Meatloaf for back-to-back meals, and ‘Two out of three ain’t bad’. The Oklahoma City Thunder versus Los Angeles Clippers match went almost exactly as we predicted. Two more points for the Clippers, two less for the Thunder, and it cleared over the projected total of 220.5. Michael Porter continues to be one of the most profitable players for Fantasy Alarm. He scored 28 points and cleared the 25.5 point line against the Miami Heat.

Cade Cunningham scored 29 points, clearing his 26.5 point line. Alas, the Pistons could not earn the win and lost in overtime against the Dallas Mavericks. The final score was 114 - 116, crushing the parlay. This is a perfect example of two truths. Profitable bettors rarely bet on parlays for the same reason that almost every sportsbook offers a daily boost for parlays. They have an incredibly low success rate. The second truth is that the Western Conference is superior to the Eastern Conference. 

There are five games today, two of which are nationally televised on Amazon Prime. There are also several teams playing in the second of back-to-back games. Straight bets will be avoided due to this, and none of today’s best bets are on the nationally televised games. They each have fantastic odds, though.

 

 

 

NBA Best Bets Today, 12/19: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Friday 

Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Friday 12/19

Game Time: 7:30 PM ET | TV: NBA League Pass | Location: Rocket Arena | Odds: CLE -7.5 | O/U 240.5

The Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers played against each other two days ago. The Cavaliers were favored to win that game, but Chicago won by double-digits. The Bulls’ spread was taken in that match, and despite it moving to +7.5, it will be avoided. Nikola Vucevic’s rebounding line was teased up as well. This time, the sportsbooks have moved his line up to 8.5, but the over is offered with plus odds.

Vucevic earned 9 rebounds in their match two days ago, and the expectation is that he will earn at least 9 once again. He only played 29 minutes in the previous game, partially because it was a blowout. If this game is more competitive, he should play more minutes. Jarrett Allen is still working his way into shape as the Cavaliers’ best and healthiest frontcourt player. 

Chicago is three games behind Cleveland in the Eastern Conference rankings. They need to make up ground after an awful ten-game stretch. Vucevic is the veteran on the team and knows he needs to be the better center in tonight’s match for them to have a chance. He is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game, and he outrebounded Allen 9 to 6 in their victory on Wednesday. Expect it to happen again. Put a unit on the first best bet of tonight. 

San Antonio Spurs vs Atlanta Hawks: Friday 12/19

Game Time: 7:30 PM ET | TV: Local | Location: State Farm Arena | Odds: SA -2.5 | O/U 241.5

The San Antonio Spurs displayed their capability to play at an elite level throughout the NBA Cup. They are currently tied for third in the Western Conference and are working Wembanyama into more minutes. His point line is set at 18.5, and the expectation is for him to go over. He has failed to go over that point line in his last two games, but there is a correlation with the low point production.

He has attempted a combined 6 free throws in the last two matches. In his first game back from injury, he attempted 12 free throws and made 9 of them. Due to that, he scored 22 in the victory against the Thunder. He has made either 6 or 7 (haha) field goals in his three games back, and has two games with 6 of 11 field goal lines. One went over due to free throws, and one failed due to the lack thereof. 

The Atlanta Hawks allow 118.0 points per game, are 5 - 6 at home, and will be without 7’ 2” Kristaps Porzingis. The Spurs have won four consecutive matches (the NBA Cup Championship does not count towards a team’s record, nor the player’s statistics), score 119.7 points per game, and are 8 - 5 on the road. Trust Wembanyama to play more aggressively, earn trips to the free-throw line, and cover his point line against the Hawks.

 

 


 

NBA Prop Bet Today, 12/19

Derrick White is a three-point making machine for the Boston Celtics. He has attempted 70 threes in his last six games. That is a large volume of three attempts, but the crazy part is he’s made 27 during that span. The Celtics host the Miami Heat at TD Garden, and Miami played in a match last night. Their defense is already subpar, and the circumstances make White over 3.5 threes made the best bet in this match.

Miami allows 116.9 points per game, and Bam Adebayo, paired with Kel’el Ware, are great frontcourt defenders. It is unknown if Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson will return to action, or if others will be sitting. But White is well rested and should attempt ten or more threes tonight. This bodes well for this plus odds best bet. Put a unit on White to deliver for Fantasy Alarm Best Bets once again.

Get $150 in Bonus Bets Today At FanDuel Sportsbook When You Sign Up

Ready to elevate your NBA betting? New users at FanDuel Sportsbook can snag $150 in bonus bets after a winning $5 wager—perfect for tailing these picks. Sign up now, deposit, and bet on any Friday matchup to unlock the offer. T&Cs apply; 21+ in eligible states. Gamble responsibly.
 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy G. -
*All bets placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise.