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

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 (-118)

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 (-110): 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.

Raptors vs. Knicks same-game parlay predictions Jan. 8: Back RJ Barrett, fade Jakob Poeltl at +380

The Toronto Raptors visit the New York Knicks on Wednesday for the second time in a few weeks.

The pregame narrative: The Raptors are struggling right now so I’m taking the Knicks to cover an alternate spread. But I’m adding an RJ Barrett prop to this SGP and fading his teammate Jakob Poeltl.

Check out my Raptors vs. Knicks same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 8.

Raptors vs. Knicks predictions

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Parlay: Knicks -7.5 + Barrett over 19.5 points + Poeltl under 9.5 rebounds (+380)

Knicks -7.5 (-205): When I look at the Raptors’ game log, I see a lot of Ls.

They have one win in their last 13 games. One of those many losses came against the Knicks last month, 139-125 defeat at Madison Square Garden.

New York went 14-2 in December, climbing to third in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks are 1-3 to start the new year and they’ll want to take advantage of this spot before hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

Toronto was once a reliable bet to cover the spread but since that loss to the Knicks, the Raptors are 1-6 ATS and 2-5 against this line.

Good teams have been taking advantage of Toronto’s struggles and I expect New York to walk away with a double-digit win tonight.

SGP legs

Barrett over 19.5 points (-143): This prop pick will provide some negative correlation and boost the odds of the SGP. And it should.

I’m taking the Knicks to win comfortably and expecting Barrett to have a good game. Here’s the reasoning:

Barrett scored 30 and 23 points, respectively, in two games against his former team this season.
He has cashed this wager in 18 of 28 games.

In Barrett’s first game playing with Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes, he scored 25 points on an efficient 11-of-18 shooting in a 24-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Someone needs to score points, even in big losses, and the Canadian guard is having a career year, averaging 23.5 per game.

Poeltl under 9.5 rebounds (-127): This ticket is rounded out with a fade on the Toronto big man.

Poeltl is 6-1 against this line since Dec. 12.

The Knicks allow the third-fewest rebounds per game to centres (13.3), per Fantasy Pros.

This is well within Poeltl’s capabilities but I have to fade him based on recent performances and a tough matchup.

Picks made at 8:48 a.m. ET 01/08/2025.

Top NFL wild-card TD picks: Bet on Jacobs and Dobbins to find end zone

Two running backs are featured in my wild-card weekend TD picks.

The pregame narrative: The playoffs are here and fans are treated to six exciting matchups this weekend. I like Josh Jacobs and J.K. Dobbins to all score in their respective wild-card games.

Check out my favourite NFL TD picks for this weekend’s wild-card games.

NFL TD picks

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Best bet: Jacobs anytime TD (-120): The price on this prop immediately caught my eye.

Jacobs went on a tear in the second half of the season, scoring in 10 of the final 11 games.

This is a tough matchup, no doubt, but Jacobs has been matchup-proof all year. Plus, bettors get a playable line because of it.

Philadelphia gave up the second-fewest points per game this season (17.8), but Green Bay’s offence shouldn’t be slept on.

The Packers finished with averages of 27.1 points and 146.8 rushing yards per game.

Jacobs’ rushing attempts prop is set at 17.5, giving an idea of how much volume the running back will see.

If he’s anywhere around that line, I like the prospects of a few of those touches being near the Eagles’ end zone.

Key stat: Since Week 8, Jacobs is tied for second in the NFL with 43 red zone carries and leads the league with 13 TDs, per Fantasy Pros.

Wild-card touchdown scorer picks

Evans anytime TD (-108): Evans had another outstanding year, joining Jerry Rice as the only receiver in NFL history with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

The 31-year-old wideout was productive in all areas:

11 TDs
71.7 yards/game
13 red zone targets

It’s worth noting that Evans missed three games with an injury, too.

The Washington Commanders don’t have the best defence, either.

They have a below-average scoring defence (23.0 points/game) that got torched by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 37-20, in Week 1.

