Category: NBA

Raptors vs. Celtics same-game parlay predictions Dec. 31: Back Jaylen Brown and Derrick White at +310

Raptors vs. Celtics predictions

The Toronto Raptors wrap up 2024 with a matinee against the defending champion Boston Celtics.

The pregame narrative: Toronto is a massive road dog and I’ll tease it further, banking 22.5 points with the Raps. Props bets on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White round out this +310 wager.

Check out my Raptors vs. Celtics same-game parlay predictions for Dec. 31.

Raptors vs. Celtics predictions

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Parlay: Raptors +22.5 + Brown over 34.5 PRA + White over 2.5 threes (+310)

Raptors +22.5 (-220): The Raptors have lost 10 straight games and are coming off consecutive blowouts where they failed to cover this number.

Now, they’re on the road against one of the best teams in basketball. That doesn’t inspire much confidence, and nor should it. But this is a big number and it’s one Toronto typically covers:

  • The Raptors are 19-12-1 ATS this season (fifth-best in the NBA).
  • Toronto has covered a +22.5 spread in 28 of 32 games this season (87.5%).
  • That includes a 126-123 overtime loss to the Celtics on Nov. 16 when they closed as 16.5-point underdogs.

Boston will likely win this game but I’m confident Toronto can keep it within this massive margin. The Celtics were untouchable on home court last season but have looked more human this year.

Joe Mazzula’s group is 12-6 at TD Garden but just 6-12 ATS. Boston has also lost four of its last six games.

SGP legs

Brown over 34.5 PRA (-113): Brown is running hot and tends to torch the Raptors. He should be in line for another big game tonight.

Boston’s swingman has cleared this mark in six of his last seven games against the Raptors. He’s averaged 26.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists (39 PRA) in that span.

Brown has cleared this line on points alone in two of his last four games and finished with 31 points, six assists and four rebounds his last time out.

He’s attempted 20-plus field goals in five straight games which gives us a solid floor to work with.

White over 2.5 threes (-240): White is arguably the fourth or fifth biggest name on the Celtics. Yet he’s still an Olympian averaging 16.9 PPG while shooting 38.5% from deep — that’s why they’re the champs.

The shooting guard is making 3.5 threes a night and has cleared this mark in four straight games and seven of his last eight.

He shoots with volume and accuracy from beyond the arc and went 3-for-12 against the Raptors earlier this season.

Toronto gives up the ninth-most 3s per game to SGs, per Fantasy Pros.

Picks made at 8:40 a.m. ET 12/31/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Dec. 30: Back Jamal Murray against Jazz, Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Wizards

NBA prop bets

Monday’s NBA schedule features seven games and I have three prop picks for the slate.

The pregame narrative: My favourite bet is a play on Canadian Jamal Murray, while wagers on Josh Giddey and Karl-Anthony Towns round out the recommendations.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Dec. 30.

NBA prop bets

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Best bet: Murray over 23.5 points (-108)

Russell Westbrook has started the last two games for the Denver Nuggets and it appears he’ll remain in the starting five while Aaron Gordon is sidelined. 

That shifts Murray into even more of a scoring role and he’s responded emphatically in the last two games. 

  • Murray is coming off a season-high 34-point contest.
  • He had 27 points in the game before that.
  • In three games alongside Westbrook in the starting unit, Murray is averaging 29.7 points and shooting above 50% from the perimeter.

The small sample is encouraging and will hopefully unlock more out of Murray, whose numbers are down this season. 

In addition to the lineup bump, Murray has a favourable matchup on Monday against the Utah Jazz. 

Utah is last in the NBA in defensive efficiency, surrendering just shy of 120 points per game. 

The team has been punished by guards, allowing the fourth-most points to point guards and the third-most to shooting guards (per Betting Pros). 

Murray dropped 22 on 10-of-18 shooting versus the Jazz last month, and tonight’s game has the highest total of the evening (240 points).

Key stat: December has been Murray’s highest-scoring month and he’s topped this line in five of his last six games.

Quick picks

Giddey over 13.5 assists/rebounds (-130): Giddey returned from a near-two-week absence on Saturday, recording a massive triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks in 29 minutes.

The first-year Chicago Bull had season-highs of 23 points and 15 rebounds while adding 10 assists. 

It brought his assist/rebound average for the month up to 17.0 per game. 

