The 2024-25 NBA season is underway. Make sure you check out the fantastic work of Jonathan Von Tobel, who will be writing NBA deep-dive features for us twice per week this year. And try to listen to A Numbers Game every morning, as Kelley Bydlon often dishes out his favorite NBA picks. But I’ll be giving out NBA best bets and player props here as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work throughout the season. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Sunday, December 8th. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on December 8th
NBA Best Bets Today – December 8th
Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls – 1:00 pm ET
Since Paul George returned on November 30th, the Sixers have a net rating of +6.9. George has only played in three of Philadelphia’s four games since then, but the Sixers are simply starting to find their way. In fact, Philadelphia is 3-0 in the three games George has played. And realistically, the team’s 106.1 defensive rating over the last four games is why I like the Sixers to beat the Bulls today. Philadelphia’s defense should be able to handle a Chicago team that is ninth in the league in adjusted offensive rating and plays at the league’s fastest pace. And on the other end of the floor, I have very little faith in the Bulls stopping Tyrese Maxey, George and Jared McCain. Chicago is 29th in the NBA in adjusted defensive rating, and the team’s defense is the reason the Bulls are just 10-14 right now. I’m also not too worried about the Bulls being at home here. They’re just 3-8 straight-up at home this year. On top of everything, it looks like Joel Embiid will play. Even if he plays limited minutes, that should be enough for Philadelphia to beat a below-average team.
Bet: Sixers ML (-115 – 1.5 units)
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers – 9:30 pm ET
The Lakers are down to 26th in the NBA in defensive rating, making it hard to believe they’re going to blow out anybody. That said, I’m willing to take the points with the Blazers tonight. The reality is that these teams have nearly identical statistical profiles over the last 10 games. In that span, Los Angeles has an offensive rating of 107.4, while Portland’s is 106.9. The Lakers also have a defensive rating of 118.6 in that span, while the Blazers have a defensive rating of 119.2. Portland’s numbers are also skewed by a lopsided loss against Utah.
There’s no denying that the Lakers are the more talented team here, and the Blazers are missing some key pieces. But I’m simply fading Los Angeles as a big favorite until I see a much better effort on defense. Also, Portland is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games. Los Angeles is 2-9 ATS in its last 11. Also, under head coach Chauncey Billups, the Blazers are 31-23-1 ATS versus teams that are outscored by at least 3.0 points per game. Portland can be competitive against the right teams. And Los Angeles is just 1-7 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points under JJ Redick.
Bet: Blazers +8.5 (-110 – 1.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – December 8th
Denver Nuggets at Atlanta Hawks – 6:00 pm ET
Trae Young is averaging 12.3 assists per game this season, and he has had at least 15 dimes in six of his last 13 games. He has also gone Over tonight’s total of 12.5 assists in seven of those games. Young will now go to work against a Nuggets team that is allowing more assists per game (30.0) than any team in the NBA. This is a defense that is very unorganized right now, and it’s also a group that should have tired legs after a loss to the Wizards last night. It’s not going to be easy rooting for Young to have 13 assists. It’s an insanely high mark. But this game has one of the highest totals on the board, and Young should be able to consistently get two feet in the paint and then look to dissect the Denver defense. And all you can really hope for is opportunities. Well, over the last 13 games, Young is averaging 22.5 potential assists per game, so there’s no reason to believe there won’t be a ton of chances. He’s also averaging 15.8 adjusted assists per game in that span. That said, I’m taking a shot on him to go Over this high number. I’m also playing an alternate number of 14.5 at +185.
Bet: Young Over 12.5 Assists (-113 – 1.5 units) & Young Alt Assists 15+ (+185 – 0.5 units)
Parlays/Teasers/Late Added Plays/In-Season Futures
5PT TEASER: Suns +7.5 vs. Magic & Spurs -0.5 vs. Pelicans (+100 – 1.5 units) – I can easily see the Suns losing to the Magic tonight. Phoenix has been awful without Kevin Durant, and this is the second night of a back-to-back. However, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner missing for Orlando this evening, it’s a little hard to envision the Magic winning by a significant margin. Orlando is just 25th in the NBA in offensive rating right now. Losing a borderline elite offensive player like Wagner isn’t going to help matters. Meanwhile, the Spurs have been struggling lately, but they’re getting the Pelicans on the second night of a back-to-back. San Antonio should have a lot more energy here, especially with New Orleans having worked hard to cut into Oklahoma City’s deficit late in last night’s game. Even in a double-digit loss, Herb Jones, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III played at least 34 minutes each. Also, Brandon Ingram hurt his ankle and only played 19 minutes. He probably won’t be out there for this one.
_________________________________________________
2024-25 NBA Record: 103-93 (+7.40 units)
