Staff Writer

Best NBA prop picks Dec. 19: Back Jalen Johnson, Joel Embiid and Mikal Bridges

Friday’s NBA slate features just five games, and I’m zoning in on a matchup between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers for two of these prop bets.

Today’s NBA props narrative: Joel Embiid is rounding into form after an injury-plagued start to the season and should be able to clear a modest point total tonight. Speaking of injuries, the Knicks are missing several key bodies, making Mikal Bridges an intriguing target.

Check out my top NBA prop picks for Dec 19, featuring a best bet on Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson.

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NBA prop picks Dec. 19

Best bet: Johnson over 23.5 points (-125)

Johnson went nuclear for the Hawks last night against the Charlotte Hornets.

43 points
11 rebounds
9 assists

That was also Trae Young’s first game back from injury, and the all-star point guard didn’t try to drive much offence. Young scored just eight points on eight attempts in 20 minutes.

I’m not sure if Young will play in tonight’s back-to-back after recovering from a knee injury. But if he does, he will likely be on a minutes restriction, meaning Johnson will be the top dog against the San Antonio Spurs.

-> See full props for Spurs vs. Hawks!

And San Antonio is dealing with a similar situation regarding Victor Wembanyma.

The superstar returned this week, has been on a minutes restriction, and played last night, putting his status for tonight’s matchup in doubt.

Johnson would be in better shape to fill the basket if he didn’t have to deal with the 7-foot-4 defensive menace, but I like his chances of clearing this total regardless.

In his lone game against Wembanyama, Johnson scored 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting.

The Hawks’ power forward is averaging a career-high 23.6 PPG and has cleared this mark in six of his last 10 games.

Key stat: Johnson is averaging 29.5 points in his four games on no rest this year.

Best NBA picks

Embiid over 22.5 points (-106): Embiid is questionable for tonight’s game with an illness. If he suits up, this should be a good matchup for him to run wild.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart are all out. Those are two big bodies and a premier defender Embiid won’t have to deal with.

-> Full betting markets for Friday’s five-game NBA slate

The former scoring champ is averaging 22.3 PPG in December while taking 19.3 shots per game. That type of volume should put Embiid in a good position to clear this line on a nightly basis.

He scored 22 points his last time out and 39 the game before that.

NBA player prop predictions

Bridges over 16.5 points (-125): Bridges has a Grade-A opportunity to fill the basket with those aforementioned Knicks sidelined.

Jalen Brunson will be the primary scorer, but Bridges and OG Anunoby are next in line.

-> Bet on 76ers vs. Knicks in New York!

I feel better about backing Bridges because of his consistency:

10+ points in 16 straight games
14+ points in 13 of his last 16
16+ points in 9 of his last 16

The forward hasn’t been great on back-to-backs this year, but it’s a small three-game sample. Last season, he averaged 16.9 points on 50.8% shooting in 16 games.

NBA prop picks made at 10 a.m. ET on Dec. 18, 2025.

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Best NFL Week 16 prop bets: Back RBs Bucky Irving and De’Von Achane

A pair of running backs headline these NFL Week 16 prop bets.

The pregame narrative: The Tua Tagovailoa era in South Beach is over, with Quinn Ewers getting the start for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. I think De’Von Achane should be leaned on against an awful defence. Elsewhere, look for Bucky Irving to shine with the NFC South lead on the line.

Check out my top NFL Week 16 prop bets, featuring a fade on Trevor Lawrence.

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NFL Week 16 prop bets

Best bet: Irving over 66.5 rushing yards (-118)

Irving hasn’t cleared this total since returning from injury, but he’s been pretty consistent in terms of workload and output:

Week 15 vs. Falcons: 16 rushes, 60 yards
Week 14 vs. Saints: 15 rushes, 55 yards
Week 13 vs. Cardinals: 17 rushes, 61 yards

Before landing on the injured reserve in October, the sophomore RB averaged 17.7 carries and went 2-2 vs. this line with a 63-yard performance mixed in.

I’m pretty confident Irving can blow past this mark if he gets a typical workload on Sunday.

The Carolina Panthers’ defence ranks 21st in yards per rush and 25th in EPA per rush. Irving torched his divisional rival twice last year, logging 265 total rushing yards while receiving 20+ carries in both games.

-> Bet on Irving vs. the Panthers!

In the first meeting, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushed for a combined 236 yards. Irving had 152, and Rachaad White added 76.

