NBA best bets: This steals parlay is ... a good deal

Before the NBA heads on its All-Star break, we might as well attack the prop market. One such market we've been finding some success in is with steals. Here's to some sloppy offensive play before the break hits; we've got us a few sure-handed defenders who seem set for a solid night.

Stealing some profit with this steals parlay

First legs: Chet Holmgren & Markelle Fultz 1+ steal each

We should see plenty of opportunities for steals in this Oklahoma City-Orlando game, as the Thunder and Magic rank first and second in most turnovers allowed per game.

That's certainly as beautiful as they come, and we turn to the SGP market to combine our first legs of this parlay. Chet Holmgren has been racking up the swipes of late, piling up eight in his past five games. He also recorded one earlier this season against Orlando.

Markelle Fultz has been steady on the defensive side all season for the Magic, averaging 1.4 steals per game in the 20 games he's been able to play. He's racked up an impressive 15 steals over his past nine games, and he too found a steal last time he faced off against the Thunder.

Second leg: Kevin Durant 1+ steal 

Kevin Durant's long frame has allowed him to be steady in the steals department this year, and it's been coming to a head recently, with KD racking up nine steals in his past five games. Sacramento is inside the bottom 10 for most turnovers allowed, and six straight PFs to have played the Kings have recorded at least one steal.

Altogether, this trio of targets comes in at a tantalizing +254 on DraftKings!

In the news ...

Wembanyama records historic stat line in Spurs win — Well, that certainly will all but wrap up Victor Wembanyama to win Rookie of the Year, now -500. Last night, Wembanyama became just the fifth player in NBA history to record 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 10+ blocks in a game. Yes, you read that right: 10 blocks. San Antonio is in last place in the West, but its rookie is at least a bright spot on which to build around. As mentioned, he is now -500 to win Rookie of the Year, with Chet Holmgren behind him at +400.

Andy Reid shuts down retirement rumors — There were some reports that Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid might call it a career after this season, but those were quickly put to rest by the man himself. On Monday, Reid said he had not even considered walking away and that he will be back next season. With Patrick Mahomes still just entering his prime, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Reid would want to walk away. There are more championships to be won. Kansas City is currently +650 to win Super Bowl 59.

UCLA hires DeShaun Foster as next head football coach — After Chip Kelly left UCLA to take the Ohio State offensive coordinator job, there was a hole on the Bruins staff — one they just filled by hiring DeShaun Foster. Foster was UCLA's running backs coach from 2017-23 and took on the same position for the Las Vegas Raiders this past season. Foster played for UCLA as a star running back before joining the Carolina Panthers, and the Bruins will hope that the familiarity with their former player will help them as they begin the new season in the Big Ten Conference.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll. Follow him on Substack: griffybets.substack.com.