After taking Tuesday off for Election Day, the NBA returns Wednesday night for a loaded, 14-game slate. There are endless ways to attack a full NBA slate from a betting perspective, but we've decided to have some fun with a few triple-double props for Wednesday's action.
Let's cash some plus-money bets on this fine hump day.
LaMelo Ball triple-double (+550 DraftKings)
The Washington Wizards haven't been too interested in playing defense early in the season. Washington ranks dead last in the NBA in defensive efficiency, points allowed per game and assists allowed per game, so this is a perfect spot for Ball to put up a monster statistical performance.
Ball is averaging 17.2 points per game and ranks eighth in the NBA with 13.7 potential assists per game, so he should have no problem recording at least a double-double. This is essentially a +550 bet on Ball to grab at least 10 rebounds, which he just did a few days ago against the Dallas Mavericks.
Nikola Jokic triple-double (+100 DK)
This one isn't as juicy, but it still shouldn't be priced at even odds.
Jokic absolutely feasts when Jamal Murray isn't in the lineup. In 10 games without Murray last season, the Joker averaged 26.8 points, 11.9 rebounds and 10.0 assists per game. He finished with a triple-double in six of those 10 games.
In the first game this season without Murray on the court, Jokic put up 35-14-12 against the New Orleans Pelicans. We're expecting a similar performance with Murray ruled out for Wednesday night's clash against the Golden State Warriors.
In the news ...
Ohio State remains at No. 1 spot in College Football Playoff rankings — The College Football Playoff Selection Committee unveiled its rankings for Week 2, and there wasn't much drama at the top. The top eight teams in the CFP rankings remained unchanged, with Ohio State grabbing the top spot for the second straight week. No. 2 Georgia, No. 3 Michigan and No. 4 Florida State would also make the CFP if it started today, while No. 5 Washington and No. 6 Oregon are still on the outside looking in. Although Ohio State is the No. 1 team in the rankings, Michigan is still the betting favorite to win the national championship at +230 odds.
Rams sign Carson Wentz to back up Matthew Stafford
— The Los Angeles Rams apparently saw enough of Brett Rypien in their 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 9. On Tuesday, L.A. signed Wentz to take over as Stafford's backup and waived Rypien to transform its quarterback room. The Rams have a bye week this Sunday, and head coach Sean McVay sounded optimistic that Stafford will be able to return in Week 11. If you believe in the Rams to make a playoff push after the bye, you can take the over on their updated win total at 7.5.
Mike Vrabel names Will Levis Titans' starting QB
— The Ryan Tannehill era in Tennessee has officially come to an end, as Vrabel announced on Tuesday that Levis will serve as the team's starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. The rookie has thrown for 500 yards, four touchdowns and one interception over his first two NFL starts, and he has nine more games left to prove himself as the franchise QB moving forward. You can still find Levis at 25/1 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Today's Bark Bets is written by Jack Dougherty