Expert NBA Picks and Player Props: Best NBA Bets Today Dec. 26
With Christmas in the rear-view mirror, the NBA jumps right back into a busy Friday slate that offers plenty of edges across the board. With several teams traveling after marquee holiday matchups and others benefitting from extra rest, this is a good spot to hunt for the best NBA bets today using sports betting apps.
Here are three game lines, eight player props and one three-leg parlay that stand out on Friday's slate, along with the latest sportsbook promotions to maximize these plays.
Game Lines
Philadelphia 76ers +1 (-110) vs Chicago Bulls
🏀 Odds via bet365 📈
Philadelphia continues to be one of the most inconsistent teams in the NBA, but the 76ers have generally taken care of business against teams in Chicago’s tier this season. The Bulls still struggle to generate consistent halfcourt offense and have had trouble closing games against bigger, more physical frontcourts, which makes grabbing the small spread with the more reliable 76ers side appealing here.
Detroit Pistons -9.5 (-110) vs Utah Jazz
🏀 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 📈
Detroit’s young core with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren leading the charge has taken a noticeable step forward this season, especially on the defensive end, where their length and size have shown up against weaker offenses. Utah remains firmly in rebuild mode and has been vulnerable on the glass and in transition, which plays into Detroit’s strengths and makes a double-digit type of win very possible if the Pistons maintain focus on the road.
Portland Trail Blazers +2.5 (-115) vs LA Clippers
🏀 Odds via BetMGM 📈
The Clippers are still powered by the veteran trio of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, but they have shown a tendency to coast in certain regular-season spots, particularly on the road. Portland’s rebuild around Deni Avdija has at least given the Blazers more burst and aggression at home, and with a lively crowd plus the backcourt’s ability to pressure the rim, Portland catching a small number feels like a live underdog spot.
Player Props
Jay Huff over 4.5 rebounds (-152)
🏀 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 📈
Jay Huff has carved out a useful rotation role for Indiana as a high-energy big who rebounds and protects the rim in short bursts. Against a Boston team that plays fast and takes plenty of threes, there should be ample rebound opportunities on both ends, giving Huff a realistic path to five boards in his usual minutes.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker over 17.5 points (-105)
🏀 Odds via bet365 📈
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has found a bigger offensive role in Atlanta's backcourt, and his scoring opportunities spike when the Hawks face weaker perimeter defenses. Miami has struggled to contain guards at certain times this season and often invites pull-up threes and drives, which fits Alexander-Walker’s attacking profile and supports a buy-over on this modest points line.
Jalen Johnson over 7.5 assists (+105)
🏀 Odds via BetMGM 📈
Jalen Johnson’s playmaking has quietly become a primary part of Atlanta's offense, with the forward regularly initiating actions from the elbows and in transition. Against a Heat team that can be slow to match up in space, his combination of grab-and-go rebounds and half-court facilitation gives him multiple avenues to clear eight dimes if his teammates knock down open looks.
Marvin Bagley III over 5.5 rebounds (-115)
🏀 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 📈
Marvin Bagley III continues to be a strong rebounder for Washington, and his minutes tend to be secure in matchups where the Wizards need more size. Toronto’s front line crashes the offensive glass but also misses a fair number of shots inside, which should allow Bagley to pile up defensive boards and flirt with this number by the early fourth quarter.
Jamal Shead over 1.5 made threes (+149)
🏀 Odds via bet365 📈
Jamal Shead has been encouraged to shoot more from deep as Toronto stretches the floor around its young playmakers. Washington’s defense gives up plenty of clean three-point looks to guards, and with Shead’s volume creeping up, this plus-money number for two makes is worth targeting in what projects as an up-and-down game.
Trey Murphy III over 17.5 points (-115)
🏀 Odds via BetMGM 📈
Trey Murphy III is one of New Orleans’ primary floor spacers and has shown he can explode for big scoring nights when his three-point shot is falling. Phoenix’s defense is stretched thin on the wings and often has to load up on the Pelicans’ stars, which should leave Murphy with plenty of catch-and-shoot opportunities and back-cut lanes to reach the high teens in points.
Ryan Rollins over 1.5 made threes (-162)
🏀 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 📈
Ryan Rollins has settled into a very important role for Milwaukee, providing spacing around the Bucks’ primary creators. Memphis has been giving up a high volume of perimeter attempts as the Grizzlies pack the paint, and Rollins’ willingness to fire from deep makes two made threes a fair expectation if his minutes remain steady.
Deni Avdija over 7.5 assists (-115)
🏀 Odds via bet365 📈
As the clear primary creator in Portland, Deni Avdija has been used as a jumbo point guard who can run offense from the top of the floor. The Clippers' veteran defense still makes plenty of rotational mistakes, and with shooters spotting up around Avdija, eight assists are within reach if the game stays competitive.
Today’s Best Parlay
🏀 Combined Parlay Odds: +523 (via BetMGM) 📈
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Leg 1: Alexandre Sarr over 16.5 points (-126)
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Leg 2: James Harden over 23.5 points (-117)
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Leg 3: Keyonte George over 22.5 points (-113)
Alexandre Sarr has quickly become the focal point of Washington’s offense, and his blend of face-up scoring and rim finishing plays well against a Raptors front line that can be late with help at the rim. James Harden remains a high-usage engine for the Clippers and faces a Portland defense that has had trouble containing ball-dominant guards, especially out of pick-and-roll. Keyonte George is enjoying a true breakout season for Utah, carrying a heavy scoring load with the ball in his hands, and a home matchup with Detroit’s still-developing perimeter defense sets up another high-volume night. Putting those three overs together creates one of the best NBA parlay picks today for bettors looking for plus-money upside.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win As the league settles back into its rhythm after the Christmas Day showcase, bettors can still find plenty of value on a loaded Friday slate. As always, shop lines across sports betting apps and stay on top of late injury news ahead of making your plays.
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All Odds as of 6:00 a.m. ET on Dec. 26
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