Nikola Jokic earned two quick fouls in the first quarter, then another quick two in the third quarter. That limited his time on the court (29 minutes), and ruined any hope of the over on his rebounds. Despite the fact that he had four rebounds in the first quarter, he ended with just seven.

However it wasn’t all bad news. The New Orleans Pelicans easily covered the teased up spread, winning 128 - 109 against the Indiana Pacers. 16 more points than was needed. It was also wise to do the same thing twice. Betting on Derrick White to make over 3.5 threes yesterday. He made four in a blowout victory over the Toronto Raptors. Meatloaf is back on the menu, proving once again, that ‘Two out of three ain’t bad’. Seven out of eight is much better.

There are six games today, and there are a few teams playing in the second of back-to-back games. There are a few teams who are fresh as well. Today' s best bets look at two Eastern Conference matches, as well as a player proposition that should deliver.
 

 

 

NBA Best Bets Today, 12/21: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Sunday

Miami Heat vs New York Knicks: Sunday 12/21

Game Time: 6:00 PM ET | TV: Local Networks | Location: Madison Square Garden | Odds: NYK -8.5  | O/U 236.5

Prediction: Bam Adebayo Over 8.5 Rebounds (-122 on FanDuel Sportsbook)

Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat continue their road trip with a game in New York. It is the Heat’s third consecutive road match, and this time it’s at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks are -8.5 point favorites, in a match with a predicted total of 236.5 points. The spread seems in play for the Miami Heat, but the best bet is on Adebayo’s rebounding line.

He has been rebounding much better lately, earning 10 or more rebounds in seven of his last ten matches. He has double-digit rebounds in his last three games, and the Heat are rested for this match. The Knicks are a good rebounding team with Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns rotating at center. The Knicks allow just 41.1 rebounds to opposing teams, but Adebayo is not an average center.

The key statistic is 31 minutes. In the Heat’s last ten games, Adebayo has 10 or more rebounds in all but one game in which he played 31 minutes. This should be a competitive game, keeping Adebayo in over 30 minutes. He will deliver once again, by playing larger than his 6’ 9” listing. Put a unit on him to record over 8.5 rebounds today.
 

 

 

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks: Sunday 12/21

Game Time: 3:30 PM ET | TV: Local | Location: State Farm Arena | Odds: ATL -4.5 | O/U 245.5

Prediction: CHI Moneyline (+160 on DraftKings Sportsbook) 

The Chicago Bulls have been on a run, and they have been building our bankroll along the way. They upset the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last two games, one at home and one on the road. They continue their road trip in Atlanta against the Hawks. Atlanta has been a targeted team to bet against for Fantasy Alarm, and it too has been profitable. 

When the data aligns, a best bet will be placed. At +160 it seems like a high risk, but the data says otherwise. Chicago is currently 2.0 games behind the ninth place Hawks in the Eastern Conference. They are both in the play-in, but Chicago has won two in a row. Atlanta has lost their last two games, and are 5 - 7 at home. 

The Bulls are playing like they were to begin the season, and putting away mediocre teams. Atlanta will have difficulty with Chicago’s size and experience. They are also mediocre at best. At +160 the odds are great and a teased spread is not necessary. Put a unit on the Chicago Bulls to win on the road.
 

 

 

NBA Prop Bet Today, 12/21

Myles Turner Under 11.5 Points (-114 on FanDuel Sportsbook)

The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Milwaukee Bucks in an Eastern versus Western Conference battle. Although these two are in different conferences, it is only a 70 minute flight from one place to the other. These are two teams headed in the opposite direction. The distance isn’t an issue, it’s the gameplay.

Minnesota has won eight of their last ten matches, Milwaukee has lost seven of their last ten matches. Minnesota is 10 - 5 at home, Milwaukee is 3 - 9 on the road. Minnesota’s star player is healthy and playing at an elite level. Milwaukee’s star can not stay on the court, and is the hottest name in speculated trades. This could become a blowout, and is currently a -12.5 spread in favor of the Timberwolves.

Myles Turner is sporadic with his scoring, and lacks consistency. Hence why he has only been mentioned once before. His point line is set at 11.5, and he has scored less than that in two of his last three games. He also has less than 12 points in six of his last nine games. Minnesota has an excellent defensive front court, and Rudy Gobert should prevent Turner from getting easy put-backs from offensive rebounds.

Minnesota is allowing just 114.3 points per game, but the Bucks only score 113.6 points per game. Turner could be rested for younger talent if this becomes a blowout. He’s only played over 28 minutes once in his last eight games. Put a unit on the best bet of under 11.5 points.
 

 

 

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