Happy Holidays to all as another week of NBA basketball is upon us. Christmas is right around the corner, which means we still need that betting money to get those gifts.
Last week, we went 2-2, as Joel Embiid was one point shy from hitting the over, which hurts. However, it's a new week, so we have to put that in the past. We have 11 games on the slate tonight, which is a good chunk on a Monday.
Let's see who is bringing home the coins a week before Christmas.
Nikola Jokic Over 27.5 Points (-113)
The reigning Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic, has been inconsistent as of late. That is not like Jokic to not put up huge numbers. However, the matchup tonight is favorable against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavs are a bottom-tier defense, but more specifically against centers. They are the second-worst team in allowing points per game to centers at 25. Jokic should be able to feast, which he did in their previous matchup.
Jokic had 33 points while shooting a staggering 87.5% from the field. Despite his up-and-down trend, he is still the best player in basketball. I will bet this over happily and even put a sprinkle on a Jokic triple-double (-115).
James Harden Over 8.5 Assists (-115)
The Los Angeles Clippers have found their stride. They are on a seven-game winning streak and are on fire. James Harden has been the maestro of this offense that is clicking on all cylinders.
His ability to get his team involved is key to a squad that was very iso-heavy before his arrival. His last two games saw Harden achieve 12 and 15 assists, respectively. Another great reason for this being a good bet to place is because of the Indiana Pacers and their pace.
The Pacers continuously run up the pace in each game with very little defense being played. Harden should be able to pass the ball all over this defense. A bad defense vs. this hot team should give Harden the confidence to get this over.
Bojan Bogdanovic 20+ Points (-140)
The Detroit Pistons are just putrid. They are in the midst of a 23-game losing streak. They are closing in on a record that no one wants. However, tonight might be the night they get their win.
The Atlanta Hawks are struggling in their own right, as they are 10-15 going into tonight's matchup. Their defense is towards the bottom, very close to the Pistons themselves. This leads to Bojan Bogdanovic being the play for this game.
Bogdanovic has had 20+ points in four of the seven games he has played this season. The issue for him getting the under stems from his team getting blown out by the fourth quarter most nights. However, I think tonight will be a close game, which gives Bogdanovic the chance to score 20+ for the lowly Pistons.
Scottie Barnes Over 36.5 Pts+Rebs+Ast (-106)
Scottie Barnes is becoming an All-Star right before our eyes. The former Rookie of the Year is averaging 20-9-6 while beginning to take the mantle for being the best player on the Raptors. Barnes is coming into his own and has a juicy matchup against a mediocre Charlotte Hornets team.
In their previous matchup, Barnes managed to secure a 30-point triple-double. He crushed this over. The Hornets do not have the players to contain a big guard type of player, such as Barnes. The over should hit, as long as the came is not a blowout within the first half.
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