He’s 5-2 versus this line in December and had 16 assists/rebounds when he faced the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 13. 

Giddey has always been a solid rebounder (7.2/game for his career) and he enters the night averaging a career-best 7.0 assists per game.

Towns over 24.5 points (-125): The New York Knicks get the Washington Wizards for the second time in three nights.

Jalen Brunson stole the show with a 55-point performance on Saturday. But Towns did damage, too, dropping a 30-piece with 14 rebounds.

It was another example of the Wizards getting shredded by a centre (they allow the most PPG to the position) and Towns taking advantage of a plus matchup.

Here’s how Towns has done versus the six teams that allow the most points to centres:

  • Vs. Wizards: 30 pts, 24 pts
  • Vs. Suns: 34 pts
  • Vs. Jazz: 16 pts
  • Vs. Bulls: 46 pts
  • Vs. Hawks: 34 pts, 19 pts
  • Vs. Raptors: 31 pts, 24 pts

That works out to an average of 28.6 points, a nice bump from his season average (24.5).

Brunson is questionable as of Monday’s early afternoon NBA injury report. Towns’ outlook would be even better if his all-star teammate were unavailable.

Picks made at 12:25 p.m. ET on 12/30/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Dec. 30: Back Jamal Murray against Jazz, Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Wizards

NBA prop bets

Monday’s NBA schedule features seven games and I have three prop picks for the slate.

The pregame narrative: My favourite bet is a play on Canadian Jamal Murray, while wagers on Josh Giddey and Karl-Anthony Towns round out the recommendations.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Dec. 30.

NBA prop bets

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Best bet: Murray over 22.5 points (-125)

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Russell Westbrook has started the last two games for the Denver Nuggets and it appears he’ll remain in the starting five while Aaron Gordon is sidelined. 

That shifts Murray into even more of a scoring role and he’s responded emphatically in the last two games. 

  • Murray is coming off a season-high 34-point contest.
  • He had 27 points in the game before that.
  • In three games alongside Westbrook in the starting unit, Murray is averaging 29.7 points and shooting above 50% from the perimeter.

The small sample is encouraging and will hopefully unlock more out of Murray, whose numbers are down this season. 

In addition to the lineup bump, Murray has a favourable matchup on Monday against the Utah Jazz. 

Utah is last in the NBA in defensive efficiency, surrendering just shy of 120 points per game. 

The team has been punished by guards, allowing the fourth-most points to point guards and the third-most to shooting guards (per Betting Pros). 

Murray dropped 22 on 10-of-18 shooting versus the Jazz last month, and tonight’s game has the highest total of the evening (240 points).

Key stat: December has been Murray’s highest-scoring month and he’s topped this line in five of his last six games.

Quick picks

Giddey over 13.5 assists/rebounds (-122): Giddey returned from a near-two-week absence on Saturday, recording a massive triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks in 29 minutes.

The first-year Chicago Bull had season-highs of 23 points and 15 rebounds while adding 10 assists. 

It brought his assist/rebound average for the month up to 17.0 per game. 

He’s 5-2 versus this line in December and had 16 assists/rebounds when he faced the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 13. 

Giddey has always been a solid rebounder (7.2/game for his career) and he enters the night averaging a career-best 7.0 assists per game.

Towns over 24.5 points (-124): The New York Knicks get the Washington Wizards for the second time in three nights.

Jalen Brunson stole the show with a 55-point performance on Saturday. But Towns did damage, too, dropping a 30-piece with 14 rebounds.

It was another example of the Wizards getting shredded by a centre (they allow the most PPG to the position) and Towns taking advantage of a plus matchup.

Here’s how Towns has done versus the six teams that allow the most points to centres:

  • Vs. Wizards: 30 pts, 24 pts
  • Vs. Suns: 34 pts
  • Vs. Jazz: 16 pts
  • Vs. Bulls: 46 pts
  • Vs. Hawks: 34 pts, 19 pts
  • Vs. Raptors: 31 pts, 24 pts

That works out to an average of 28.6 points, a nice bump from his season average (24.5).

Brunson is questionable as of Monday’s early afternoon NBA injury report. Towns’ outlook would be even better if his all-star teammate were unavailable.

Picks made at 12:25 p.m. ET on 12/30/2024.