The Bucs should opt for a similar game plan with Baker Mayfield battling a shoulder injury.

Key stat: Irving has had 60+ rushing yards in five of his last six games.

-> Visit NorthStar Bets for all NFL Week 16 betting markets

Best NFL picks

Achane over 83.5 rushing yards (-118): Mike McDaniel will want to see what he’s got in Ewers, but that doesn’t mean Miami will be throwing the ball 40 times — especially against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincy’s defence ranks 30th in yards per rush (5.3) and is allowing the most rushing yards per game (157.9).

The unit also ranks 30th in both EPA per rush and rush success rate. To put it mildly, it’s bad.

Enter Achane, who is capable of clearing this line against the best of teams. The third-year RB ranks third in rushing yards (1,186) and is averaging a monster 5.8 yards per attempt.

He only had 60 rushing yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week (on 12 carries, mind you). But he cleared this line in four straight before that, with a trio of 100-yard games.

Establishing the run game will be key to easing Ewers into action.

-> Don’t miss out — bet on NFL Week 16!

Lawrence under 224.5 passing yards (-118): Lawrence is coming off the best game of his career (330 passing yards, six total TDs, zero turnovers) and has cleared this mark in four straight.

Taking the over seems like a no-brainer, right? I disagree.

Lawrence has beaten up on some bad teams during his recent run (Cardinals, Titans and most recently, Jets) and now faces a bona fide top-five defence on the road.

The Denver Broncos, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, give up the fifth-fewest yards per game.

The last time Lawrence faced a defence of this calibre was in Houston on Nov. 9. He flopped, throwing for just 158 yards while taking five sacks.

I’m not moved by the QB’s recent performances and want to see him beat a truly great team before jumping on the hype train.

NFL prop bets made at 11:45 a.m. ET on Dec. 18, 2025.

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Best NBA prop picks Dec. 19: Back Jalen Johnson, Joel Embiid and Mikal Bridges

Friday’s NBA slate features just five games, and I’m zoning in on a matchup between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers for two of these prop bets.

Today’s NBA props narrative: Joel Embiid is rounding into form after an injury-plagued start to the season and should be able to clear a modest point total tonight. Speaking of injuries, the Knicks are missing several key bodies, making Mikal Bridges an intriguing target.

Check out my top NBA prop picks for Dec 19, featuring a best bet on Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson.

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NBA prop picks Dec. 19

Best bet: Johnson over 23.5 points (-118)

Johnson went nuclear for the Hawks last night against the Charlotte Hornets.

43 points
11 rebounds
9 assists

That was also Trae Young’s first game back from injury, and the all-star point guard didn’t try to drive much offence. Young scored just eight points on eight attempts in 20 minutes.

I’m not sure if Young will play in tonight’s back-to-back after recovering from a knee injury. But if he does, he will likely be on a minutes restriction, meaning Johnson will be the top dog against the San Antonio Spurs.

-> See full props for Spurs vs. Hawks!

And San Antonio is dealing with a similar situation regarding Victor Wembanyma.

The superstar returned this week, has been on a minutes restriction, and played last night, putting his status for tonight’s matchup in doubt.

Johnson would be in better shape to fill the basket if he didn’t have to deal with the 7-foot-4 defensive menace, but I like his chances of clearing this total regardless.

In his lone game against Wembanyama, Johnson scored 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting.

The Hawks’ power forward is averaging a career-high 23.6 PPG and has cleared this mark in six of his last 10 games.

Key stat: Johnson is averaging 29.5 points in his four games on no rest this year.

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Best NBA picks

Embiid over 22.5 points (-120): Embiid is questionable for tonight’s game with an illness. If he suits up, this should be a good matchup for him to run wild.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart are all out. Those are two big bodies and a premier defender Embiid won’t have to deal with.

-> Full betting markets for Friday’s five-game NBA slate

The former scoring champ is averaging 22.3 PPG in December while taking 19.3 shots per game. That type of volume should put Embiid in a good position to clear this line on a nightly basis.

He scored 22 points his last time out and 39 the game before that.

NBA player prop predictions

Bridges over 15.5 points (-114): Bridges has a Grade-A opportunity to fill the basket with those aforementioned Knicks sidelined.

Jalen Brunson will be the primary scorer, but Bridges and OG Anunoby are next in line.

-> Bet on 76ers vs. Knicks in New York!

