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 7.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Jazz +10.5 (-120 – 1.5 units) vs. Thunder
Thunder at Jazz – 8:00 pm ET
Oklahoma City is absolutely loaded, so this is a team that can definitely withstand some big losses. However, this is a game in which Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averages 32.8 points and 6.4 assists per game, will be out. He’ll also be joined by Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Isaiah Joe in street clothes. Of course, the Thunder are still left with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, plus we have seen other players step up with expanded opportunities. The issue is that the Jazz have proven to be a feisty team at home. For as bad as they can occasionally look, they’re 6-6 when playing in Salt Lake City. They’re also 24-18 against the spread when getting 6.5 to 12 points at home under Will Hardy, who should have his team prepared for Oklahoma City. You’re mostly looking at 9.5 or 10 when playing this game right now, as the market has moved with all the Thunder injuries. However, MGM has Utah at 10.5 at a very reasonable price. That’s where I’d go here.
NBA Player Props Today
Jalen Suggs Over 4.5 Assists (+124) vs. Knicks
Magic at Knicks – 12:00 pm ET
I lost on a Suggs assists against the Knicks earlier in the year, but it’s still tempting to play it at +124 odds. Suggs has had at least five assists in five of the last eight games he has played with Paolo Banchero, who returned for the Magic in Friday night’s win over the Heat. New York should look better defensively with OG Anunoby back in the fold, but this is a team that struggles to defend above-the-break 3s. Only three teams are doing a worse job of defending that large area on the floor, so Suggs can pick up some easy assists just swinging to shooters here. However, the talented guard is also good at creating out of pick-and-roll plays, and he an also do some damage in transition.
Cam Spencer Over 4.5 Assists (+112) vs. Trail Blazers
Blazers at Grizzlies – 6:00 pm ET
I had Spencer to go Over his assist mark — and Over an alternate assist mark on Friday — and I think he’s going to do it again against the Blazers tonight. Not only did Spencer have seven dimes against the Clippers last game but he also had 15 potential assists. He’s just seeing the floor extremely well, and he has had at least five assists in five of the last eight games he has played without Ja Morant. Well, Morant might be joining Memphis again soon, as his status is now “doubtful.” However, it does seem like he’ll miss this game, meaning at least one more opportunity for Spencer to show out as the Grizzlies’ best on-ball player.
Kon Knueppel Over 18.5 Points (-105) vs. Nuggets
Nuggets at Hornets – 6:00 pm ET
Knueppel is coming off a 21-point performance against the Raptors on Friday. The rookie guard hasn’t been as consistent as he was to start the season, but he’s averaging 20.7 points per game without LaMelo Ball this year. That’s big considering Ball will miss this game for Charlotte. Of course, it should be noted that Brandon Miller is playing for the Hornets, so there will be another competent offensive piece out there for the home team. But I’d be surprised if Knueppel doesn’t get a ton of on-ball opportunities, and I think he’ll deliver against a Nuggets team that is missing some key defenders (Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon).
Additional Best Bets
PARLAY: Magic Alt +10.5 vs. Knicks & Raptors Alt +10.5 vs. Celtics (-143 – 2 units)
Raptors ML (+136) vs. Celtics
Jordan Walsh Over 7.5 Points (+106) vs. Raptors
Scottie Barnes Over 5.5 Assists (+116) vs. Celtics
PARLAY: Grizzlies Alt +7.5 vs. Trail Blazers & Lakers ML vs. 76ers (+114)