Evans had two TDs in that game.

Dobbins anytime TD (+110): Dobbins played in just 13 games (11 starts) but was productive when called upon.

The tailback scored nine times and was a vital part of the Los Angeles Chargers offence in his first year with the team.

His opponent, the Houston Texans, is better against the pass than it is against the rush. The Texans have an average scoring defence, giving up 21.9 points per game.

Dobbins averaged 17.5 touches during the regular season and is sure to be heavily involved with a spot in the AFC Divisional Round on the line.

He possesses the ability to break loose for a long run and split the tackles near the goal line. I like this spot at plus money.

Picks made at 2:49 p.m. ET on 01/07/2025.

Top NFL wild-card TD picks: Bet on Jacobs, Evans and Dobbins to find end zone

Two running backs and one wide receiver are featured in my wild-card weekend TD picks.

The pregame narrative: The playoffs are here and fans are treated to six exciting matchups this weekend. I like Josh Jacobs, Mike Evans and J.K. Dobbins to all score in their respective wild-card games.

Check out my favourite NFL TD picks for this weekend’s wild-card games.

NFL TD picks

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Best bet: Jacobs anytime TD (-121): The price on this prop immediately caught my eye.

Jacobs went on a tear in the second half of the season, scoring in 10 of the final 11 games.

This is a tough matchup, no doubt, but Jacobs has been matchup-proof all year. Plus, bettors get a playable line because of it.

Philadelphia gave up the second-fewest points per game this season (17.8), but Green Bay’s offence shouldn’t be slept on.

The Packers finished with averages of 27.1 points and 146.8 rushing yards per game.

Jacobs’ rushing attempts prop is set at 17.5, giving an idea of how much volume the running back will see.

If he’s anywhere around that line, I like the prospects of a few of those touches being near the Eagles’ end zone.

Key stat: Since Week 8, Jacobs is tied for second in the NFL with 43 red zone carries and leads the league with 13 TDs, per Fantasy Pros.

Wild-card touchdown scorer picks

Evans anytime TD (-108): Evans had another outstanding year, joining Jerry Rice as the only receiver in NFL history with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

The 31-year-old wideout was productive in all areas:

11 TDs
71.7 yards/game
13 red zone targets

It’s worth noting that Evans missed three games with an injury, too.

The Washington Commanders don’t have the best defence, either.

They have a below-average scoring defence (23.0 points/game) that got torched by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 37-20, in Week 1.

Evans had two TDs in that game.

Dobbins anytime TD (+106): Dobbins played in just 13 games (11 starts) but was productive when called upon.

The tailback scored nine times and was a vital part of the Los Angeles Chargers offence in his first year with the team.

His opponent, the Houston Texans, is better against the pass than it is against the rush. The Texans have an average scoring defence, giving up 21.9 points per game.

Dobbins averaged 17.5 touches during the regular season and is sure to be heavily involved with a spot in the AFC Divisional Round on the line.

He possesses the ability to break loose for a long run and split the tackles near the goal line. I like this spot at plus money.

Picks made at 2:49 p.m. ET on 01/07/2025.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Flyers Jan. 7: Bet on Toronto to win, Knies to find the score sheet

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers complete a home-and-home series in Philly on Tuesday night.

The pregame narrative: Toronto squeaked out a 3-2 win over the Flyers at home and I predict another win for the Leafs on Tuesday. I’ll also back Matthew Knies, who’s on the biggest heater of his young career.

Check out my Maple Leafs picks vs. Flyers for Jan. 7.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Flyers

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Best Bet: Leafs moneyline (-143)

Toronto turned to 23-year-old goalie Dennis Hildeby at home on Saturday and Philidelphia missed the chance to steal a win.

Hildeby stopped 30-of-32 shots in his best performance of the season.

On Tuesday, the Leafs turn back to Joseph Woll, who enters with these numbers:

13-6-0 record
.914 SV%.
2.48 GAA

Toronto had an underwhelming performance at Scotiabank Arena but I believe the situational advantage lies with the away side here.

