Spencer Closs

Spencer is a true sports junkie. A graduate of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College, he first joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2023. He is now a contributing writer. He loves finding the edge to bet on in all sports but has a deep passion for the NBA and UFC. Previous stops include Sportsnet.

Best NBA prop bets Jan. 14: Back Fox, Booker and Vucevic on Jan. 14

NBA prop bets

Our NBA prop bets for Jan. 14 contain picks on two guards and one big man.

The pregame narrative: De’Aaron Fox has a winning matchup tonight, so I expect him to score at will. I’m also backing Devin Booker and Nikola Vucevic on the prop markets.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 14.

NBA prop bets

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Best bet: Fox over 25.5 points (-120)

In a contract year, Fox is earning himself quite the payday. The 27-year-old is averaging 26.6 points on an efficient 48.8% from the field.

He has cleared this line in five of the past six games and has drawn a favourable matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Consider:

  • The Bucks allow the second most points per game (26.7) to PGs, per Fantasy Pros.
  • In Milwaukee’s most recent game on Jan. 12, Jalen Brunson scored 44 points on 16-of-26 shooting.

Also working in Fox’s favour is that he has a high floor as a scorer. In 36 total games this season, he scored 20-plus points 31 times.

Key stat: Fox cashed this wager in both games against Milwaukee last season while averaging 30.5 points per.

Quick picks

Booker over 33.5 points/assists (-120): Booker’s opponent Tuesday, the Atlanta Hawks, play at a high pace and are a below-average defensive team.

That makes any opposing player prop look enticing, but let’s focus on Booker.

Since the Suns moved Bradley Beal to the bench, Booker is 3-2 against this line, averaging 35.4 points/assists. He’s taken on more playmaking responsibilities and it’s been working.

Tonight, he gets a great matchup:

  • The Hawks allow the third-most PPG (119.8).
  • They also give up the third-most assists (28.8).

Vucevic over 10.5 rebounds (+100): I love this pick at plus money.

Vucevic averages 10.1 rebounds per game, so we’ll need an above-average performance against the New Orleans Pelicans. I think he’ll deliver.

  • New Orleans allows the most rebounds per game (17.4) to centres.
  • Vucevic has cleared this line in six of the past eight contests.

The Pelicans have relied on Yves Missi at centre and he’s exceeded expectations. But he’s still a rookie and can have a hard time in the paint against veteran big men.

Vucevic is just that and he’s averaged 10-plus rebounds in 11 of his 13 NBA seasons. I predict a strong night on the glass Tuesday.

Picks made at 10:25 a.m. ET on 01/14/2025.

Best NBA prop bets Jan. 14: Back Fox, Booker and Vucevic on Jan. 14

NBA prop bets

Our NBA prop bets for Jan. 14 contain picks on two guards and one big man.

The pregame narrative: De’Aaron Fox has a winning matchup tonight, so I expect him to score at will. I’m also backing Devin Booker and Nikola Vucevic on the prop markets.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 14.

NBA prop bets

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Embed: #106187

Best bet: Fox over 25.5 points (-115)

In a contract year, Fox is earning himself quite the payday. The 27-year-old is averaging 26.6 points on an efficient 48.8% from the field.

He has cleared this line in five of the past six games and has drawn a favourable matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Consider:

  • The Bucks allow the second most points per game (26.7) to PGs, per Fantasy Pros.
  • In Milwaukee’s most recent game on Jan. 12, Jalen Brunson scored 44 points on 16-of-26 shooting.

Also working in Fox’s favour is that he has a high floor as a scorer. In 36 total games this season, he scored 20-plus points 31 times.

Key stat: Fox cashed this wager in both games against Milwaukee last season while averaging 30.5 points per.

Quick picks

Booker over 33.5 points/assists (-120): Booker’s opponent Tuesday, the Atlanta Hawks, play at a high pace and are a below-average defensive team.

That makes any opposing player prop look enticing, but let’s focus on Booker.

Since the Suns moved Bradley Beal to the bench, Booker is 3-2 against this line, averaging 35.4 points/assists. He’s taken on more playmaking responsibilities and it’s been working.

Tonight, he gets a great matchup:

  • The Hawks allow the third-most PPG (119.8).
  • They also give up the third-most assists (28.8).