I feel better about backing Bridges because of his consistency:

10+ points in 16 straight games
14+ points in 13 of his last 16
16+ points in 9 of his last 16

The forward hasn’t been great on back-to-backs this year, but it’s a small three-game sample. Last season, he averaged 16.9 points on 50.8% shooting in 16 games.

NBA prop picks made at 10 a.m. ET on Dec. 18, 2025.

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Best NFL Week 16 prop bets: Back RBs Bucky Irving and De’Von Achane

A pair of running backs headline these NFL Week 16 prop bets.

The pregame narrative: The Tua Tagovailoa era in South Beach is over, with Quinn Ewers getting the start for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. I think De’Von Achane should be leaned on against an awful defence. Elsewhere, look for Bucky Irving to shine with the NFC South lead on the line.

Check out my top NFL Week 16 prop bets, featuring a fade on Trevor Lawrence.

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NFL Week 16 prop bets

Best bet: Irving over 64.5 rushing yards (-115)

Irving hasn’t cleared this total since returning from injury, but he’s been pretty consistent in terms of workload and output:

Week 15 vs. Falcons: 16 rushes, 60 yards
Week 14 vs. Saints: 15 rushes, 55 yards
Week 13 vs. Cardinals: 17 rushes, 61 yards

Before landing on the injured reserve in October, the sophomore RB averaged 17.7 carries and went 2-2 vs. this line with a 63-yard performance mixed in.

I’m pretty confident Irving can blow past this mark if he gets a typical workload on Sunday.

The Carolina Panthers’ defence ranks 21st in yards per rush and 25th in EPA per rush. Irving torched his divisional rival twice last year, logging 265 total rushing yards while receiving 20+ carries in both games.

-> Bet on Irving vs. the Panthers!

In the first meeting, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushed for a combined 236 yards. Irving had 152, and Rachaad White added 76.

The Bucs should opt for a similar game plan with Baker Mayfield battling a shoulder injury.

Key stat: Irving has had 60+ rushing yards in five of his last six games.

Embed: #122247

-> Visit NorthStar Bets for all NFL Week 16 betting markets

Best NFL picks

Achane over 84.5 rushing yards (-113): Mike McDaniel will want to see what he’s got in Ewers, but that doesn’t mean Miami will be throwing the ball 40 times — especially against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincy’s defence ranks 30th in yards per rush (5.3) and is allowing the most rushing yards per game (157.9).

The unit also ranks 30th in both EPA per rush and rush success rate. To put it mildly, it’s bad.

Enter Achane, who is capable of clearing this line against the best of teams. The third-year RB ranks third in rushing yards (1,186) and is averaging a monster 5.8 yards per attempt.

He only had 60 rushing yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week (on 12 carries, mind you). But he cleared this line in four straight before that, with a trio of 100-yard games.

Establishing the run game will be key to easing Ewers into action.

-> Don’t miss out — bet on NFL Week 16!

Lawrence under 221.5 passing yards (-110): Lawrence is coming off the best game of his career (330 passing yards, six total TDs, zero turnovers) and has cleared this mark in four straight.

Taking the over seems like a no-brainer, right? I disagree.

Lawrence has beaten up on some bad teams during his recent run (Cardinals, Titans and most recently, Jets) and now faces a bona fide top-five defence on the road.

The Denver Broncos, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, give up the fifth-fewest yards per game.

The last time Lawrence faced a defence of this calibre was in Houston on Nov. 9. He flopped, throwing for just 158 yards while taking five sacks.

I’m not moved by the QB’s recent performances and want to see him beat a truly great team before jumping on the hype train.

NFL prop bets made at 11:45 a.m. ET on Dec. 18, 2025.

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Rams vs. Seahawks TNF Week 16 SGP predictions: Fade Darnold, back Smith-Njigba and Williams

NFL Week 16 starts with a bang, as the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks battle for the NFC’s top seed on Thursday Night Football.

The pregame narrative: Sam Darnold threw four interceptions when these teams met in Week 11, and Seattle still nearly snuck out a win on the road. It makes sense, then, that the Seahawks are slight favourites at home, where they’ve gone 5-2 this year.

Check out my Rams vs. Seahawks predictions in this +340 SGP, featuring Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kyren Williams.

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Rams vs. Seahawks predictions

SGP: Darnold 1+ INTs | Wiliams anytime TD | Smith-Njigba 60+ receiving yards (+340)

Daronold over 0.5 interceptions (-148): I have nothing against Darnold. The quarterback has improved by leaps and bounds since his days with the New York Jets, and he’s a big reason why Seattle is 11-3.