The Flyers capped off a six-game road trip on Saturday while the Leafs played six of eight contests at home during that time.

And it’s not like the Flyers are a good home team, either. They are 8-9-1 at Wells Fargo Center.

Toronto is the better team, sitting atop the Atlantic Division and carrying a four-game win streak into the matchup.

Key stat: The Flyers allow the third-most goals per game (3.55).

Quick pick

Knies to score 1+ points (-106): Knies followed up his five-point night with another goal on Saturday.

Philadelphia will start Ivan Fedotov in goal again tonight. The Finnish netminder ranks 70th in the NHL with a -3.9 goals saved above expected, per Money Puck.

Knies is currently skating on the first line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, creating an excellent opportunity for him to stay hot.

The trio has a combined 16 points in two games since Matthews’ return and I expect the production to continue in a soft matchup.

NHL picks made at 10:16 a.m. ET on 01/07/25.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Flyers Jan. 7: Bet on Toronto to win, Knies to find the score sheet

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers complete a home-and-home series in Philly on Tuesday night.

The pregame narrative: Toronto squeaked out a 3-2 win over the Flyers at home and I predict another win for the Leafs on Tuesday. I’ll also back Matthew Knies, who’s on the biggest heater of his young career.

Check out my Maple Leafs picks vs. Flyers for Jan. 7.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Flyers

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Best Bet: Leafs moneyline (-132)

Toronto turned to 23-year-old goalie Dennis Hildeby at home on Saturday and Philidelphia missed the chance to steal a win.

Hildeby stopped 30-of-32 shots in his best performance of the season.

On Tuesday, the Leafs turn back to Joseph Woll, who enters with these numbers:

13-6-0 record
.914 SV%.
2.48 GAA

Toronto had an underwhelming performance at Scotiabank Arena but I believe the situational advantage lies with the away side here.

The Flyers capped off a six-game road trip on Saturday while the Leafs played six of eight contests at home during that time.

And it’s not like the Flyers are a good home team, either. They are 8-9-1 at Wells Fargo Center.

Toronto is the better team, sitting atop the Atlantic Division and carrying a four-game win streak into the matchup.

Key stat: The Flyers allow the third-most goals per game (3.55).

Quick pick

Knies to score 1+ points (+100): Knies followed up his five-point night with another goal on Saturday.

Philadelphia will start Ivan Fedotov in goal again tonight. The Finnish netminder ranks 70th in the NHL with a -3.9 goals saved above expected, per Money Puck.

Knies is currently skating on the first line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, creating an excellent opportunity for him to stay hot.

The trio has a combined 16 points in two games since Matthews’ return and I expect the production to continue in a soft matchup.

NHL picks made at 10:16 a.m. ET on 01/07/25.

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Celtics vs. Nuggets prop picks Jan. 7: Bet on Brown, Jokic in marquee matchup

Two championship-hopeful teams meet in the Mile High City on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Jaylen Brown is an elite second option for the Boston Celtics and I want in on his points prop. For the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic is a good pick to do what he does best — stuff the stat sheet.

Check out my Celtics vs. Nuggets prop picks for Jan. 7.

Celtics vs. Nuggets prop picks

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Best Bet: Brown over 21.5 points (-125)

Boston should have no issue scoring against Denver. The reigning NBA champs score the fourth-most points per game (118.5).

The total for this game is currently set at 236 and the Nuggets hit the over in 64.7% of their games (third-most in the NBA). So there’s a solid chance this one gets out of hand.

Brown, the two-way guard, averages 24.3 points per game and has cashed this wager in four of the last six contests.

He starts at small forward since the Celtics run both Derrick White and Jrue Holiday in the backcourt but Brown is built more like a shooting guard, the position he spent the early part of his career playing.

That’s important to note because the Nuggets allow the most PPG (25.3) to shooting guards, per Fantasy Pros, and it’s by a wide margin.