Vucevic over 10.5 rebounds (+100): I love this pick at plus money.

Vucevic averages 10.1 rebounds per game, so we’ll need an above-average performance against the New Orleans Pelicans. I think he’ll deliver.

  • New Orleans allows the most rebounds per game (17.4) to centres.
  • Vucevic has cleared this line in six of the past eight contests.

The Pelicans have relied on Yves Missi at centre and he’s exceeded expectations. But he’s still a rookie and can have a hard time in the paint against veteran big men.

Vucevic is just that and he’s averaged 10-plus rebounds in 11 of his 13 NBA seasons. I predict a strong night on the glass Tuesday.

Picks made at 9:50 a.m. ET on 01/14/2025.

NFL playoff schedule and odds for divisonal round: Eight teams remain in Super Bowl contention

NFL playoff schedule

The NFL playoffs move along with a four-game divisional round kicking off Saturday.

The latest: Only eight teams remain, and there are some exciting matchups on tap. On Saturday, the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions meet in what’s expected to be an offensive showcase. On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills battle it out in a star-studded showdown.

Check out the NFL playoff schedule for the divisional round and see the latest odds for all four games.

NFL playoff schedule

  • Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Jan. 18, 4:30 p.m. ET)
  • Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions (Jan. 18, 8 p.m. ET)
  • Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Jan. 19, 3 p.m. ET)
  • Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills (Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m. ET)

Go to full NFL playoff markets.

Saturday’s NFL playoff games

Texans vs. Chiefs

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  • Houston trounced the Los Angeles Chargers, 32-12, in the wild-card round and will now face the AFC-leading Chiefs. The Texans are 9-4 this season with Nico Collins active. The wideout had seven catches for 122 yards and a TD against L.A.
  • The Texans finished 5-4 on the road, and each of its road wins came against below-.500 teams. In Week 16, Kansas City beat Houston, 27-19, at Arrowhead Stadium.
  • Three teams failed to record 30 points in a game this season. The New England Patriots, the Las Vegas Raiders and … the Chiefs. However, the Pats and Raiders finished near the bottom in points per game while Kansas City finished 15th (22.9), which is higher than the Texans. The Chiefs’ No. 4 scoring defence is a key reason why they finished 15-2.

Commanders vs. Lions

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  • Washington kicked a game-winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to advance to the divisional round for the first time since 2005. Jayden Daniels was phenomenal in his rookie season, carrying the Commanders to a top-five scoring offence.
  • The Lions are Super Bowl favourites for a reason, though. Detroit scored the most points per game (33.2) while allowing the seventh-fewest (20.1). The Lions have dealt with a slew of injuries, but they’re still among the most talented squads — especially on offence.
  • Detroit went 15-2 in the regular season, but its depleted defence does raise some questions. The Lions allowed 30+ points in three of their final five games, including in a 48-42 loss against the Bills in Week 15.
  • This game’s total is currently set at 55 points. That’s the third-highest total of the NFL season, per Bet IQ, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this game surpasses that mark.

NFL playoff schedule: Sunday’s doubleheader

Rams vs. Eagles

  • The Eagles beat the Green Bay Packers, 22-10 in the wild-card round. That marks the team’s 14th win in 15 games since its Week 5 bye.
  • Saquon Barkley continued his dominant season, rushing 25 times for 119 yards. It was the tailback’s 12th 100-yard rushing game of the season. The key to stopping Philly appears to be stopping Barkley, but that’s easier said than done.
  • The Rams were slight underdogs against the Minnesota Vikings but got the 27-9 win without much resistance. L.A. has held four of its last opponents to under 10 points. The Seahawks scored 30 in Week 18 but the Rams rested most starters.

Ravens vs. Bills

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  • The Bills and Ravens both handled business in the wild-card round, beating the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, by double-digit points. Now, it only makes sense that these powerhouse squads have the closest odds of any matchup.
  • Buffalo is at home, which should be an advantage. The Bills are 9-0 at Highmark Stadium this season.
  • The Ravens went 6-3 on the road and have stormed out of their Week 14 bye with five straight victories, all by a margin of 14+ points.

Spurs vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions Jan. 13: Bet on Wembanyama and Davis at +310

Spurs vs. Lakers predictions

The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers take part in a marquee Monday night game.