But he’s yet to win the “big game,” and has some pretty damning results under the bright lights.

-> Bet on Monday Night Football

Darnold took nine sacks and threw an interception against the Rams in the playoffs last year as a member of the Vikings. He was also awful in Week 18 as Minnesota tried (and failed) to claim the NFC North.

Los Angeles should put up points tonight, meaning Seattle will need to throw the ball.

I expect the QB to make some nice throws, but also some bad ones. Darnold has 11 INTs this year and has gotten picked off in six of his last 10 games.

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Thursday Night Football SGP picks

Williams anytime TD (+130): Davante Adams (hamstring) is out, which means Williams’ chances of scoring just went up.

You might be thinking, “Shouldn’t those looks be redirected to Puka Nacua?”

Sure, some of them will, but Adams’ 16 targets inside the five-yard line are by far the most in the NFL. The next closest players have seven.

Williams has been on a tear near the goal line, scoring eight touchdowns in his last seven games while going 6-1 against this line.

In that span, he’s received the second-most red-zone carries (13) in the NFL. There should be even more incentive to give him the rock with Adams sidelined.

->Back Williams and JSN at NorthStar Bets

Smith-Njigba 60+ receiving yards (-445): This should be automatic given the way Smith-Njigba is playing.

The third-year wide out is pacing the NFL in receiving yards (1,541) and has smashed this line in all but one of his games.

75+ receiving yards in 13 of 14 games
90+ receiving yards in 12 of 14 games
100+ receiving yards in 9 of 14 games

JSN caught nine of 12 targets for 105 yards agianst the Rams in Week 11 and should repeat that performance against L.A.’s outside cornerbacks.

-> Visit NorthStar Bets to see all TNF player props!

Emmanuel Forbes and Ahkello Witherspoon have both allowed QB passer ratings north of 95.0, per RotoWire.

Rams vs. Seahawks predictions made at 9:30 a.m. ET on Dec. 18, 2025.

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Dolphins vs. Steelers Week 15 Monday Night Football picks: Back RBs Wright and Gainwell

The Pittsburgh Steelers, fresh off a potential season-saving win, host the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football to close out Week 15.

The pregame narrative: Pittsburgh went into Baltimore and beat the Ravens as 6-point underdogs last week to take control of the AFC North. The Steelers are favoured against a Dolphins team on a five-game winning streak, but they’ll be without T.J. Watt, who underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung.

Check out my Dolphins vs. Steelers picks for Dec. 13, featuring prop bets on Jaylen Wright and Kenneth Gainwell.

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Dolphins vs. Steelers picks

Best bet: Wright over 19.5 rushing yards (-118)

De’Von Achane is good to go after exiting last week’s game with a rib injury. But I think there’s a ton of value in backing Wright, who went off in Achane’s absence, to clear this modest total.

The backup RB turned 24 carries into 107 yards and a score against the Jets. His longest rush was only 12 yards, making his 4.5 YPC mark all the more impressive.

Wright will probably need 5-6 carries to clear this line, which should be doable.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Monday Night Football!

Pittsburgh’s run defence is terrible, and the squad is dealing with a litany of injuries on its defensive line.

Mike McDaniel should want to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible.

The Steelers rank 27th in RBDSM.com’s defensive EPA per rush and have allowed three straight RB2s to blow past this line:

Keaton Mitchell (Week 14): 76 yards
Ray Davis (Week 13): 62 yards
Kyle Monangai (Week 12): 48 yards

Achane should feast, but giving the bell cow a few breathers with his rib injury also seems wise.

Key stat: Wright is 5-2 against this line in his career when he receives more than five carries.

MNF moneyline prop bet

Gainwell over 22.5 receiving yards (-118): Gainwell has been in a true timeshare with fellow RB Jaylen Warren this season, with the snaps tipping the former’s way over the last six games:

Gainwell: 171 snaps
Warren: 163 snaps

In that span, the first-year Steeler has emerged as a reliable receiver.

Gainwell recorded 202 receiving yards (33.6/game) and went 5-1 against this line. Last week, he caught six of seven targets for 27 yards.

-> Bet on Gainwell and go to full MNF prop markets now!

That type of volume would all but ensure he clears this total.

Miami has gotten diced up by RBs in the passing game this year, ceding the ninth-most receiving yards (458) to the position group.