Cavaliers vs. Warriors same-game parlay predicitons Dec. 30: Back Steph Curry and fade Donovan Mitchell on Monday

Cavaliers vs. Warriors predictions

The Golden State Warriors host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.

The pregame narrative: Cleveland is a small road favourite but I’m not picking a side or total this evening. An all-player-prop ticket featuring Steph Curry, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley makes up this +330 SGP.

Check out my Cavaliers vs. Warriors same-game parlay predictions for Dec. 30.

Cavaliers vs. Warriors predictions

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Parlay: Curry over 23.5 points + Mobley over 14.5 points + Mitchell under 3.5 threes (+330)

Curry over 23.5 points (-141): Curry has been inconsistent this season but still leads the Warriors in scoring (22.5 points/game) and volume (16.8 shots/game).

And more importantly, he draws a great matchup.

The Cavaliers allow the sixth-most points and fourth-most 3s per game to opposing point guards, according to Fantasy Pros.

Curry has cleared this total in five of 10 games in December while also landing on 22 and 23 points.

He only scored 12 against the Cavs in Cleveland earlier this year but played just 24 minutes in a blowout loss.

Curry still shot 50.0% in that game and has taken north of 20 shots in three of his last four games.

A 4.5-point spread indicates this should be a competitive outing where Curry will be active.

SGP legs

Mobley over 14.5 points (-220): I love the over on Mobley’s 16.5 points total as a standalone play and will happily shave some points off for this SGP.

The fourth-year power forward is averaging a career-best 18.8 PPG and has been on a roll lately:

  • 19.9 PPG in December
  • 22+ points in 4/5 games
  • 15+ points in 10/12 games

Mobley has cleared this mark in five straight and gets a Warriors team with the second-worst midrange defence (46.3%), per Cleaning the Glass.

Cleveland’s power forward does a lot of damage from that area of the court and scored 23 against Golden State earlier this season.

Mitchell under 3.5 threes (-125): Mitchell has been letting loose from deep this month, making 4.2 threes on 9.1 attempts a night (45.1%).

It’s a little scary to fade a player that hot. But this is a big number and Golden State owns the sixth-best 3-point defence in basketball.

Mitchell had one of his worst shooting nights of the season when he last played the Warriors (12 points, 1-of-7 from deep).

He has also gone under this mark in three of four games versus Golden State since joining Cleveland.

Picks made at 11:50 a.m. ET 12/30/2024

Hawks vs. Raptors prop picks Dec. 29: Bet on Trae Young, Gradey Dick to fill the net

Hawks vs. Raptors prop bets

The Toronto Raptors face the Atlanta Hawks for the first time this season in Sunday’s highest-projected scoring matchup.

The pregame narrative: At a projected over/under hovering near 240 points, both teams should light up the box score at Scotiabank Arena. I’m backing one shooter from each side — Gradey Dick and Trae Young — to do just that.

Check out my Hawks vs. Raptors prop picks for Dec. 29.

Hawks vs. Raptors prop picks

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Best Bet: Dick over 2.5 threes (-112)

Atlanta is truly 1-of-1 as a matchup for opposing 3-point shooters.

  • Most made 3s allowed (16.0/game)
  • Most attempted 3s allowed (41.6/game)
  • 2nd-highest 3PT% (38.4)

Atlanta allows a league-high volume of 3-pointers at a sky-high efficiency. This is a dream for anyone who likes to fire from deep.

And Dick is one of those guys, hoisting 7.1 threes per game this season. The second-year shooting guard is a full-time starter, and his shot volume has essentially doubled compared to his rookie campaign.

Since the start of December, Dick has attempted 7.4 threes per game and cashed 2.8 of them. Those numbers both pace the Raptors.

Last year, Dick went 6-for-13 (46.2%) from beyond the arc over three matchups against the Hawks. He came off the bench in each of those games and only cleared this prop once.

As a starter and the team’s top gunner from 3-point range, I expect Dick to fire away freely against Atlanta tonight.

Key stat: Dick has gone over 2.5 threes in seven of his past 12 games, averaging 2.7 makes in that span.

Quick pick

Young over 23.5 points (-118): Young has cut back on shooting and is taking his facilitating game to new heights. But in what should be a high-scoring matchup, this is still a number he can clear.

The NBA’s assists leader (12.2 APG) has 27-plus points in three of his past five games.

