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.

Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest same-game parlay predictions Jan. 6: Bet on the away side to win a high-scoring match in +375 ticket

Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest predictions

The final game of Matchday 20 goes down on Monday between the Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

The pregame narrative: Nottingham Forest is on a tear right now and I like the side to win against the Wolves on Monday. I am also picking the over on the game total and a prop pick on Chris Wood in this +310 SGP.

Check out my Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 6.

Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest predictions

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Parlay: Nottingham Forest to win + Wood over 0.5 shots on target + Over 2.5 goals (+375)

Nottingham Forest to win (+125): Forest is on a serious heater right now. It is 5-0-0 over the past five games with notable wins over Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

Three of those games were played on the road which is the situation for Matchday 20.

The run of play has catapulted Forest into third in the EPL above teams like Chelsea and Manchester City.

Nottingham Forest plays a tight defence and relies on a strong counter attack. The Wolves have allowed the seventh-most xG (31.1), per Fotmob.

The side sits 17th in the Premier League and concedes 2.2 goals per match (second-most in the EPL). The squad has a -11 goal differential.

SGP legs

Wood over 0.5 shots on target (-209): Wood is Forest’s leading scorer, netting 11 goals in 19 Premier League appearances.

He is 14-5 against this line in those matches and has another chance to do damage here.

As mentioned before, the Wolves are a poor defensive team and Wood is the main target for Nottingham Forest in the final third.

Wood has a shot on target in 10 of his last 14 starts.

Over 2.5 goals (+110): The final leg of this parlay is on the over.

Forest is a strong defensive team but it plays a weird style that allows opponents to attack freely.

The squad ranks last in average possession (39.5%) and first in clearances per match (27.8).

Those are stats of a team that gets dominated frequently, but more often than not, Forest can limit the damage.

That doesn’t change the fact that it’s a risky approach and there’s a solid chance the Wolves can score here.

  • The side scores the eighth-most goals per game (1.6).
  • The Wolves have scored a goal in seven of its last eight matches.

I could see Nottingham Forest scoring three alone but I still predict two will do the trick.

Picks made at 4:45 p.m. on 1/5/25.

Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest same-game parlay predictions Jan. 6: Bet on the away side to win a high-scoring match in +310 ticket

Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest predictions

The final game of Matchday 20 goes down on Monday between the Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

The pregame narrative: Nottingham Forest is on a tear right now and I like the side to win against the Wolves on Monday. I am also picking the over on the game total and a prop pick on Chris Wood in this +310 SGP.

Check out my Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 6.

Wolves vs. Nottingham Forest predictions

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Parlay: Nottingham Forest to win + Wood over 0.5 shots on target + Over 2.5 goals (+310)

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Nottingham Forest to win (+125): Forest is on a serious heater right now. It is 5-0-0 over the past five games with notable wins over Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

Three of those games were played on the road which is the situation for Matchday 20.

The run of play has catapulted Forest into third in the EPL above teams like Chelsea and Manchester City.

Nottingham Forest plays a tight defence and relies on a strong counter attack. The Wolves have allowed the seventh-most xG (31.1), per Fotmob.

The side sits 17th in the Premier League and concedes 2.2 goals per match (second-most in the EPL). The squad has a -11 goal differential.

SGP legs

Wood over 0.5 shots on target (-265): Wood is Forest’s leading scorer, netting 11 goals in 19 Premier League appearances.

He is 14-5 against this line in those matches and has another chance to do damage here.

As mentioned before, the Wolves are a poor defensive team and Wood is the main target for Nottingham Forest in the final third.

Wood has a shot on target in 10 of his last 14 starts.

Over 2.5 goals (+102): The final leg of this parlay is on the over.

Forest is a strong defensive team but it plays a weird style that allows opponents to attack freely.

The squad ranks last in average possession (39.5%) and first in clearances per match (27.8).

Those are stats of a team that gets dominated frequently, but more often than not, Forest can limit the damage.

That doesn’t change the fact that it’s a risky approach and there’s a solid chance the Wolves can score here.

  • The side scores the eighth-most goals per game (1.6).
  • The Wolves have scored a goal in seven of its last eight matches.

I could see Nottingham Forest scoring three alone but I still predict two will do the trick.

Picks made at 2:45 p.m. on 1/5/25.

Kings vs. Warriors same-game parlay predictions Jan. 5: Target DeRozan, Sabonis in +285 SGP

Kings vs. Warriors predictions

Two California teams collide as the Sacramento Kings visit the Golden State Warriors.

The pregame narrative: The Kings are playing some good basketball and I’m backing them in this +285 wager that also includes prop picks on Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.