Dolphins vs. Steelers picks made at 2:35 p.m. ET Dec. 13, 2025.

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Dolphins vs. Steelers Week 15 Monday Night Football picks: Back RBs Wright and Gainwell

The Pittsburgh Steelers, fresh off a potential season-saving win, host the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football to close out Week 15.

The pregame narrative: Pittsburgh went into Baltimore and beat the Ravens as 6-point underdogs last week to take control of the AFC North. The Steelers are favoured against a Dolphins team on a five-game winning streak, but they’ll be without T.J. Watt, who underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung.

Check out my Dolphins vs. Steelers picks for Dec. 13, featuring prop bets on Jaylen Wright and Kenneth Gainwell.

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Dolphins vs. Steelers picks

Best bet: Wright over 18.5 rushing yards (-109)

De’Von Achane is good to go after exiting last week’s game with a rib injury. But I think there’s a ton of value in backing Wright, who went off in Achane’s absence, to clear this modest total.

The backup RB turned 24 carries into 107 yards and a score against the Jets. His longest rush was only 12 yards, making his 4.5 YPC mark all the more impressive.

Wright will probably need 5-6 carries to clear this line, which should be doable.

-> Don’t miss out — Bet on Monday Night Football!

Pittsburgh’s run defence is terrible, and the squad is dealing with a litany of injuries on its defensive line.

Mike McDaniel should want to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible.

The Steelers rank 27th in RBDSM.com’s defensive EPA per rush and have allowed three straight RB2s to blow past this line:

Keaton Mitchell (Week 14): 76 yards
Ray Davis (Week 13): 62 yards
Kyle Monangai (Week 12): 48 yards

Achane should feast, but giving the bell cow a few breathers with his rib injury also seems wise.

Key stat: Wright is 5-2 against this line in his career when he receives more than five carries.

Embed: #122168

MNF moneyline prop bet

Gainwell over 22.5 receiving yards (-115): Gainwell has been in a true timeshare with fellow RB Jaylen Warren this season, with the snaps tipping the former’s way over the last six games:

Gainwell: 171 snaps
Warren: 163 snaps

In that span, the first-year Steeler has emerged as a reliable receiver.

Gainwell recorded 202 receiving yards (33.6/game) and went 5-1 against this line. Last week, he caught six of seven targets for 27 yards.

-> Bet on Gainwell and go to full MNF prop markets now!

That type of volume would all but ensure he clears this total.

Miami has gotten diced up by RBs in the passing game this year, ceding the ninth-most receiving yards (458) to the position group.

Dolphins vs. Steelers picks made at 2:35 p.m. ET Dec. 13, 2025.

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Best NHL prop picks Dec. 13: Bet on Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen on Saturday night

Two of the NHL’s most electric talents headline Saturday’s NHL prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Cale Makar is a massive favourite to win his third Norris Trophy and has value to clear his shot total against the Nashville Predators. I’m also backing his former teammate, Mikko Rantanen, to score against a struggling Sergei Bobrovsky.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 13.

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NHL prop picks Dec. 13

Best bet: Makar over 2.5 shots (-143)

Makar holds -1,000 odds to defend his Norris Trophy as of Dec. 13.

It’s hard to argue against that, considering he’s the No. 1 defenceman on a Colorado Avalanche team with just two regulation losses in 31 games.

Makar has 37 points so far, putting him on pace for 97. That would be a career-best mark.

There’s no value in backing him to find the stat sheet at -305 tonight, but his 2.5-shot total jumped off the page at me.

-> Bet on Makar and the Avalanche tonight

Makar is averaging exactly three shots a game and has a plus matchup against Nashville.

The Predators have been a defensive mess in December, allowing the fourth-most shots on a 60-minute basis (32.42), per Natural Stat Trick.

They played the Avalanche on Dec. 9 and gave up 42 shots in a 4-3 shootout win. Makar had six shots in that game and is more than capable of replicating that performance.

Key stat: Makar’s 231 shot attempts rank third in the NHL.

NHL predictions

Rantanen to score (+145): Is it time to press the goaltender panic button in Florida?

Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina winner and back-to-back champ, probably deserves a little more time. But it’s fair to wonder if the 37-year-old is in serious regression mode.

Bobrovsky has a 2.98 GAA and .882 SV%. The latter mark ranks 48th out of 52 qualified netminders.

He also ranks 30th out of 34 goalies with 15+ games played in goals saved above expected per 60, per Money Puck.

