NBA Best Bets Today, 12/15: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Monday
It was a bizarre day in the NBA yesterday, or at least for Fantasy Alarm NBA Best Bets. Maxime Raynaud had six rebounds midway through the third quarter, but was unable to earn one more the rest of the match. The Brooklyn Nets destroyed the Milwaukee Bucks, and nine players scored double-digit points. Thus, Michael Porter did not earn near enough to cover his point line. Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers fell behind in the first quarter and could not catch up. However, Embiid earned almost double his rebounding line, and perhaps he is back.
There are five NBA games today, including a few games between top-ranked teams. There are also two nationally televised games, one per conference. Those two games are must-watch television, and there is a best bet on each match. The first match comes with a plus odds straight bet from Fantasy Alarm.
NBA Best Bets Today, 12/15: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Monday NBA Cup
Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics: Monday 12/15
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET | TV: Peacock | Location: TD Garden | Odds: BOS -1.5 | O/U 229.5
The Boston Celtics host the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden in the first game on Peacock. The Pistons are the best team in the Eastern Conference, but the Celtics are favored to win this match. Perhaps that is because they are the third-best team in the conference, but to Boston’s credit, they have been playing better in December.
The Pistons have the advantage of a great 1-2 game with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. They have won three games in a row and are 8 - 3 on the road this season. Cunningham is in the conversation for NBA MVP with his do-it-all skill set. He has the vision of an elite point guard and the size of a strong power forward. Points, rebounds, and assists come in bunches for the Pistons’ star.
Jalen Duren could be the player of this match, as he will have an advantage over any Celtics frontcourt player. A 20-point, 15-rebound game is well within reach for the big man. As long as this remains a close game, Cunningham and Duren can take over in the fourth quarter and earn the “upset” victory. The Pistons average more points per game, have a better point differential, and have the better starting roster. Put a unit on their moneyline at Caesars Sportsbook today.
Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets: Monday 12/15
Game Time: 9:30 PM ET | TV: Peacock | Location: Ball Arena | Odds: DEN -1.5 | O/U: 234.5
- Prediction: Denver Nuggets Moneyline (-115 on Bet365 Sportsbook)
The Denver Nuggets host the Houston Rockets in a thrilling Western Conference Showdown. Another sell-out crowd is expected at Ball Arena as the second and third-place teams in the West put up a show. The total line is set at 234.5, and both teams are well rested in this potential Western Conference Finals preview.
Their previous match this year was an NBA Cup thriller in Houston. The game ended in a 112 - 109 victory for the Denver Nuggets, and the same close result is expected at Ball Arena. Denver is a -1.5 point favorite at home, and although down Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, can rely on their two stars. Jamal Murray is having the best start to his career. He should earn his first All-Star selection, and he will be the difference maker against the Rockets.
Nikola Jokic will be his usual amazing self, but Murray is the difference maker. With both teams on full rest, the advantage goes to the team with the best player, and with the Nuggets playing at home, it seems this is their game to win. Put a unit on this best bet at Bet365, and expect the Nuggets to pull away in the fourth quarter.
NBA Prop Bet Today, 12/15
Andrew Wiggins is a quiet player, particularly for a former first overall pick. He is an NBA Champion who is quietly helping the Miami Heat to a much better-than-anticipated season. The Heat are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, and have a 14 - 11 record. Today, they host the Toronto Raptors in a battle of surprisingly good teams.
Wiggins is averaging 16.9 points per game, and scored 19 in Miami’s most recent game. He has scored 22 and 31 points in two of the Heat’s last three home games, too. Although there are several capable scorers for Miami, Wiggins' mid-range scoring abilities allow him to score against any opponent. He should see several open field goal attempts today, and that will lead to more than 15.5 points. Put a unit on the best bet today at FanDuel, and those new to the sportsbook should take advantage of the promotional offer below.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy G. -
*All bets placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise.
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