Check out my Kings vs. Warriors same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 5.

Kings vs. Warriors predictions

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Parlay: Kings +3 + Sabonis over 5.5 assists + DeRozan over 22.5 points (+285)

Kings +3 (-112): I’m sure it may not sound like the best idea to back the Kings right now but I like this spot for a couple of reasons:

  • The Warriors are playing the second half of a back-to-back (Steph Curry missed Saturday’s game and is a game-time decision on Sunday).
  • The Kings are on a three-game winning streak.

Golden State has won two in a row so that can’t be ignored. But this is the side’s third game in four days.

Sacramento is the better-rested team and is playing well right now. The Kings are a talented roster on paper, and I predict their hot streak will continue following a disappointing start to the season.

SGP legs

Sabonis over 5.5 assists (-186): De’Aaron Fox is officially a game-time decision but is being reported as ‘unlikely to play’ by KHTK Sactown Sports 1140.

Even with Fox, Sabonis has cashed this wager in four straight games and is 19-13 against this line overall.

But if we look at last season, Sabonis had six-plus assists in six of the eight games Fox missed and averaged 7.8 over that span.

The other good news is that the Warriors allow the fifth-most assists to centres (4.7) per game.

DeRozan over 22.5 points (-143): DeRozan is another player who will see an uptick in volume if Fox is sidelined.

On Friday, DeRozan scored 29 points on 10/18 shooting. Fox played in that contest and took 23 shots.

Sacramento will likely be lacking a shot creator on Sunday and the former Toronto Raptor is the best option to take on the added responsibility.

DeRozan has shot above 50% in four of the past five games. The extra volume will do wonders for his production if he can stay hot.

He was a No. 1 option for the majority of his career and shouldn’t have any issues with the added offensive load.

Picks made at 1:30 p.m. ET 01/05/2025

Lakers vs. Rockets same-game parlay predictions Jan 5: Bet on Green and Thompson on Sunday at +380

Lakers vs. Rockets predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Texas to face the Houston Rockets.

The pregame narrative: Amen Thompson returns from suspension and is part of a +380 SGP that also includes a pick on Jalen Green and Rockets moneyline.

Check out my Lakers vs. Rockets same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 5.

Lakers vs. Rockets predictions

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Parlay: Rockets moneyline + Green over 19.5 points + Thompson over 14.5 points (+380)

Rockets moneyline (-167): Houston has quietly been one of the NBA’s best teams, holding a record of 22-12.

That includes being 12-6 at home and 20-14 against the spread (sixth best in the NBA).

The Rockets are 4.5-point favourites tonight but I will back them to win straight up for some added insurance.

Los Angeles is rolling right now, having won seven of its last ten. However, the side is 8-9 on the road. It starts a two-game Texas trip with the Rockets before heading to Dallas.

This will be the Lakers’ fourth game in six days, which leads me to believe fatigue will be an issue. According to nbaage.com, the Rockets are the third youngest team (by minutes) in the NBA.

To compare, Los Angeles is the seventh-oldest and both LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be game-time decisions.

SGP legs

Green over 19.5 points (-134): Jabari Smith Jr. is out 4-8 weeks and that’s a big factor in the last two legs of this parlay.

Firstly, Smith was an important player in the Rockets’ rotation. He took 9.5 shots per game so that offence will need to be picked up elsewhere.

And there’s nowhere better to look than Green. In Smith’s first game out, Houston’s shooting guard had 27 points in a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics.

Green leads the Rockets in points (19.6) and shot attempts (16.7) per game. He’s also cashed this wager in five of the last eight contests.

Any uptick in volume for Green would be hugely beneficial for this wager.

Thompson over 14.5 points (-106): With Smith out, there are 30.8 minutes open in the Rockets’ rotation.

The last time fans saw Thompson, he was ejected from a game with the Miami Heat for a viral on-court altercation with Tyler Herro.

However, it was reported by Sports Radio 610 Houston that Thompson would start upon his return in place of the injured Smith.

Thompson averaged 16.6 points in five starts this season but more importantly, is 8-3 against this line when logging 30-plus minutes.

The young, hard-nosed wing should easily clear 30 minutes of playing time as a starter on Sunday.

Picks made at 11:14 a.m. ET 01/05/2025

Best NBA prop bets Jan 5: Evan Mobley is primed for another strong outing

NBA prop bets

Three young, up-and-coming big men headline Sunday’s NBA prop bets

The pregame narrative: I’m backing Alexandre Sarr to take advantage of a good matchup and be active in the paint. I also like bets on Evan Mobley and Alperen Sengun.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 5.

