Expert NBA Picks and Player Props: Best NBA Bets Today Dec. 22
Monday’s NBA slate brings a fresh batch of opportunities on sports betting apps after a busy weekend. With multiple intriguing matchups on the board, there’s no shortage of angles for NBA picks today, from sides and totals to NBA player prop bets.
Below are our best NBA bets today to consider as you shop sportsbook promotions and build your card.
Game Lines
Cleveland Cavaliers (-9.5) vs Charlotte Hornets (-102)
🏀 Odds via BetMGM 📈
Cleveland’s physical defense and size inside should make life tough on a Charlotte team that can bog down when forced into halfcourt sets. If the Cavs control the glass -- which will be easier said than done -- while staying out of foul trouble and keeping turnovers down, their interior scoring and free throw edge give them a strong chance to win comfortably and cover a big number at home.
Dallas Mavericks ML (-105) vs New Orleans Pelicans
🏀 Odds via bet365 📈
Dallas has plenty of perimeter shot creation and pick-and-roll offense, which can be a problem for New Orleans when its on-ball defense is even slightly off. With the Mavericks able to space the floor, hunt mismatches and live at the 3-point line, backing them on the moneyline avoids any late spread swings in what projects as a tight finish.
Orlando Magic (+5.5) vs Golden State Warriors (-110)
🏀 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 📈
Orlando’s length and versatility on the wing can disrupt Golden State’s off-ball movement and passing rhythm. If the Magic turn this into a more physical, drive-heavy game instead of a pure shooting contest, +5.5 gives them plenty of cushion even if the Warriors put together a late run.
Player Props
Kon Knueppel over 18.5 points (-105)
🏀 Oddsvia BetMGM 📈
Knueppel is a confident scorer who can shoot off the catch or put the ball on the floor and get to his spots. In a matchup where Charlotte should need his offense, his combination of perimeter shooting and craft as a driver sets up well for a 19-plus point night.
LaMelo Ball over 7.5 assists (-105)
🏀 Odds via bet365 📈
Ball thrives pushing tempo and finding shooters in transition and early offense. Even against a strong defense, his vision and willingness to hit tight passing windows create plenty of assist chances as long as teammates convert open looks.
Anfernee Simons over 12.5 points (-126)
🏀 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 📈
Simons is a microwave scorer who can heat up quickly from deep or attack off the bounce when defenders close out too hard. With his usage secure whenever he’s on the floor, 13 points is very attainable if he gets going from the perimeter.
Andrew Nembhard over 6.5 assists (+110)
🏀 Odds via BetMGM 📈
Nembhard excels as a steady primary ball-handler who keeps the offense organized and consistently makes the extra pass. In a game where his team should lean on pick-and-roll and ball movement, seven or more assists is well within reach at plus money.
Saddiq Bey over 1.5 made threes (+153)
🏀 Odds via bet365 📈
Bey’s role is built around spacing the floor and taking open catch-and-shoot threes from the corners and wings. With defenses more focused on higher-usage teammates, he should see enough volume from beyond the arc to clear two makes if he shoots to his normal percentages, which feels likely given his recent success on offense.
Jalen Duren over 10.5 rebounds (-115)
🏀 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 📈
Duren is a powerful interior presence who attacks the glass on both ends and rarely shies away from contact. As long as he stays out of foul trouble, his minutes and activity level make an 11-rebound target very realistic.
Caris LeVert over 1.5 made threes (+175)
🏀 Odds via BetMGM 📈
LeVert often operates as a secondary creator who can also spot up when playing next to another ball-dominant guard. When defenses collapse on drives, he should get clean looks from outside, giving him a solid chance to cash two threes at an attractive price.
Wendell Carter Jr. over 7.5 rebounds (-135)
🏀 Odds via bet365 📈
Carter’s strength and positioning make him a reliable rebounder, especially on the defensive glass, where he cleans up misses and starts transition. Against a Golden State team that can be streaky from deep, there should be enough rebounding opportunities for him to reach eight boards.
Today’s Best Parlay
🏀 Combined Parlay Odds: +543 (via BetMGM) 📈
- Leg 1: Bruce Brown over 9.5 points
- Leg 2: Chet Holmgren over 16.5 points
- Leg 3: Zion Williamson over 19.5 points
Brown’s ability to cut, run the floor and knock down open shots gives him multiple ways to reach double figures in a game where his team should need supplementary scoring. Holmgren can put up points from all three levels, using his shooting touch and length to finish over smaller defenders or pop out beyond the arc, which makes 17 points a fair target if he stays aggressive. Williamson rounds out the parlay as a relentless downhill force who lives in the paint and at the free throw line, so 20 points is well within range if Dallas can’t consistently build a wall in front of him.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win As you lock in your NBA best bets today, keep an eye on late injury updates and potential rest spots that can swing lines and NBA player props today. Line shop across multiple books for the best NBA player props for today and the best parlay bets bettors can find.
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All Odds as of 6:00 a.m. ET on Dec. 22
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