his extraordinary length makes him an imposing force on the defensive end as well.

While Wembanyama may need to bulk up his frame, his immediate impact will be felt as a shot-altering presence at the rim.

Furthermore, his agility allows him to hold his own when switched onto perimeter players.

Wembanyama averaged an impressive 3.2 blocks per game last season while playing for Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 in France’s Pro A League.

He maintained this level of performance during the preseason, recording two games with at least three blocks, even while playing 20 minutes in three of those contests.

Mavericks vs. Spurs prediction: Victor Wembayama props

(9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)

For his NBA debut, Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will take on the Dallas Mavericks.

That, of course, means he’ll be up against Luka Doncic (questionable with calf injury) and Kyrie Irving, who possess the ability to penetrate the lane at will, often making defenders look helpless in isolation.

While it might not be ideal for Wembanyama to find himself switched onto either of them, he can still disrupt their perimeter shots.

He will have ample opportunities to block their field goal attempts on drives to the basket, as well as those of their teammates.

Betting on the NBA?

It’s highly likely that Wembanyama’s blocks line will shift to 3.5 as the season progresses, and many sportsbooks are seeing odds shift already.

Caesars has moved 2.5 blocks at -123. But Bet365 has yet to move the line too far.

Therefore, taking advantage of the current odds at 2.5 is a wise move while it remains favorable.

The pick: Wembanyama over 2.5 blocks (+115 at bet365 Sportsbook)