NBA prop bets

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Best Bet: Sarr over 19.5 points/rebounds (-120)

The rookie centre is showing his potential as his confidence increases in an NBA offence.

Sarr has scored double-digit points in 10 straight games and the New Orleans Pelicans provide a great matchup for his position.

The Pelicans concede the second most points/rebounds per contest (41.6) to centres.

Sarr had 19 points and seven rebounds (26 PR) in the game against New Orleans on Friday.

Key stat: He is 8-3 against this line in his last 11.

Quick picks

Mobley over 19.5 points (-112): The former third pick is shaping up to be an all-star this season and his recent play is certainly helping that claim.

Mobley has cleared this line in seven of his last 10 games. That includes a career-high 41 points against his opponent tonight, the Charlotte Hornets.

That’s unsurprising considering the Hornets provide a juicy matchup for power forwards.

Charlotte allows the fourth-most points per game (24.3) to opposing PFs.

The scary part is Mobley doesn’t need a lot of minutes to cash this wager. In the Cavs’ game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Mobley had 34 points in 29 minutes. He shot 14/21 (66.7%).

Mobley is shooting 63.4% from the field and 53.8% from three while averaging 21.2 points over the last 10 games.

Sengun over 9.5 rebounds (-120): Like usual, Anthony Davis is on the injury report for the Los Angeles Lakers but the big man is reported as probable for Sunday by RotoWire.

That is important to monitor because, with Davis in the paint, Sengun has to battle harder than usual for rebounds.

We can see that in Sengun’s most recent results against the Lakers:

  • Jan. 29, 2024: 12 rebounds
  • Dec. 2, 2023: 13 rebounds

In fact, Sengun has cleared this line in five of seven outings where he’s played 30-plus minutes against Los Angeles in his career.

The biggest worry here is a blowout but I predict a tight game with the Houston Rockets being small favourites.

Picks made at 9:17 a.m. ET on 01/05/2025.

Best NBA prop bets Jan 5: Evan Mobley is primed for another strong outing

NBA prop bets

Three young, up-and-coming big men headline Sunday’s NBA prop bets

The pregame narrative: I’m backing Alexandre Sarr to take advantage of a good matchup and be active in the paint. I also like bets on Evan Mobley and Alperen Sengun.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 5.

NBA prop bets

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Best Bet: Sarr over 19.5 points/rebounds (-124)

The rookie centre is showing his potential as his confidence increases in an NBA offence.

Sarr has scored double-digit points in 10 straight games and the New Orleans Pelicans provide a great matchup for his position.

The Pelicans concede the second most points/rebounds per contest (41.6) to centres.

Sarr had 19 points and seven rebounds (26 PR) in the game against New Orleans on Friday.

Key stat: He is 8-3 against this line in his last 11.

Quick picks

Mobley over 19.5 points (-108): The former third pick is shaping up to be an all-star this season and his recent play is certainly helping that claim.

Mobley has cleared this line in seven of his last 10 games. That includes a career-high 41 points against his opponent tonight, the Charlotte Hornets.

That’s unsurprising considering the Hornets provide a juicy matchup for power forwards.

Charlotte allows the fourth-most points per game (24.3) to opposing PFs.

The scary part is Mobley doesn’t need a lot of minutes to cash this wager. In the Cavs’ game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Mobley had 34 points in 29 minutes. He shot 14/21 (66.7%).

Mobley is shooting 63.4% from the field and 53.8% from three while averaging 21.2 points over the last 10 games.

Sengun over 10.5 rebounds (+104): Like usual, Anthony Davis is on the injury report for the Los Angeles Lakers but the big man is reported as probable for Sunday by RotoWire.

That is important to monitor because, with Davis in the paint, Sengun has to battle harder than usual for rebounds.

We can see that in Sengun’s most recent results against the Lakers:

  • Jan. 29, 2024: 12 rebounds
  • Dec. 2, 2023: 13 rebounds

In fact, Sengun has cleared this line in five of seven outings where he’s played 30-plus minutes against Los Angeles in his career.

The biggest worry here is a blowout but I predict a tight game with the Houston Rockets being small favourites.

Picks made at 9:17 a.m. ET on 01/05/2025.

76ers vs. Kings same-game parlay predictions Jan. 1: Bet on George and Fox at +300

76ers vs. Kings predictions

The Philadelphia 76ers battle the Sacramento Kings in the final NBA game on New Year’s Day.