For context, the Sacramento Kings allow the second most (24.0).

Key stat: Brown scored 22-plus points in four of his last five games against the Nuggets, scoring 30 or more three times in that span.

Quick pick

Jokic over 41.5 points/rebounds (-112): The Celtics are a terrible matchup for centres, but does it matter?

Boston allows the second-fewest points/rebounds/assists to the position (36.6) but Jokic has had success in the past.

He cleared this line in two games against the Celtics last season, averaging 44.0 PR.

The three-time MVP has somehow taken his game to a new level this year.

He’s scoring 5.1 more points per game and is leading the league in 3-point percentage (47.3%).

Jokic averages 44.5 PR so this line is well below his standard. If you can get past the tough matchup, this is a number worth taking.

Picks made at 10:51 a.m. ET 01/07/2025.

Celtics vs. Nuggets prop picks Jan. 7: Bet on Brown, Jokic in marquee matchup

Two championship-hopeful teams meet in the Mile High City on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Jaylen Brown is an elite second option for the Boston Celtics and I want in on his points prop. For the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic is a good pick to do what he does best — stuff the stat sheet.

Check out my Celtics vs. Nuggets prop picks for Jan. 7.

Celtics vs. Nuggets prop picks

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Best Bet: Brown over 21.5 points (-134)

Boston should have no issue scoring against Denver. The reigning NBA champs score the fourth-most points per game (118.5).

The total for this game is currently set at 236 and the Nuggets hit the over in 64.7% of their games (third-most in the NBA). So there’s a solid chance this one gets out of hand.

Brown, the two-way guard, averages 24.3 points per game and has cashed this wager in four of the last six contests.

He starts at small forward since the Celtics run both Derrick White and Jrue Holiday in the backcourt but Brown is built more like a shooting guard, the position he spent the early part of his career playing.

That’s important to note because the Nuggets allow the most PPG (25.3) to shooting guards, per Fantasy Pros, and it’s by a wide margin.

For context, the Sacramento Kings allow the second most (24.0).

Key stat: Brown scored 22-plus points in four of his last five games against the Nuggets, scoring 30 or more three times in that span.

Quick pick

Jokic over 50.5 points/rebounds/assists (-120): The Celtics are a terrible matchup for centres, but does it matter?

Boston allows the second-fewest points/rebounds/assists to the position (36.6) but Jokic has had success in the past.

He cleared this line in two games against the Celtics last season, averaging 55.0 PRA.

The three-time MVP has somehow taken his game to a new level this year.

He’s scoring 5.1 more points per game and is leading the league in 3-point percentage (47.3%).

Jokic averages 54.2 PRA so this line is well below his standard. If you can get past the tough matchup, this is a number worth taking.

Picks made at 8:55 a.m. ET 01/07/2025.

Heat vs. Kings same-game parlay predictions Jan. 6: Bet on Sabonis, Monk and Herro in +335 wager

The Miami Heat will be without Jimmy Butler as they visit the Sacramento Kings.

The pregame narrative: I expect Tyler Herro to pick up the slack and have a big night on offence. Prop picks on Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk round out this +335 SGP.

Check out my Heat vs. Kings same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 6.

Heat vs. Kings predictions

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Parlay: Herro over 23.5 points + Sabonis over 5.5 assists + Monk over 2.5 threes (+380)

Herro over 23.5 points (-122): It was hard to pick a side here with the Kings playing on a back-to-back and the Heat airing out their dysfunction in public.

Butler was suspended seven games internally for multiple instances of violating team conduct. In other words, he wants out of Miami and made it known.

https://twitter.com/Demar305/status/1874621770046816561

In Butler’s first game out, Herro struggled against the Utah Jazz. He scored 15 points on 4-of-12 shooting and went 1-for-8 from 3-point range.

Herro can be a streaky scorer, though, and this is a good matchup for him. Sacramento allows the third-most points to shooting guards per game (24.0), according to Fantasy Pros.

