Updated: 13:50 PM ET December 28, 2024
The NBA brings us a 9-game slate for us on Saturday. After a night with 4 game winners the day after Christmas, we could see some equally tight and exciting games here. And with superstars like Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Stephen Curry and Jalen Brunson in action, there are more than enough capable players taking to the floor who can deliver the spectacular. You can see our NBA picks herebut for now take a look at my favorite player props below.
Kevin Durant (PHX) over 3.5 assists (-120)
With Devin Booker remaining out for the Phoenix Suns, the team looks set to continue sharing more playmaking responsibilities. Kevin Durant will be shouldering some of this tonight. He has had success doing so of late, recording 6 or more assists in 5 of his last 7 games. He could afford to record a couple less here tonight and still hit the over on this line. The Golden State Warriors should be a favorable opponent for him to continue this run against. Over the last 10 games they are 22nd in opponent assists per game. They could also remain without Draymond Green here, which would make them much more vulnerable defensively. Durant averaged 4 assists against the Warriors last season and with higher usage tonight, should be expected to better those numbers.
Zach LaVine (CHI) over 21.5 points (-120)
This will be the 4th meeting of the season between Zach LaVine’s Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks. So far this year he is averaging 22 points against them, although he only managed 14 in his last outing against the Bucks just before Christmas. However, since then he had a 37-point explosion against the Atlanta Hawks. Expect him to carry his hot shooting hand into this contest. Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for the visitors which could really impact their rim protection tonight. LaVine has made at least 4 3-pointers in 5 of his last 7 games. He also did it once against the Bucks this year, in a game in which he finished with 27 points. If he has success doing that once more here, it will set up this over nicely. The Bucks have just given up a 29-point night to Cameron Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets and I feel like LaVine has the offensive arsenal to be equally as effective here.
Nikola Jokic (DEN) to record a triple-double (+225)
The reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has managed to record 3 triple-doubles in his last 6 games. The Detroit Pistons should be a great opponent for him to manage this feat once more. The Pistons have had issues on the glass, ranking 19th in rebounding percentage over the last 10 games. With the Nuggets 2nd in that category, they should be able to dominate the boards, with Jokic at the heart of it. With Jalen Duren not being someone the Serbian will be forced to close down away from the paint, he should be in great rebounding position tonight. Last season he also averaged 10.5 assists against the Pistons. With the Pistons continuing to struggle in terms of their record, being below .500, I expect Jokic once more to look to get his teammates going to make sure they can have a big scoring night. Even then, he has not had a single single-digit scoring performance this season, so the points should be a given here.
