We have two NBA player props for this Thursday, and our staff of basketball betting experts is focused on some key players who could be in line for noteworthy performances in the aftermath of all the holiday action.
Read below for our NBA player prop picks for Thursday, December 26.
NBA Player Props for Thursday, December 26
- Jaime Jaquez Under 20.5 Points, Rebounds, & Assists (-120)
- LaMelo Ball Over 29.5 Points (-120)
Jaime Jaquez Under 20.5 Points, Rebounds, & Assists (-120)
Heat vs. Magic, 7:00 p.m. ET
Jimmy Butler is out again, which means Jaquez could start tonight. We just haven't seen much production from him with Butler sidelined. This matchup also presents multiple challenges for him.
Jaquez is averaging 9.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the seven games he's played without Butler. He's averaged just under 23 MPG. Jaquez has only played more than 25 minutes twice since October.
Orlando is 3rd in defensive rating and 2nd in points allowed per game. They're 7th in rebounding rate, 2nd in assists allowed, and 3rd in opponent-assisted field goal rate.
More importantly for Jaquez, the Magic are allowing the 2nd-fewest points in the paint per game. They're extremely tough on interior scorers. Jaquez is scoring 60.3% of his points in the paint, the highest on the team among regulars. He's taking 71% of his shots from in the paint.
It's a tough spot for Jaquez, and this line seems to be factoring in a playing time increase that we haven't seen yet.
Pick: Jaime Jaquez Under 20.5 Points, Rebounds, & Assists
LaMelo Ball Over 29.5 Points (-120)
Hornets vs. Wizards, 7 p.m. ET
LaMelo Ball has been taking on an absolutely ridiculous amount of volume recently, putting up 30+ shot attempts in four of the last six games.
He gets one of the best matchups on the board going up against the Wizards tonight, who are one of the fastest-paced and worst-defensive teams in the league this season.
Brandon Miller is listed as questionable in this spot, and while it would be a hit to Ball's usage if he does end up playing, Ball should still shoot enough regardless of if Miller plays.
If you want, you can wait for the Miller news, but I'm getting in early on this bet.
Pick: LaMelo Ball Over 29.5 Points (-120)