He may not be shooting as much from the field — averaging 16.7 FGA, his fewest since 2018-19 — but Young is still in the league’s top 20 for free throw attempts (6.6/game).

Toronto yields the most free throw attempts per game to its opponents.

Last season, Young hit the 30-point mark in three of four matchups against the Raptors.

Picks made at 1:15 p.m. ET 12/29/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Dec. 29: Expect big things from Chris Paul, Zach Edey

NBA prop bets

Sunday’s NBA prop bets feature Jaylen Brown, Zach Edey and Chris Paul.

The pregame narrative: These three players are all different sizes, and I’m backing them in different ways on the prop market. I like the over for Brown’s point total, Edey’s rebound total and Paul’s assist total.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Dec. 29.

NBA prop bets

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Best bet: Edey over 8.5 rebounds (-130)

Ja Morant is out tonight, which means the Memphis Grizzlies will be down a solid rebounding guard. But this pick has a lot more to do with the Grizzlies’ opponent.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are among the very worst rebounding teams in the NBA.

  • 2nd-most rebounds allowed
  • 4th-most rebounds allowed to centres
  • 4th-worst rebounding rate

Maybe it’ll look okay for the Thunder when both of their 7-footers, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, are healthy simultaneously. But that hasn’t happened yet, which has shone a bright light on the lack of size elsewhere on the roster.

Hartenstein is probably due for 10-plus rebounds tonight, but Edey should still grab his share. He’s been impressively active on the glass since returning from an ankle injury.

Edey has gone over 8.5 rebounds in four of six games since his return. That includes a career-high 16 rebounds on Boxing Day against the Raptors — a top-10 team in rebounding rate.

OKC presents a much cushier matchup for the Toronto native, and I expect him to make the most of it.

Key stat: Edey is averaging 10.5 rebounds per game in his past six matchups.

Quick picks

Brown over 25.5 points (-108): The Indiana Pacers tend to play fast and loose, and Brown is known to take advantage of it.

This season, Indiana has played at the seventh-fastest pace while posting the eighth-worst defensive rating. Put that together, and you get a team allowing the ninth-most points per game.

Brown’s Boston Celtics saw the Pacers just two days ago, and he finished with 44 points on 16-of-24 shooting.

In his past 10 games against Indiana — dating back to December 2023 — Brown has averaged 31.4 PPG and cashed this bet seven times.

Paul over 7.5 assists (-106): It’s Year 20 in Paul’s esteemed NBA career, and he can still dish the rock at a high level.

The five-time assist champ is averaging 8.2 assists this season while starting all 31 games for the San Antonio Spurs. He’s down to a career-low 7.5 field goal attempts per game, ensuring that passing is a priority.

Paul has gone over 7.5 assists in nine of his past 12 games overall. He’s also cashed this bet in both matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Minnesota is a stout defensive team, but this isn’t a big ask from San Antonio’s pass-happy floor general.

Picks made at 1:04 p.m. ET on 12/29/2024.

Spurs vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions Dec. 29: Bet on Wembanyama, Edwards and Gobert at +340

Spurs vs. Timberwolves predictions

The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves headline Sunday’s NBA action.

The pregame narrative: Victor Wembanyama has turned things around following a slow start and I predict another high-scoring performance from the Frenchman. I’m adding in prop picks on Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert to craft a +340 SGP.

Check out my Spurs vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay predictions for Dec. 29.

Spurs vs. Timberwolves predictions

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Parlay: Wembanyama over 23.5 points + Edwards over 24.5 points + Gobert over 0.5 steals (+340)

Wembanyama over 23.5 points (-136): The second-year phenom fell short of this point total in his last game but finished with 24-plus points in six of the seven games prior.

Wembanyama finished with 19 points against the Brooklyn Nets but took his fewest shot attempts (14) since Nov. 7.

The 7-foot-5 Wembanyama spends most of his time on the perimeter, so Minnesota’s elite rim protection isn’t much of a concern.

In fact, Wemby takes more 3s (9.4) than 2s (9.3) per game. It’s a thin margin, but it highlights how much of an anomaly he is.

I’m a firm believer that Gobert struggles against more mobile bigs. In his most recent game, opposing centre Alperen Sengun had 38 points and shot 64.0% from the field.

SGP legs

Edwards over 24.5 points (-143): I’m buying in on Edwards right now as I think a string of strong performances is imminent.