-> See Saturday’s player prop markets at NorthStar Bets

Rantanen’s 13 goals in 31 games put him on pace for just 34 — but he scored a combined 97 goals in his last two full seasons with the Avalanche, so I think he’s got a lot more in the tank.

I think this is a great matchup for the Finnish forward to get on the board.

NHL prop picks made at 10:40 a.m. ET on Dec. 13, 2025.

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Oilers vs. Maple Leafs picks Dec. 13: Take the over in marquee Hockey Night in Canada matchup

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Edmonton Oilers in Hockey Night in Canada’s marquee matchup.

The pregame narrative: Edmonton made waves yesterday, trading Stuart Skinner for Tristan Jarry, among some other pieces. The newly-acquired netminder is expected to start tonight against a Maple Leafs team that has points in six straight games (4-0-2).

Check out my Oilers vs. Maple Leafs picks for the Dec. 13 game.

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Oilers vs. Maple Leafs picks

Best Bet: Over 6.5 goals (-110)

I have a feeling fans in attendance will be treated to a high-scoring thriller.

Toronto has gotten fantastic goaltending out of Dennis Hildeby, but we’re reaching uncharted territory for the rookie netminder.

He’ll be starting a fourth consecutive game after never making back-to-back starts before Joseph Woll went down with an injury.

The Leafs have given up an average of 31.6 shots per game during this run, so it’s fair to assume his .962 SV% in December will regress eventually.

-> Bet on tonight’s Oilers vs. Maple Leafs matchup now!

Edmonton, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has one of the most electric offences in the NHL. It has scored 22 goals in its last four games and ranks fifth in goals per game (3.32).

Right behind Edmonton in that metric is Toronto (3.30 goals/game).

I don’t really understand the Skinner-for-Jarry move and view it as more of a lateral, change-of-scenery trade, rather than a clear-cut upgrade.

Jarry has a career .909 SV% and got lit up by the Maple Leafs twice this year as a member of the Penguins. He gave up seven goals on 33 shots in those contests (.787 SV%).

Key stat: Five of the last six games between the Leafs and Oilers have gone over this total.

Oilers vs. Maple Leafs picks made at 10:36 a.m. ET Dec. 13, 2025.

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Best NHL prop picks Dec. 13: Bet on Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen on Saturday night

Two of the NHL’s most electric talents headline Saturday’s NHL prop picks.

The pregame narrative: Cale Makar is a massive favourite to win his third Norris Trophy and has value to clear his shot total against the Nashville Predators. I’m also backing his former teammate, Mikko Rantanen, to score against a struggling Sergei Bobrovsky.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Dec. 13.

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NHL prop picks Dec. 13

Best bet: Makar over 2.5 shots (-130)

Makar holds -1,000 odds to defend his Norris Trophy as of Dec. 13.

It’s hard to argue against that, considering he’s the No. 1 defenceman on a Colorado Avalanche team with just two regulation losses in 31 games.

Makar has 37 points so far, putting him on pace for 97. That would be a career-best mark.

There’s no value in backing him to find the stat sheet at -305 tonight, but his 2.5-shot total jumped off the page at me.

-> Bet on Makar and the Avalanche tonight

Makar is averaging exactly three shots a game and has a plus matchup against Nashville.

The Predators have been a defensive mess in December, allowing the fourth-most shots on a 60-minute basis (32.42), per Natural Stat Trick.

They played the Avalanche on Dec. 9 and gave up 42 shots in a 4-3 shootout win. Makar had six shots in that game and is more than capable of replicating that performance.

Key stat: Makar’s 231 shot attempts rank third in the NHL.

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NHL predictions

Rantanen to score (+145): Is it time to press the goaltender panic button in Florida?

Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina winner and back-to-back champ, probably deserves a little more time. But it’s fair to wonder if the 37-year-old is in serious regression mode.

Bobrovsky has a 2.98 GAA and .882 SV%. The latter mark ranks 48th out of 52 qualified netminders.

He also ranks 30th out of 34 goalies with 15+ games played in goals saved above expected per 60, per Money Puck.

-> See Saturday’s player prop markets at NorthStar Bets

Rantanen’s 13 goals in 31 games put him on pace for just 34 — but he scored a combined 97 goals in his last two full seasons with the Avalanche, so I think he’s got a lot more in the tank.

I think this is a great matchup for the Finnish forward to get on the board.

NHL prop picks made at 10:40 a.m. ET on Dec. 13, 2025.

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