There are only two NBA games tonight, as the Chicago Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Memphis Grizzlies. The Bulls and Cavaliers have already played each other once this season, and I'm eying the results of that first game when making plays for De'Andre Hunter and Josh Giddey. Then, I highlight why the Timberwolves' defense is going to be a problem for Jaren Jackson Jr. Here are the best NBA player props & bets for Wednesday, December 17th.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Player Props & Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
De'Andre Hunter 18+ Points (+174)
The first time De’Andre Hunter faced the Bulls, he dropped a season-high 29 points. He went 10-of-16 from the field and made four three-pointers in that contest. While Hunter has scored at least 20 points in four games since then, he's failed to score more than 17 in nine consecutive games, and he's averaging just 9.8 points through six December games.
However, I like Hunter's chances to shoot well tonight, as the Bulls have the fifth-worst scoring defense in the league. They're allowing 122.4 points and 44.8 field goals per contest, which is third-most in the NBA. Hunter was just 1-of-7 in his last game, but this is a player who is still shooting 42.9% from the field this season. In a good matchup, take a chance on Hunter to break out of his funk in a big way.
Josh Giddey 9+ Rebounds (+107)
Josh Giddey is in the midst of a rebounding slump, which is why the price for this prop is so favorable. He hasn't grabbed more than seven rebounds in four consecutive games. However, he's still averaging 9.3 per contest, which ranks 13th in the NBA. When he faced the Cavaliers earlier this season, he recorded exactly nine rebounds. Giddey also has at least nine rebounds in nine of his last 15 games, despite his recent struggles.
The Cavaliers and Bulls are on the same level when it comes to rebounding. Still, the Cavaliers are allowing the 10th-most rebounds per game (45.3) this season. Considering his recent performances aren't indicative of what he's done all season, I anticipate a solid showing from Giddey in one of the league's better matchups.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Under 1.5 Made Three-Pointers (-104)
With Cam Spencer out for tonight's game, Jaren Jackson Jr. enters this contest averaging the second-most three-pointers of any active Grizzlies player. But Jackson is only averaging 1.6 threes per game. Despite making four of his five attempts on Monday, Jackson is still hard to trust right now, as he has made zero three-pointers in five consecutive games before Monday.
The Timberwolves are allowing the fourth-fewest three-pointers per game this season, giving up just 12 per contest. Jackson is averaging just 4.6 attempts per game, and he's only attempted more than four threes in one of his last six games. With him shooting just 34.5% from deep, and the Timberwolves holding opponents to just 35.5% from long range, I don't like this matchup for Jackson, even if he did just have a great performance two days ago.
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Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.