The explosive guard topped this total on Christmas Day and then went under against the Rockets on Friday. He finished just shy with 24 points but shot 9-for-17 from the field and 4-for-8 from deep.

Minnesota’s offence was on fire that night, shooting 51% and hitting 21 of its 43 attempted 3s.

Edwards didn’t need to carry the offence but that’s rarely the case. He’s just one of two players on the T-Wolves who averages more than 13.0 PPG.

This is also a matchup Edwards can take advantage of. The Spurs allow the sixth-most points to SGs (23.8) per game, according to Fantasy Pros.

Gobert over 0.5 steals (-205): This leg has the shortest odds but for good reason.

Gobert has been excellent against this line lately, recording a steal in 10 of the last 12 games.

San Antonio commits the 10th-most turnovers per game (15.0). Additionally, Wembanyama averages 3.6 turnovers a night and Gobert will be his primary defender on Sunday.

Picks made at 11:24 a.m. ET 12/29/2024

Best NBA prop bets Dec. 29: Expect big things from Chris Paul, Zach Edey

NBA prop bets

Sunday’s NBA prop bets feature Jaylen Brown, Zach Edey and Chris Paul.

The pregame narrative: These three players are all different sizes, and I’m backing them in different ways on the prop market. I like the over for Brown’s point total, Edey’s rebound total and Paul’s assist total.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for Dec. 29.

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Best bet: Edey over 8.5 rebounds (-121)

Ja Morant is out tonight, which means the Memphis Grizzlies will be down a solid rebounding guard. But this pick has a lot more to do with the Grizzlies’ opponent.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are among the very worst rebounding teams in the NBA.

  • 2nd-most rebounds allowed
  • 4th-most rebounds allowed to centres
  • 4th-worst rebounding rate

Maybe it’ll look okay for the Thunder when both of their 7-footers, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, are healthy simultaneously. But that hasn’t happened yet, which has shone a bright light on the lack of size elsewhere on the roster.

Hartenstein is probably due for 10-plus rebounds tonight, but Edey should still grab his share. He’s been impressively active on the glass since returning from an ankle injury.

Edey has gone over 8.5 rebounds in four of six games since his return. That includes a career-high 16 rebounds on Boxing Day against the Raptors — a top-10 team in rebounding rate.

OKC presents a much cushier matchup for the Toronto native, and I expect him to make the most of it.

Key stat: Edey is averaging 10.5 rebounds per game in his past six matchups.

Quick picks

Brown over 25.5 points (-121): The Indiana Pacers tend to play fast and loose, and Brown is known to take advantage of it.

This season, Indiana has played at the seventh-fastest pace while posting the eighth-worst defensive rating. Put that together, and you get a team allowing the ninth-most points per game.

Brown’s Boston Celtics saw the Pacers just two days ago, and he finished with 44 points on 16-of-24 shooting.

In his past 10 games against Indiana — dating back to December 2023 — Brown has averaged 31.4 PPG and cashed this bet seven times.

Paul over 7.5 assists (-120): It’s Year 20 in Paul’s esteemed NBA career, and he can still dish the rock at a high level.

The five-time assist champ is averaging 8.2 assists this season while starting all 31 games for the San Antonio Spurs. He’s down to a career-low 7.5 field goal attempts per game, ensuring that passing is a priority.

Paul has gone over 7.5 assists in nine of his past 12 games overall. He’s also cashed this bet in both matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Minnesota is a stout defensive team, but this isn’t a big ask from San Antonio’s pass-happy floor general.

Picks made at 11:04 a.m. ET on 12/29/2024.

Hawks vs. Raptors prop picks Dec. 29: Bet on Trae Young, Gradey Dick to fill the net

Hawks vs. Raptors prop bets

The Toronto Raptors face the Atlanta Hawks for the first time this season in Sunday’s highest-projected scoring matchup.

The pregame narrative: At a projected over/under hovering near 240 points, both teams should light up the box score at Scotiabank Arena. I’m backing one shooter from each side — Gradey Dick and Trae Young — to do just that.

Check out my Hawks vs. Raptors prop picks for Dec. 29.

Hawks vs. Raptors prop picks

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Best Bet: Dick over 2.5 threes (-104)

Atlanta is truly 1-of-1 as a matchup for opposing 3-point shooters.