The pregame narrative: I’m a fan of the way the 76ers have been playing lately so I’ll back them on an alternate spread along with prop picks on Paul George and De’Aaron Fox in this +300 SGP.

Check out my 76ers vs. Kings same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 1.

76ers vs. Kings predictions

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Parlay: 76ers +9.5 + George over 4.5 assists + Fox over 24.5 points (+300)

76ers +9.5 (-200): Philadelphia is turning its season around and is 8-2 in the last 10 games.

The 76ers will be without Joel Embiid but things haven’t been as bleak without him over the last month or so.

Philly has covered this spread in five of the last six games that Embiid has been sidelined. The one blowout loss came against the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers (29-4).

On the other hand, the Kings are a disappointing 14-19 on the season. They are tied for the worst ATS record in the NBA (11-21-1), per Team Rankings.

Sacramento beat the Dallas Mavericks, 110-100, on Monday but lost the previous six games. Five of those defeats came at home.

SGP legs

George over 4.5 assists (-132): This isn’t a number George has cleared frequently but it’s a different story with Embiid out.

  • He averages 6.0 assists in games without Embiid.
  • George cleared this line in six of the last seven games where Embiid has been sidelined.

He’s been clearing this line with little issue, to be exact. He had eight-plus assists in five of those contests.

George’s usage rate will be up tonight and I predict his underrated playmaking skills shine through once again.

Fox over 24.5 points (-190): Fox has been one of the few bright spots on the lowly Kings.

  • He averages 26.5 PPG.
  • He’s cleared this line in six of the last seven games.

Over those seven contests, Fox is scoring 28.1 points on 21.4 field goal attempts per game (shooting 48.7%).

That is elite scoring production and I’m banking on it to continue as the Kings push for a midseason turnaround.

Picks made at 2:33 p.m. ET 01/01/2025

Best NBA prop bets Jan. 1: Back Adebayo, Dinwiddie, Sarr on New Year’s Day

NBA prop bets

I’ve got three NBA prop bets to kick off 2025.

The pregame narrative: Bam Adebayo is the most notable name that I’m betting on today, as the big man has a promising matchup in front of him. I also have props on Spencer Dinwiddie and Alexandre Sarr.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 1.

NBA prop bets

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Best bet: Dinwiddie over 15.5 points (-125)

With injuries riddling the Dallas Mavericks’ roster, Dinwiddie has earned a more important role in the offence.

Luka Doncic is set to miss at least a month with an injury. Dallas coach Jason Kidd recently decided to give more minutes to Dinwiddie, and the results are encouraging.

Here are Dinwiddie’s stats as a starter this season:

  • 20.3 points per game
  • 3-1 against this line

He played 35-plus minutes in three of those games and most notably scored 30 points against the Sacramento Kings on Monday.

Kyrie Irving was out on Monday. But keep in mind that Dinwiddie scored 17 points on Dec. 28 in a game where Irving had 46.

As a secondary scoring option, Dinwiddie has proven he can still clear this modest line.

Key stat: The Rockets allow the 11th-most points per game (24.9) to point guards, per Fantasy Pros.

Quick picks

Adebayo over 27.5 points/rebounds (-125): Adebayo has been inconsistent this season but he can still dominate the right matchup.

The Pelicans allow the second-most points/rebounds to opposing centres per game (41.2).

They are currently relying on rookie centre Yves Missi to play 30-plus minutes every night. Missi has played well, but talented big men have been able to take advantage of his youth.

Adebayo is averaging 27 PR per game this season, so a slightly above-average performance would do the trick here.

Sarr over 12.5 points (-120): This is a play for all the basketball heads.

The second-overall pick is heating up for the Washington Wizards and I want in.

  • Sarr has cleared this line in eight of the past 13 games.
  • He scored less than 10 points just once in that span.

Sarr’s floor as a scorer is improving as he becomes more confident at the NBA level. Also, the Chicago Bulls struggle to contain opposing centres.

Chicago allows the fourth-most points per game (24.6) to the position, per Fantasy Pros.

Picks made at 1:14 p.m. ET on 01/01/2025.

Nets vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions Jan 1: Expect Brooklyn to keep it close, Johnson to fill basket at +400

Nets vs. Raptors predictions

The Brooklyn Nets visit the struggling Toronto Raptors to kick off the new year.

The pregame narrative: I have no faith in Toronto, so I’m backing the Nets to cover an alternate spread. I also like the under and a Cameron Johnson prop pick in this +400 SGP.

Check out my Nets vs. Raptors same-game parlay predictions for Jan. 1.

