NBA Best Bets · Tuesday, Dec. 26
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
| 8 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Nets vs. Pistons
This was at -140 when I got it, and it's already at -145. So I'll tell you that I like this at over 30.5 as well.
Cunningham has gone over in three of his last four. His last effort, on the road against these same Nets, resulted in 28 points and assists (22 points and six assists). This prop would probably be listed higher if Cunningham hadn't gone for four points and two assists against the 76ers five games ago.
Sure, those kind of games could happen every now and again (look at Tyrese Maxey last night) but Cunningham is on the better end of his rematch against Detroit. Though his scoring has actually been better on the road this season — 22.6 points per game on 44/34/84 vs. 22.2 on 43/29/91 — Cunningham is at 7.9 assists at home vs. 6.4 on the road.
Additionally, Jalen Duren is probable to return — as is Killian Hayes. Isaiah Stewart is also listed as probable and was hit with the questionable tag leading up to tipoff.
I sneaky like the Pistons to win — admittedly a total gut call — because (1) it's the second leg of a Nets series, (2) Duren's return to the lineup, and (3) it's hard seeing another win on the horizon if not now. But that's not my best bet due to, well, 26 straight losses.
But if the Pistons can at least challenge a +6.5 cover, and perhaps a chance at victory, then Cunningham overs likely must lead the way.
Pick: Cade Cunningham Over 29.5 Points + Assists
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Pacers vs. Rockets
Rockets -2.5
By Matt Moore
The Rockets are 5-3 with a +7.5 spread differential vs. bottom-10 offensive teams. The Pacers are 4-6 with a -4.6 spread differential vs. top-ten defenses.
Houston is 5-1-1 as a home favorite; the books' power rating on the Rockets is still sticky towards their lower preseason expectations, and so they're overperforming in favorable situations.
This is where you want to bet the Rockets, against a team they can slow down who can't slow down their pedestrian offense.
Pick: Rockets -2.5
Rockets -3
I am all over the Rockets here. Houston is incredible at home, and it has the personnel to slow down Haliburton and take the Pacers out of their comfort zone.
Haliburton has struggled against bigger teams with size and athleticism. Teams like the Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Raptors and Clippers have caused problems for him, and the Rockets have guys they can throw at Haliburton to disrupt him.
Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Jae’Sean Tate — although he’s been a disaster offensively — are all capable of making Haliburton uncomfortable.
I have this projected much closer to Rockets -11 and the game theory checks out, making this my first two-unit play of the season.
Pick: Rockets -3
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Grizzlies vs. Pelicans
By Joe Dellera
The Grizzlies take on the Pelicans tonight and look to continue their winning ways since Ja Morant made his return. One player that has been excellent alongside Morant is Jaren Jackson Jr., who has logged 20 or more points in all three games.
Tonight's matchup against the Pelicans is a solid one for JJJ. New Orleans does not have a player that can match Jackson Jr.'s length and athleticism on both the interior and exterior of the offense.
Jackson Jr. has cleared this line in nine of his last 10 games. Moreover, even with Morant taking up a massive portion of the team’s usage, Morant makes everyone’s life easier on the offensive side of the ball.
Pick: Jaren Jackson Jr. Over 18.5 Points