In the Heat and Kings’ first meeting of the season back on Nov. 3, Herro had 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting. He also canned five 3s on 11 attempts.

If Miami wants to hold onto its playoff spot, Herro will need to play well in Butler’s absence. This is a great spot for him against a worn-down side.

SGP legs

Sabonis over 5.5 rebounds (-129): Last night, I used this same wager as a leg in my parlay for the Kings vs. Golden State Warriors game.

Sabonis finished with seven assists and hardly played down the stretch as Sacramento ended up blowing out Golden State, 129-99.

The versatile big man played just 29 minutes but filled up the stat sheet.

Once again, De’Aaron Fox is questionable on Monday but missed the game last night, so there’s concern. It’s worth monitoring, but this is a number Sabonis can clear with or without Fox.

Sabonis has six-plus assists in five straight games and averages 6.2 per contest.

Monk over 2.5 threes (-159): For the final leg, I wanted to find another wager I feel good about regardless of Fox’s status.

Over the last two games, Monk has hit 11 of his 20 attempted threes. He’s on a tear right now and this is a modest total.

Since Nov. 27, he is 12-6 against this line. In that time, Monk is averaging 3.2 threes on 8.3 attempts.

Picks made at 12:14 p.m. ET 01/06/2025

Clippers vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions Jan. 6: Bet on Minnesota to win, Randle to be active on the glass at +335

The Los Angeles Clippers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.

The pregame narrative: The Timberwolves are at home, which is one of the reasons I’m backing them to win. This +335 SGP includes prop picks on Julius Randle and Norman Powell, as well.

Check out my Clippers vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 6.

Clippers vs. Timberwolves predictions

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Parlay: Timberwolves moneyline + Randle over 6.5 rebounds + Powell over 2.5 threes (+335)

Timberwolves (-139): Minnesota is an inconsistent team, but maybe that’s part of the reason to get behind them following a three-game skid.

To be fair, two of those three recent losses came against the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder by a combined 11 points.

On the other side, the Clippers are turning heads on the West Coast, starting the season 20-15. They are 8-9 away from home, though, and that’s the situation tonight.

Kawhi Leonard is back from his lengthy injury recovery but was restricted to just 20 minutes in his return.

His return isn’t enough for me to ignore the Clippers’ results on the road. L.A. has lost back-to-back road games, including a 122-86 bashing by the San Antonio Spurs.

The Timberwolves are hard to trust right now but they already have two wins over the Clippers this season, both at home and away.

SGP legs

Randle over 6.5 rebounds (-155): The first time these teams met in Minnesota, Randle had 10 rebounds.

Additionally, the power forward has cleared this line in six of the past eight games.

Rudy Gobert is a vacuum on the glass at times, but when teams have a paint-dominant centre to match, Randle is needed down low to help.

We can see that in recent games:

Jan. 4 vs. Detroit (Jalen Duren): 7 rebounds
Dec. 27 vs. Houston (Alperen Sengun): 8 rebounds
Dec. 25 vs. Dallas (Dereck Lively): 10 rebounds
Dec. 23 vs. Atlanta (Clint Capela): 13 rebounds

That is only a small sample size, but it’s a trend that has been pretty consistent throughout the year.

Clippers centre Ivica Zubac is the definition of a glass-cleaning big man. He averages 12.5 rebounds per game and has 10-plus boards in 29/35 games.

Powell over 2.5 threes (-177): Leonard is the centre of attention in his second game back, but let’s not forget how good Powell has been in his absence.

The shooting guard averages 23.5 points per game and shoots 43.9% from deep. He’s canning 3.6 threes per game on 8.2 attempts.

Powell is a flamethrower from 3-point range and is on the mark more often than not. He’s cashed this wager in 21 of 28 games this season.

With Leonard presumably on a minutes restriction again, Powell should remain an important piece on offence. He shot 4-for-10 from deep in Leonard’s first game back.

Picks made at 9:45 a.m. ET 01/05/2025