The NBA Cup elimination round lived up to the hype. The Orlando Magic gave the New York Knicks a scare with a fourth quarter comeback, but the Knicks pushed the pace and ended up winning by over ten points. The San Antonio Spurs surprised everyone. Despite being 10.5 point underdogs they won the game, and ended the Thunder’s long winning streak. They also advanced to the NBA Cup Finals. 

Victor Wembanyama was the star of the show, and even though he did not play one second of the first quarter he cleared his plus odds point proposition. He had 9 rebounds and perhaps laying the plus odds was a mistake. But a few more minutes, or if the end of the game was not a free throw-athon, then he would have earned it. However one plus odd win means there was less than a unit loss, and we will earn it back.

There are nine games today and the best bets will focus on player propositions to make the weekend a profitable one. The first best bet starts in the cold land of the north country.
 

 

 

NBA Best Bets Today, 12/14: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Sunday NBA Cup

Sacramento Kings vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Sunday 12/14

Game Time: 7:00 PM ET | TV: Local | Location: Target Center | Odds: MIN -12.5 | O/U 233.5

Prediction: Maxime Raynaud Over 6.5 Rebounds (-146 on FanDuel Sportsbook) 

Maxime Raynaud is mentioned in the Week 9 NBA Injury Report and Waiver Wire Suggestions article. He is a rookie center for the Sacramento Kings, and is beginning to find his rhythm. Domantas Sabonis and Zach Lavine have been out and that has forced Raynaud into more playing time. He has played 22 or more minutes in the previous six matches, and two games with 32 or more minutes. 

He is the third consecutive 7’ (or taller) French national player to have a rebounding best bet. Raynaud will be playing against fellow French national player, Rudy Gobert. Raynaud has earned eight or more rebounds in the previous three matches. The expectation is he will earn over 6.5 rebounds for the fourth consecutive game. Take advantage of Raynaud’s rebounding line while Sabonis is still out. Put a unit on this best bet in a battle of French centers.
 

 

 

Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets: Sunday 12/14

Game Time: 6:00 PM ET | TV: NBA League Pass | Location: Barclays Center | Odds: MIL -1.5 | O/U: 217.5

Prediction: Michael Porter Over 25.5 Points (-120 on BETMGM Sportsbook) 

Michael Porter is a player that is frequently mentioned in this column, but it is for good reason. He has successfully delivered on most of his player propositions this season. Specifically his overs, as we have bet on his points, rebounds, and assists. Today the best bet is on his points against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Porter Jr. has played four games this month, and his minutes to points ratio is insane in those games. Starting with the most recent they are; 34 minutes to 34 points, 33 minutes to 35 points, 34 minutes to 33 points, 36 minutes to 35 points. It’s a December to remember to say the least, and with the new All-Star format, M. Porter Jr. has a legitimate chance to be selected for his first All-Star game.

The Brooklyn Nets host the Bucks at the Barclays Center, and M. Porter Jr is well rested for this contest. His point line is set at 25.5, which is below his season average of 26.3. As tempting as it is to tease this best bet up, take the slight juice on BETMGM. We are going for our second sweep in three days, and playing what the sportsbooks offer is our best opportunity to do so. The point line is also set at 217.5, which is likely why his line is so low.
 

 

 

NBA Prop Bet Today, 12/14 

Joel Embiid Under 7.5 Rebounds (-132 on FanDuel Sportsbook) 

The last best bet of today comes from State Farm Arena. The Atlanta Hawks host the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern Conference battle. The 76ers are in fourth place, and the Hawks are in ninth, but they are only separated by 1.0 game. If Atlanta wins they will be back in the top five of the East, but the problem is Atlanta is terrible at home. They are 4 - 6 at home and have 10 wins on the road. 

However this bet doesn’t focus on the Hawks, but on Joel Embiid. More specifically his rebounding line of 7.5. Embiid had his best game of the season two days ago. He played 32 minutes, scored 39 points, and recorded 9 rebounds. However that was against the Indiana Pacers who are clearly tanking for a high lottery pick. The Atlanta Hawks see an opportunity for them to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals, and possibly beyond. 

Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and Mouhamed Gueye will be all over Embiid defensively. They will position themselves and use their athleticism to keep Embiid out of the paint. He will not clear 7.5 boards with strictly offensive rebounds either. Although some are eager to proclaim Embiid is back, he had a good game against a bad team. Don’t expect the same numbers two days after a 30+ minute game. Put a unit on the plus odds best bet of under 7.5 rebounds. 
 

 

 

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