NBA Betting: 5 Assist Averages to Target for the 2023-24 Season

One of the big talking points of the NBA offseason is projecting which players are poised for exceptional or disappointing seasons. Who could break out with career-best seasons? Which players are past their prime and could be on the decline?

With the NBA regular season tipping off on October 24, it's time to call our shots.

FanDuel Sportsbook is offering various NBA player stats odds for the 2023-24 season. This includes anything from the points-per-game leader for the 2023-24 season to player-specific props -- such as if a player will average 24.0 points per game (PPG) or 8.0 assists per game (APG).

Let's dig into the lines for player stats for the 2023-24 campaign, focusing today on five assist total bets.

Bradley Beal to Average 6+ Assists Per Game (+135)

Bradley Beal averaged at least 23.2 points per game (PPG) in four consecutive seasons with the Washington Wizards. He has built a reputation for being a walking bucket, but other areas of his game are overlooked -- specifically his passing.

The three-time All-Star guard has averaged 5.5 assists per game (APG) over his previous four seasons. After being traded to the Phoenix Suns, Beal's role will likely change. Of course, the Suns have two elite scorers in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Beal will likely be the third scoring option in the Desert, meaning his assist total could jump.

Beal is also expected to be the full-time starting point guard. The Suns likely recognize Beal's ability to distribute the ball, so reaching at least 6.0 APG is an achievable feat -- especially considering Beal's shown the ability to reach the mark in D.C.

Dejounte Murray to Average 7+ Assists Per Game (+200)

After relocating to the Atlanta Hawks, Dejounte Murray's assist average took a hit, falling from 9.2 APG in the 2021-22 season to 6.1 APG last season. Of course, Trae Young runs the show in A-Town as the primary point guard.

However, Murray still had plenty of opportunities to rack up assists. He even made more passes than Young per game at 36.4 passes per game compared to Young's 34.8. Young had an assist-to-pass percentage of 20.5, which led the league and was the highest mark over the last 10 seasons among qualifying players.

One could argue Murray could be in store for a higher assist total in the upcoming season. The volume of passes was certainly there; Murray regularly handled the ball in the 2022-23 season. His assist-to-pass percentage simply paled in comparison to Young, so his assist averages dipped. If Murray raises his assist-to-pass ratio, he could even eclipse 8.0 APG.

Murray's pass total from last season makes 7.0 APG a reasonable bet -- especially at +200.

LaMelo Ball to Average 8+ Assists Per Game (-185)

LaMelo Ball has been one of the only positives for the Charlotte Hornets over the previous three seasons. Ball was hailed as an elite playmaker and passer during the 2020 NBA Draft process. He has lived up to high expectations, making his first All-Star game in his second season, and Ball has increased his APG in every season: 6.1 APG in 2020-21, 7.6 APG in 2021-22, and 8.4 APG in 2022-23.

Totaling at least 8.0 dimes per game could be the new standard for Ball. Charlotte lacks playmakers, leaving the heavy lifting to Ball. He led the team last season with a 29.8% usage rate. He also finished fifth with 62.7 passes made per game in the 2022-23 season.

However, Ball's health is something to keep in mind. He played in only 36 games last season compared to 51 and 75 games in the previous two seasons. Staying healthy could be the biggest worry for Ball reaching 8.0 APG, and mid-game exits can tank an average quickly.

Still, it remains a safe bet when considering Ball's duties in Charlotte.

Nikola Jokic to Average 9+ Assists Per Game (-140)

Of course, we had to put one of the most versatile big men of all0time on the list -- Nikola Jokic. After winning his first NBA title last season, the Joker will be chasing his third MVP award in the upcoming season. FanDuel's NBA MVP odds have Jokic as the favorite to win the award (+430).

Jokic's all-around game continues to separate himself from the pack. Following his 2023 playoffs performance, he could be the best basketball player on the planet. At this point, it feels like Jokic can average a near triple-double in his sleep. This includes his assist total, which was 9.8 APG last season.

The 6-foot-11 center has averaged at least 7.0 APG in five consecutive seasons. Last year was Jokic's career-high in APG, though, which was the first time he reached the 9.0 threshold. Can he do it again?

Simply put, yes. Jokic can make it happen yet again. He led the NBA last season with 75.0 passes made per game and ranked fourth at 24.5 points created from assists per game. It's still mind-boggling that a center can pass at this rate on par with some of the game's best distributing guards -- including Young and Chris Paul.

The Denver Nuggets will likely lean on Jokic's passing yet again; he averaged 9.5 APG in last season's playoffs.

Tyrese Haliburton to Average 11+ Assists Per Game (-105)

Tyrese Haliburton enjoyed one of the best breakout seasons among young players last year. He totaled 20.7 PPG and 10.4 APG, reaching his first All-Star game. After recording one of the highest assist totals in the NBA last season, can Haliburton reach another level?

The former Iowa State Cyclones guard ranked second with 72.8 passes made per game in the 2022-23 season and finished second with 27.6 points created from assists per game. Haliburton also led the Association with 19.8 potential assists per game -- the second-highest mark since the 2020-21 season.

If the Indiana Pacers have a more efficient offense, Haliburton's assist total should only climb. With Bennedict Mathurin in his second season and Bruce Brown Jr. joining the team, I have faith in the Pacers' offense improving its efficiency.

Haliburton has established himself as one of the NBA's most crafty passers; hitting 11.0 APG is certainly in the cards.

Do you think you know which NBA players are poised for an impressive 2023-24 season? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook's NBA player stats odds market to bet season-long player stats with America's Number One Sportsbook. Be sure to check out other basketball betting options, as well.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.