The pregame narrative: With both teams coming off extended rest, I’m hesitant to pick a side. Instead, my +310 SGP features player props on Anthony Davis, Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul.

Check out my Spurs vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 13.

Spurs vs. Lakers predictions

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Parlay: Davis over 24.5 points + Wembanyama over 2.5 threes + Paul over 7.5 assists (+310)

Davis over 24.5 points (-152): This is a matchup Davis can take advantage of, as he’s demonstrated before.

Since the Spurs acquired Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, Davis is 3-1 against this line versus them. In those games, he scored an average of 31.0 points.

To add, San Antonio allows the fourth-most points per game (25.1) to opposing centres, per Fantasy Pros.

Wemby is a shot-blocking machine but his inexperience can lead to defensive breakdowns and I expect Davis to go off on Monday after an extended break.

SGP legs

Wembanyama over 2.5 threes (-159): Wembanyama has been in a bit of a tough shooting spell right now, failing to clear this line in three of the past five games.

Before that, he sank three or more 3-pointers in six straight games and I’m always happy backing the volume.

Davis is a premier paint defender, so I expect Wemby to spend more time on the perimeter. In his two meetings with the Lakers this season, he attempted 22 total 3s.

Wemby went 2-for-9 and 4-for-13, respectively, in those games. But that volume is what has my attention.

At 7-foot-3, Wembanyama looks unconventional firing 3s at an alarming rate. But he’s a good shooter, averaging 3.3 makes on 9.3 attempts per game from deep (35.4%).

With an expected uptick in volume on Monday, this was a no-brainer addition to the SGP.

Paul over 7.5 assists (-150): Paul has fit like a glove in San Antonio.

The 12-time all-star is no longer in his prime, but he can still dish the rock with the best of them.

In Year 20, Paul averages 8.3 assists per game (sixth in the NBA) and draws a good matchup against the Lakers. Los Angeles allows the fifth-most assists to point guards (9.7).

Additionally, Paul is 15-2 against this line when playing more than 30 minutes in a game this season.

In a game with a 4.5-point spread — in favour of the Lakers — I expect a close game in which Paul logs a lot of minutes.

Picks made at 12:50 p.m. on 01/13/24.

Warriors vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions Jan. 13: Back RJ Barrett in +380 ticket

Warriors vs. Raptors predictions

On Monday, the Golden State Warriors take on the Toronto Raptors north of the border.

The pregame narrative: Toronto is in full tank mode but I believe there is potential for a lot of points tonight. Therefore, I’ll be taking the over on an alternate total with picks on RJ Barrett and Dennis Schroder in this +380 SGP.

Check out my Warriors vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 13.

Warriors vs. Raptors predictions

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Parlay: Over 221.5 points + Barrett over 21.5 points + Schroder under 13.5 points (+400)

Over 221.5 points (-223): Toronto has been losing games and giving up a boatload of points at the same time.

Since Dec. 23, the Raptors are 1-9 SU while allowing 126.9 PPG.

In that span, the over on this total is 7-3, and when it hasn’t hit, it’s been because of the Raptors’ lacklustre offence.

However, Toronto scored 113.0 PPG at home this season, almost four points per game more than on the road (109.3).

Overs are 13-7 at Scotiabank Arena this season, also, which is the second-best home overs record in the NBA, per Team Rankings.

SGP legs

Barrett over 21.5 points (-120): This is a risky pick with how Barrett has been playing, but much like his team, he plays better at home.

And it’s pretty drastic.

  • Home: 27.2 PPG, 51.7/38.7/79.1 shooting
  • Road: 18.9 PPG, 40.8/27.7/60.9 shooting

Some believe he’s struggling due to returning players like Immanuel Quickly taking up shots, but the stats tell me it’s all about the location for Barrett.

He is 10-4 against this line at home this season. In his last game in Toronto, Barrett scored 25 points on 11-of-18 shooting against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Schroder under 13.5 points (-112): This isn’t a line we would’ve seen while Schroder was with the Brooklyn Nets, but he’s settled into a bench role with the Warriors.

In 13 appearances with his new team, Schroder is 2-11 against this line. Toronto provides a good matchup, but the point guard’s ceiling is currently limited.