  • Most made 3s allowed (16.0/game)
  • Most attempted 3s allowed (41.6/game)
  • 2nd-highest 3PT% (38.4)

Atlanta allows a league-high volume of 3-pointers at a sky-high efficiency. This is a dream for anyone who likes to fire from deep.

And Dick is one of those guys, hoisting 7.1 threes per game this season. The second-year shooting guard is a full-time starter, and his shot volume has essentially doubled compared to his rookie campaign.

Since the start of December, Dick has attempted 7.4 threes per game and cashed 2.8 of them. Those numbers both pace the Raptors.

Last year, Dick went 6-for-13 (46.2%) from beyond the arc over three matchups against the Hawks. He came off the bench in each of those games and only cleared this prop once.

As a starter and the team’s top gunner from 3-point range, I expect Dick to fire away freely against Atlanta tonight.

Key stat: Dick has gone over 2.5 threes in seven of his past 12 games, averaging 2.7 makes in that span.

Quick pick

Young over 22.5 points (-122): Young has cut back on shooting and is taking his facilitating game to new heights. But in what should be a high-scoring matchup, this is still a number he can clear.

The NBA’s assists leader (12.2 APG) has 23-plus points in four of his past five games.

He may not be shooting as much from the field — averaging 16.7 FGA, his fewest since 2018-19 — but Young is still in the league’s top 20 for free throw attempts (6.6/game).

Toronto yields the most free throw attempts per game to its opponents.

Last season, Young hit the 30-point mark in three of four matchups against the Raptors.

Picks made at 9:05 a.m. ET 12/29/2024.

Kings vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions Dec. 28: Bet on Davis, Reaves and DeRozan at +375

Kings vs. Lakers predictions

The Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers meet for the fourth time this season on Saturday.

The pregame narrative: It’s difficult for me to pick a side in this game, so I’m backing prop picks on Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and DeMar DeRozan in this late-night +375 SGP.

Check out my Kings vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions for Dec. 28.

Kings vs. Lakers predictions

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Embed: #104541

Parlay: Davis over 11.5 rebounds + Reaves over 24.5 points/rebounds/assists + DeRozan over 19.5 points (+375)

Davis over 11.5 rebounds (-177): The Lakers’ star big man left the Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors with an ankle injury but stated that he will be playing Saturday.

Davis is listed as questionable. But if he’s available, he will play his normal minutes.

When the Lakers and Kings met for a two-game series before the holidays, Davis dominated on the glass.

  • Dec. 21 vs. Kings: 15 rebounds
  • Dec. 19 vs. Kings: 19 rebounds

Domantas Sabonis is a beast himself on the glass, so it makes sense that Davis would need to be extra attentive as a rebounder against the Kings.

Sabonis is questionable tonight, too, but even if he’s out, backup Alex Len is a traditional big that hangs out in the paint.

Either way, Davis will be needed around the rim in this matchup.

SGP legs

Reaves over 24.5 pts/ast/reb (-159): Reaves has stepped up as the third option for the Lakers lately.

  • He has 25+ PRA in five of his last six games.
  • Reaves recorded his first triple-double of the season (25 pts, 10 ast, 10 reb) on Christmas Day.

This line doesn’t require a massive performance, but that wouldn’t be surprising to see if LeBron James (questionable) ends up being ruled out.

Even with LeBron, Reaves has been averaging 35.2 minutes over the past five games and coach JJ Reddick is clearly finding trust in the fourth-year pro.

With the way Reaves has been playing, this seemed like a no-brainer to add to the SGP.

DeRozan over 19.5 points (-115): This is the riskiest wager of the three legs, but I have faith in DeRozan.

Earlier in the season, bettors wouldn’t see a line this low for the former Toronto Raptor, but he’s in a slump right now.

DeRozan has fallen under this point total in five straight games. But he always shows up when playing the Lakers in Los Angeles.

It’s his childhood team, after all.

  • DeRozan is 2-0 against this line in the two away games vs. the Lakers since the start of last season.
  • He finished with a 23-point, 9-for-12 performance in October.

I do believe Sabonis will be ruled out considering he missed the Kings’ last game and was absent from practice yesterday. That means DeRozan would step into a lead scoring role alongside De’Aaron Fox.

Even with his current slump, DeRozan is 15-11 against this line.

Picks made at 1:24 p.m. ET 12/28/2024