Nets vs. Raptors predictions

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Parlay: Nets +3.5 + Under 224.5 points + Johnson over 22.5 points (+400)

Nets +3.5 (-143): The Raptors have lost 11 games in a row and there’s no way I can get behind them right now.

On the season, Toronto has failed to cover this spread in 28 of 33 games. But the active 11-game losing streak has been particularly dark.

The horrid run of play started with a seven-point loss to the Nets and closed out with a 54-point beatdown by the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

With no rest and important players like RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick on the injury report (both listed as questionable), it’s hard to see the Raptors winning by more than a few points, if at all.

Brooklyn made its second trade of the season recently, sending Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and draft capital.

While Russell fit in terribly with the Lakers, the Nets are in desperate need of another ball handler after trading away Dennis Schroder.

Brooklyn’s new point guard is expected to make his first appearance for the team on Wednesday.

Do I think Brooklyn is a playoff team now? No. Do I think it’s good enough to beat Toronto for the second time in a few weeks? Yes.

SGP legs

Under 224.5 points (-163): A big part of the Raptors’ struggles is how awful their offence has been.

Toronto has averaged 95.6 points per game on its current 11-game losing streak. For context, the Orlando Magic currently score the fewest PPG (105.9) in the NBA.

The offence seriously missed Barrett and Dick yesterday as it scored 71 points against the Celtics.

You won’t be surprised to hear that that’s the fewest by a team in a game this season.

Brooklyn’s offence ranks the worst of the two teams this season, though, scoring the fifth-fewest points per game (107.8).

As mentioned before, I do expect Russell to help the offensive struggles but this is still a total I feel good about taking the under on.

Johnson over 19.5 points (-120): In that Dec. 19 meeting between Toronto and Brooklyn, Johnson scored 33 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field.

He went to the free throw line 12 times, which was a massive aid to that final stat line.

Jakob Poeltl is in for this game, however, meaning I don’t think Johnson will get fouled as much near the rim. But his potential as a scorer is still there in this matchup.

According to Fantasy Pros, the Raptors allow the fourth-most points per game to small forwards (23.5).

Having less playmaking responsibilities after the trade will help Johnson focus on scoring and that’s what he’s best at.

The forward shoots 48.8% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range.

Picks made at 10:48 a.m. ET 01/01/2025.

Best NBA prop bets Jan. 1: Back Adebayo, Dinwiddie, Sarr on New Year’s Day

NBA prop bets

I’ve got three NBA prop bets to kick off 2025.

The pregame narrative: Bam Adebayo is the most notable name that I’m betting on today, as the big man has a promising matchup in front of him. I also have props on Spencer Dinwiddie and Alexandre Sarr.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Jan. 1.

NBA prop bets

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Embed: #104857

Best bet: Dinwiddie over 14.5 points (-139)

With injuries riddling the Dallas Mavericks’ roster, Dinwiddie has earned a more important role in the offence.

Luka Doncic is set to miss at least a month with an injury. Dallas coach Jason Kidd recently decided to give more minutes to Dinwiddie, and the results are encouraging.

Here are Dinwiddie’s stats as a starter this season:

  • 20.3 points per game
  • 4-0 against this line

He played 35-plus minutes in three of those games and most notably scored 30 points against the Sacramento Kings on Monday.

Kyrie Irving was out on Monday. But keep in mind that Dinwiddie scored 17 points on Dec. 28 in a game where Irving had 46.

As a secondary scoring option, Dinwiddie has proven he can still clear this modest line.

Key stat: The Rockets allow the 11th-most points per game (24.9) to point guards, per Fantasy Pros.

Quick picks

Adebayo over 27.5 points/rebounds (-109): Adebayo has been inconsistent this season but he can still dominate the right matchup.

The Pelicans allow the second-most points/rebounds to opposing centres per game (41.2).

They are currently relying on rookie centre Yves Missi to play 30-plus minutes every night. Missi has played well, but talented big men have been able to take advantage of his youth.

Adebayo is averaging 27 PR per game this season, so a slightly above-average performance would do the trick here.

Sarr over 12.5 points (-112): This is a play for all the basketball heads.

The second-overall pick is heating up for the Washington Wizards and I want in.

  • Sarr has cleared this line in eight of the past 13 games.
  • He scored less than 10 points just once in that span.

Sarr’s floor as a scorer is improving as he becomes more confident at the NBA level. Also, the Chicago Bulls struggle to contain opposing centres.

Chicago allows the fourth-most points per game (24.6) to the position, per Fantasy Pros.

Picks made at 1:14 p.m. ET on 01/01/2025.