With Golden State, he’s averaging 9.9 points per game while shooting the ball poorly (33.1%).

Toronto’s defence makes a lot of mistakes but the side has a lot of athletic defenders that can make Schroder’s life tough on Monday.

Anything but an above-average performance would be enough to cash this leg.

Picks made at 11:10 a.m. ET on 01/13/2025.

Warriors vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions Jan. 13: Back RJ Barrett in +380 ticket

Warriors vs. Raptors predictions

On Monday, the Golden State Warriors take on the Toronto Raptors north of the border.

The pregame narrative: Toronto is in full tank mode but I believe there is potential for a lot of points tonight. Therefore, I’ll be taking the over on an alternate total with picks on RJ Barrett and Dennis Schroder in this +380 SGP.

Check out my Warriors vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 13.

Warriors vs. Raptors predictions

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Parlay: Over 221.5 points + Barrett over 21.5 points + Schroder under 13.5 points (+380)

Over 221.5 points (-195): Toronto has been losing games and giving up a boatload of points at the same time.

Since Dec. 23, the Raptors are 1-9 SU while allowing 126.9 PPG.

In that span, the over on this total is 7-3, and when it hasn’t hit, it’s been because of the Raptors’ lacklustre offence.

However, Toronto scored 113.0 PPG at home this season, almost four points per game more than on the road (109.3).

Overs are 13-7 at Scotiabank Arena this season, also, which is the second-best home overs record in the NBA, per Team Rankings.

SGP legs

Barrett over 21.5 points (-117): This is a risky pick with how Barrett has been playing, but much like his team, he plays better at home.

And it’s pretty drastic.

  • Home: 27.2 PPG, 51.7/38.7/79.1 shooting
  • Road: 18.9 PPG, 40.8/27.7/60.9 shooting

Some believe he’s struggling due to returning players like Immanuel Quickly taking up shots, but the stats tell me it’s all about the location for Barrett.

He is 10-4 against this line at home this season. In his last game in Toronto, Barrett scored 25 points on 11-of-18 shooting against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Schroder under 13.5 points (-113): This isn’t a line we would’ve seen while Schroder was with the Brooklyn Nets, but he’s settled into a bench role with the Warriors.

In 13 appearances with his new team, Schroder is 2-11 against this line. Toronto provides a good matchup, but the point guard’s ceiling is currently limited.

With Golden State, he’s averaging 9.9 points per game while shooting the ball poorly (33.1%).

Toronto’s defence makes a lot of mistakes but the side has a lot of athletic defenders that can make Schroder’s life tough on Monday.

Anything but an above-average performance would be enough to cash this leg.

Picks made at 9:40 a.m. ET on 01/13/2025.

Australian Open 2025 men’s and women’s tennis odds: Djokovic goes for 11th title, Canadians Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez long shots

Australian Open odds

The tennis season begins with the first grand slam tournament, the Australian Open, starting on Jan. 11.

The latest: Jannik Sinner is the reigning Australian Open champion, and he opens as the favourite on the men’s side. Novak Djokovic looks to add to his record number of titles, while Canadians Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez are long shots to win it all.

Check out the latest Australian Open odds for the 2025 tournament.

Australian Open odds 2025

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Australian Open men’s betting notes

  • I would love to hear an argument against the favourite, Sinner, because I don’t have one. The Italian finished last season as the No. 1 ranked ATP player and is the defending Aussie Open champ. He had an incredible 73-6 record in 2024 including a 40-3 record on the hard courts. It’s his best surface, and I expect another dominant run from the 23-year-old.
  • Both Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic sit just behind on the odds table. The Spaniard had his worst record of the three surfaces on hard courts last year, going 22-5. He has never made it past the quarterfinals at this tournament but had a 3-0 record against Sinner last year. Since 2011, Djokovic has won 10 Australian Open titles but went 0-2 against Sinner in 2024.
  • Auger-Aliassime carries the shortest odds of the Canadians, holding a +15,000 price tag. Hard courts were his worst surface in 2024 (14-14), and he was eliminated in the Round of 32 in last year’s Australian Open.
  • The other two Canadian men taking part at Melbourne Park are Dennis Shapovalov and Gabriel Diallo. The 23-year-old Diallo had a career year in 2024, going 49-26 with a 30-12 hard court record. He reached the third round of a grand slam major for the first time at the 2024 US Open.
  • Shapovalov is searching for his first career grand slam win and had an unimpressive 9-10 record on hard courts in 2024.

