NBA prop picks January 6: Bet on Bryant to take a bigger role

After a sparse Thursday slate, the NBA schedule is packed with 11 games on Friday.

Thomas Bryant is an essential player for the Lakers. Tyrese Haliburton's scoring has ticked up recently. DeAndre Ayton can't say the same.

Thomas Bryant has averaged 15.5 points in 10 games since starting on December 18. Atlanta Hawks have one of the leakiest defences in the league allowing 116.3 points per game. They allow the ninth-most points to centres like Bryant (23. 5). Atlanta will be without Clint Capela and their front line is weak.

Haliburton is averaging 23.4 points per game since December 12. He draws a favourable matchup against Damian Lillard on Friday.

Phoenix Suns centre Ayton is under the line by 113 points. Miami Heat hold opposing centres to the second-lowest points per game average in the NBA per FantasyPros.