Sunday was a mixed bag, but the straight bets fell flat, and the player props reigned supreme. Until the new year, most, if not all, bets are going to be player props. A voided bet is not fun, but losing a bet due to inactive players is far less desirable. A straight bet can not be voided unless the game is canceled, and once key pieces are out of the game, the previous line and odds are essentially garbage. 

For a player proposition, they either perform and hit the line or they don’t. There are far fewer variables, and it is not nearly as dynamic a bet. This week, there are several days with a minimal number of NBA games. However, player propositions will get us to the land of profit, which is always the goal of this column.

 

 

 

NBA Best Bets Today, 12/8: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Monday 

Sacramento Kings vs Indiana Pacers: Monday 12/8

Game Time: 7:00 PM ET | TV: Peacock | Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse | Odds: IND -4.5 | O/U 234.5

The first nationally televised game today features the Sacramento Kings versus the Indiana Pacers. It should be a thrilling game led by two future Hall of Fame members. The fans of Gainbridge Fieldhouse are yearning for wins, as the Pacers are 4 - 8 at home this season. The Kings are 3 - 10 on the road, and this is a battle for the lottery more than the playoffs.

Russell Westbrook is a proven winner, and playing on a losing team allows him to display his greatness. Just like cream rising to the top, Westbrook outplayed a crowded Sacramento backcourt to become the leader. He is averaging over 28 minutes per game, and continues to put up double-double and triple-double performances.

In his last match, he dished out 10 assists, and is averaging 7.0 assists per game. Indiana allows the sixth most assists per game to opposing opponents, 24.9. For that reason, the best bet is for Westbrook to earn over 7.5 assists. The sportsbooks put a hook on his average, but offered it at plus odds. He has gone over this line in three of his last four games, and should do it against the team allowing the sixth most in the association. Put a unit on the plus-odd proposition. 

San Antonio Spurs vs New Orleans Pelicans: Monday 12/8

Game Time: 8:00 PM ET | TV: Peacock | Location: Smoothie King Center | Odds: SA -9.5 | O/U: 236.5

The second nationally televised match of today is the New Orleans Pelicans hosting the San Antonio Spurs. It is an Interstate-10 showdown in the bayou between two Western Conference teams on opposite ends of success. The Spurs have won seven of their last ten games and have a positive road record. The Pelicans have lost nine of their last ten games, six in a row, and are 2 - 11 at home.

That doesn’t mean they are an awful team, though. They are just not equipped to win close games against mediocre teams. Trey Murphy is not the problem and is a bright spot in a dull season. First off, the young man is averaging 35.6 minutes per game, which is great for fantasy basketball. His per-game averages in other crucial stats are: 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals. 

His rebounds are the key in this best bet, as the sportsbooks drop his line at one below his average. The Spurs are a good rebounding team, allowing just 41.4 rebounds per game. But that average includes 12 games with Victor Wembanyama. Luke Kornet is the Spurs' best rebounder and has their highest set rebounding line. It is only 7.5 and plus odds on the over. Murphy III should have a good rebounding night at home and could be the leading rebounder. Put a unit on the best bet of over 5.5 rebounds.

 

 


 

NBA Prop Bet Today, 12/8 

Collin Gillespie has a significant role with the Phoenix Suns, and has increased with the injury to teammate Devin Booker. The 2023 NBA champion has been known as a great three-point scorer since entering the league. Hence why his three-point line is set at 2.5 with juice on the over. The 3+ line is set with just slightly better odds, and it is the third best bet today.

The Suns are on the road at the Target Center against the surging Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota has won five in a row and could put pressure on the Suns offensively. Gillespie will likely attempt six or more threes, as he has done so in his past nine games. He has made three or more threes in eight of those games. However, he made just one in their most recent game. Gillespie should attempt his first three early in the game and take several throughout. That is why the double unit hammer is suggested on this juiced line. Put two units on Gillespie to make three or more threes today.

 

 

 

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

 

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