Full Australian Open betting markets

Australia Open women’s betting notes

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  • Reigning champ Aryna Sabalenka opens as the favourite to repeat. She won the last two Australian Opens and the US Open last season, all of which were played on hard courts. She played her most games on this surface in 2024, where she tallied a 38-7 record. Sabalenka has started 2025 with a 5-0 record.
  • Former world No. 1, Iga Swiatek has never made the final at Melbourne Park but she has won five majors, and at 23, she’s a threat to win any tournament. She has an 8-4 record against Sabalenka, but they’ve split their career matches on hard courts, 3-3.
  • Is this the season that Leylah Fernandez makes her breakthrough? She had a down year in 2024, finishing with a 31-25 record and an 18-15 record on hard courts. The 22-year-old Canadian has a 3-2 record in 2025 with a loss to Coco Gauff, who carries the second-shortest odds to win the Aussie Open. Fernandez holds +20,000 odds to win this tournament.

Hornets vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions Jan. 9: Bet on LeBron James, LaMelo Ball at +280

Hornets vs. Lakers predictions

The Charlotte Hornets head to California for a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The pregame narrative: The Lakers are a strong home side so I’ll back them to win on Thursday. Prop picks on LeBron James and LaMelo Ball round out this +280 SGP.

Check out my Hornets vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 9.

Hornets vs. Lakers predictions

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Parlay: Lakers ML + James over 23.5 points + Ball over 12.5 rebounds/assists (+280)

Lakers moneyline (-315): Los Angeles is a much better team at home than on the road.

  • Home: 12-5
  • Away: 8-11

The Lakers have won three of their last four at Crypto.com Arena, with the loss coming against the 32-4 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Anthony Davis is once again on the injury report but is listed as probable and should be suiting up. He’s often on the injury report but has only missed two games this season, so I’m not concerned.

Charlotte won its last game against the Phoenix Suns but lost 10 consecutive before that.

The Lakers are 8-point favourites, which I believe they can cover, but I’ll buy some insurance in this parlay and take them to win straight up against a struggling Hornets team.

SGP legs

James over 23.5 points (-159): In Year 22, James can still fill up the net. He’s averaging 23.8 points on 50.7% shooting.

On Wednesday, the King gets a soft matchup and I expect him to take advantage.

Charlotte allows the third-most points to power forwards (25.1/game), per Fantasy Pros.

LeBron can pass like a guard but don’t forget his ability as one of the best slashers the game has ever seen. According to 3stepsbasket.com, James is shooting 61% at the rim in his age-40 season.

The Hornets are tied for the 10th-worst paint defence, allowing opponents to shoot 62.8% from inside of six feet.

Additionally, LeBron is more efficient at home:

  • Home: 24.5 PPG, 53.2 FG%
  • Away: 23.3 PPG, 48.6 FG%

Ball over 12.5 rebounds/assists (-139): To start, Ball averages 12.7 rebounds/assists. That is right around the number needed here.

But he’s been even better at filling the stat sheet lately, averaging 14.5 RA in his past 10 games — and cashing this bet seven times.

This is also an intriguing matchup as the Lakers allow the sixth-most assists per game (9.7) to point guards.

And Ball has had success in this spot before. He’s averaged 15.4 RA in five career meetings with the Lakers.

Picks made at 8:48 a.m. ET 01/09/2025.

NFL wild-card parlay picks: Bet on Ravens, Courtland Sutton and Bucky Irving in +296 wager

NFL parlay picks

Picks from three different games make up my NFL parlay ticket for the wild-card round.

The pregame narrative: The Baltimore Ravens played much better than the Pittsburgh Steelers down the stretch and I’ll back them on an alternate spread. Prop plays on Courtland Sutton and Bucky Irving round out this +296, three-leg wager.

Check out my NFL parlay picks for the 2025 wild-card action.

NFL parlay picks

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Parlay: Ravens -6.5 + Sutton over 4.5 receptions + Irving over 79.5 rushing yards (+296)

Ravens -6.5 (-180): The Steelers lost four straight games to close the season. One of those losses was to the Ravens, 34-17.

