NCAAB Player Props Today: Betting On Nation's Assist Leader

Not a single ranked program will be taking the court for Thursday night's college basketball slate. But, sometimes the best trends and profit are found buried with the teams that we tend to neglect. Below I've confidently picked two player props for February 13 featuring Michael Rataj, a Karl Malone semifinalist, to make the Pilots trip to Oregon State miserable. Then, Ryan Nembhard's court vision will set up prime scoring opportunities for his Bulldogs to defeat their Cali visitors.

michael rataj OVER 18.5 points Vs portland pilots (-105)

Preview: Oregon State Beavers vs Portland Pilots, 10 p.m. ET

This isn't much of a road trip. Less than a two hour bus trip separates Oregon State University and the Portland University campus. So, shrug off the fact Rataj has failed to hit the OVER on this line in 13 of his last 15 road meetings. I don't think it holds any water here. 

Portland is the 15th worst scoring defense in college basketball. No benefit of the doubt can be given to a roster allowing 82.5 PPG and gave up 52 total rebounds in their last outing, the third-worst mark in the last week.  

Rataj already did a number on the Pilots in late December, hanging 28 points and shooting 80% from the field. It still stands as his third-best scoring performance of the season. 

The German is coming off an unusually bleak game, recording three points in his 30 minutes spent on the court against Saint Mary's Gaels. The junior was just named a semifinalist for the Karl Malone Award, given top men's collegiate power forward. Is that acknowledgement really something he's going to jeopardize? I'm calling for a Rataj revival tonight against a frail defense. 

ryan nembhard o 8.5 assists vs san francisco Dons (-120)

Preview: San Francisco Dons vs Gonzaga Bulldogs, 11 p.m. ET

Averaging 92.2 PPG compared to their opponents' 78 PPG, Gonzaga clearly thrives under the lights at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs host San Francisco as 13.5-point favorites, tied for the largest spread of the night. 

At the helm of Gonzaga's scoring success is the playmaking skills of Ryan Nembhard, who is averaging 9.8 assists per game, ranking first in the nation. The senior has cashed the OVER on 8.5 assists in seven of his last eight games at home. The lone exception, when Nembhard played just 26 minutes against Washington State while everyone spectated by his appearance he was playing through flu-like symptoms, is classified as a write-off to me.