Now that the weekend is here, it’s time to simplify the grind. Instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into separate pieces, my weekend columns will bring everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Fewer words, hopefully the same results. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Sunday, December 14.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Nets ML (+112) vs. Bucks
Bucks at Nets – 6:00 pm ET
The Nets weren’t able to win in Dallas the other night, losing by eight against the Mavericks. However, that was a pretty tight game. Brooklyn also went into that one winning three of its previous four games. That said, this team really is playing some decent basketball right now. In fact, over the last 13 games — a stretch in which the Nets are 7-6 against the spread — Jordi Fernandez’s team is right about even when it comes to net rating (-1.2). Well, in that same span, Milwaukee has a net rating of -5.9. I’m just not sure the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks should be favored on the road here. Milwaukee might be coming off a good win over Boston, but that was a game in which the home crowd played a huge a role in determining the outcome. The Bucks won’t have that same energy in Brooklyn. Milwaukee is actually just 8-11 straight-up in road games with lines of +3 to -3 under Doc Rivers.
NBA Player Props Today
Paul George Over 26.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-118) vs. Hawks
76ers at Hawks – 6:00 pm ET
It seems unlikely that Tyrese Maxey will play tonight, meaning other members of this Sixers team will need to do some damage. Why not George? He actually had 34 combined points, rebounds, and assists against the Pacers in a Maxey-less game on Friday. He’s starting to look a little better after having to ease his way into the season, and this matchup could benefit him. For as many lengthy wings as the Hawks have, they’re actually just 27th at defending in isolation this season. That means George could find a way to cook a bit as a scorer, and I like him to chip in some rebounds and assists.
Derik Queen Over 14.5 Points (-112) vs. Bulls
Pelicans at Bulls – 7:00 pm ET
I normally like to play Queen’s assists, but I’m going straight for the points here. Queen is averaging 25.0 points per game over the last two contests, and he also happens to come into this game having had at least 15 points in four of the last six contests. Well, Queen now gets to go up against a Chicago team that is worse than any other team in the league when it comes to defending around the rim. The Bulls are also right near the bottom of the NBA at guarding pick-and-roll rollers, plus the team struggles with keeping opponents from scoring on putbacks. There’s just a good chance Queen impacts this game as a scorer, utilizing his downhill attacking, soft touch, and nifty footwork.
Mark Williams Over 11.5 Points (-125) vs. Lakers
Lakers at Suns – 8:00 pm ET
Williams had scored at least 12 points in seven of his previous eight games before scoring only nine against Oklahoma City last game. However, Williams likely would have scored at least 12 if that game didn’t get out of hand. He had nine points in only 19 minutes in that one, but he didn’t play in the entire fourth quarter because the Thunder beat the Suns by 49. Well, this game should be way more competitive, so Williams should get back to being a force in the paint while playing a normal minute workload. He also happened to have 13 points against this Lakers team on December 1, so we know he can go Over in this specific matchup. There’s also a chance Devin Booker will return for Phoenix. That would likely lead to more shots at the rim for the big man.
