In the midst of a peculiar week of scheduling for the NBA, due to the Emirates NBA Cup, we are treated to an eight-game Sunday slate. Let's not waste any more time and dive right into our favorite NBA player props for Sunday, December 14th.
Sunday’s Best NBA Player Props
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jalen Johnson 25+ Points (-123)
Unless something catastrophic occurs, Jalen Johnson will almost certainly win the NBA Most Improved Player award. Johnson is experiencing career-high numbers across the board in counting stats - and most importantly, in the points department. The Atlanta forward has scored at least 25 points in four out of the last six games. Johnson is averaging 24.8 points in December.
The young forward is also putting up 25.8 points over the last four home games, and has scored 25 points in three of the contests. Johnson was on the floor for at least 38 minutes in all four contests.
The forward for the Hawks scored 41 points I'm a double overtime win when Atlanta last faced Philadelphia on November 30th. A repeat performance of 41 points seems a tad ambitious. However, 25+ points seems way more probable in this contest against the Sixers.
Michael Porter Jr. 30+ Points (+168)
Michael Porter Jr. cannot stop pouring on the points, and we are going to ride this streak for a profit on his alt line. The main scoring option for Brooklyn is averaging 29.5 points through 10 games, while shooting 53.5% from the field and 44.7% from beyond the arc. The veteran forward scored 34 points in the previous matchup on Friday, while making 6-of-10 baskets from deep.
Porter is averaging 34.4 points in the last four games and has not scored fewer than 33 points over that span. The Nets forward has scored at least 30+ points in four consecutive contests. Porter is scoring 33.5 points in the two previous home games.
The Brooklyn forward is scoring at a feverish pace to begin the month of December. Porter will have every opportunity to build on his current streak of 30+ points in a contest where he will most likely be asked to do much of the heavy lifting in regards to scoring.
Bub Carrington is knocking down 1.7 baskets from deep each contest, connecting at a 42.2% clip. The Wizards guard has made at least two shots from beyond the perimeter in four consecutive games. Carrington has hit two shots from outside the three-point line in six consecutive contests against an opponent from the Central Division when playing on the road.
Carrington sank two three-pointers when the Wizards last matched up against the Pacers on November 28th. The 20-year-old has connected on two shots from beyond the arc in seven of the previous eight contests. Carrington dropped five baskets from long distance on Friday.
The young guard is experiencing a significant minutes increase over the previous two contests. Carrington is averaging 39 minutes over the last two games - 13.5 minutes more than his season average. With that type of boost, his points prop is also in play in this contest (12+ points at +104).
Jalen Smith Over 8.5 Points (-123)
Jalen Smith scored at least nine points in three out of his last six games. Smith is averaging 9.7 points and is shooting over 47% from the field. The Chicago forward has scored nine points or more in five consecutive home games.
Smith has eclipsed 8.5 points in three out of the last six games and is averaging 10 points in two contests when playing on a Sunday. The Bulls forward is averaging 10.4 points through his last 11 games. Smith has hit the nine-point threshold in the last five contests against New Orleans.
Pelicans are allowing opponents to make 49.6% of their attempts each contest - the second-highest mark in the NBA. This appears to be a fantastic matchup for Smith, where he can reach the nine points needed for this selection. This selection may go under the radar; however, it's certainly one you should consider for Sunday.
Rui Hachimura 2+ Three-Pointers Made (-113)
Rui Hachimura is averaging two baskets from deep each contest. Hachimura has made two shots or more from beyond the perimeter in 18 out of 23 games. The Lakers forward is hitting an outstanding 46.9% when shooting from three-point range.
Hachimura has connected on two baskets from beyond the arc in his four previous contests. The Lakers forward hit at least two three-pointers in the last 10 road games. The Lakers have only played 12 road games on the season.
Phoenix allows 13 three-pointers made per game on the season, 14.3 over the last three games, and gave up 16 in their previous contest to the Thunder. The opposition is hitting 43% of their attempts against Phoenix through the last three games.
Enjoy the games tonight. Best of luck with your picks.