Baltimore finished the season on a four-game win streak and covered this spread in all those contests. It had a +92 point differential in that span and scored 30-plus each week.

The Ravens have struggled against the Steelers in past years but this is a different team and we saw that in Week 16.

Lamar Jackson threw three touchdowns and Derrick Henry rumbled for 162 rushing yards on 24 carries.

The Steelers haven’t scored more than 20 points in a game since Week 14 and the Ravens have been steamrolling everybody.

I’m buying points, as well, so Baltimore would only need to win by a TD.

Other parlay picks

Sutton over 4.5 receptions (-186): Despite being a rookie, Nix is arguably the best quarterback Sutton has played with.

The wideout led the Denver Broncos in receptions (81) and recorded his first 1,000-yard season since 2019-20. He saw a career-high in targets (135), too.

As Nix continued to develop confidence in an NFL offence, Sutton saw an uptick in receptions. Since Week 8, Sutton has cleared this line in 10/11 games.

The Buffalo Bills are 9-point favourites and allow the ninth-most passing yards per game (226.1).

If the Broncos want to keep pace, it looks like Nix will need to pass the ball and Sutton is his top receiver.

Irving over 79.5 rushing yards (-155): Irving turned heads in his rookie season, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight TDs.

He was also active as a pass catcher, turning 47 receptions into 392 yards.

And now he gets a great matchup to start his postseason career.

The Washington Commanders allowed the third-most rushing yards per game (137.5). They were shredded by opposing backs in recent weeks:

  • Bijan Robinson (Week 17): 17 rushes, 90 yards
  • Saquon Barkley (Week 16): 29 rushes, 150 yards

When the Bucs and Commanders met in Week 1, Irving ran for 62 yards on nine attempts (6.9 yards per carry).

That was back when Rachaad White was the clear RB1 but things have changed. Irving had 12-plus carries in seven of the final eight games.

The only time he fell short was when he left with a first-half injury.

Irving was 6-2 against this line when getting 12-plus carries.

NFL picks made at 1:18 p.m. on 01/08/24.

Thunder vs. Cavaliers prop picks Jan. 8: Back Gilgeous-Alexander and Allen in battle of NBA’s top teams

Thunder vs. Cavaliers prop picks

The top-seeded teams from each conference meet Wednesday night in a huge matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers.

The pregame narrative: These teams have a combined 61-9 record so there are plenty of stars to choose from in the prop markets. I found value on picks for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jarrett Allen.

Check out my Thunder vs. Cavaliers prop picks for Jan. 8.

Thunder vs. Cavaliers prop picks

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Best Bet: Gilgeous-Alexander over 32.5 points (-120)

In my opinion, Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP to this point.

He’s averaging 31.3 points on 52.4% shooting while carrying a young roster to a 30-5 record in the loaded Western Conference.

The Cavaliers provide a tough matchup but they are vulnerable to point guards. They allow the third-most points per game (26.1) to the position, per Fantasy Pros.

Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander is on a tear, clearing this line in six of the past eight games.

During that time, he’s averaging 34.8 points on 57.6% from the field and 46.3% from three.

He’s coming off a 33-point performance over the East’s No. 2 seed, the Boston Celtics.

This is a tough matchup for the Thunder but a good one for Gilgeous-Alexander.

Key stat: He cleared this line in both meetings versus the Cavaliers last season, scoring 34 and 43 points.

Quick pick

Allen over 10.5 rebounds (-125): The Cavs centre has been inconsistent against this line. But this is a good matchup for him and I expect the game to be close.

Cleveland leads the NBA with an average scoring margin of +11.8, per Team Rankings.

That has led to many blowouts and the lowest minutes per game (29.0) for Allen since the 2020-21 season.

The Thunder are just behind with a +11.4 average scoring margin and are 2.5-point underdogs on Wednesday.

These elite teams should produce a tight matchup, helping Allen stay on the court. And as long as that’s the case, the 6-foot-9 centre should be active on the glass.

Allen averages right around this mark with 10.1 rebounds per game and the Thunder allow the seventh-most rebounds to centres (15.9).

Picks made at 10:25 a.m. ET 01/08/2025.