Yesterday’s chosen NBA props were just 1-4, as the lone win was getting Jayson Tatum as the top scorer in the Lakers’ win over the Celtics.
We have a full Wednesday slate of NBA betting action, with 13 games on tonight’s schedule. A few teams are playing on back-to-backs, most notably the Nets and Celtics, who lean on their stars hard. A fade might be in order when it comes to those teams.
Which NBA props for tonight have caught my eye? Let’s break it down below.
All NBA props and NBA betting odds listed below are via FanDuel Sportsbook as of Wednesday, December 8, 2021.
Looking for NBA odds and NBA picks for the games mentioned below and the rest of tonight’s NBA schedule? Check out our daily NBA betting preview.
Top NBA Props for Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Joel Embiid Over 27.5 Points (-110)
Embiid has bested this number in the past two games and in three of the last five. This is not just a numbers play, either. On the floor the Hornets have nobody that can really defend him out there. Nick Richards is going to get torched, and Mason Plumlee is still out. Taking 30+ points at +134 also has a lot of value.
Gordon Hayward to Score 20+ Points (+118)
Staying with 76ers-Hornets here for our second NBA prop pick. Tonight, LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier are out, which creates more opportunities for others including Hayward. He is never the most selfish player, but Charlotte is all offense this season and they need him to step up and earn that contract at some point. There are a lot of shots available, and he can rise to the occasion in a back-and-forth game.
Spencer Dinwiddie Over 12.5 Points (-106)
Dinwiddie has been in a bit of a funk and missed the Wizards' last game. But this number is just below his seasonal average, and I think we can count on an average game if not more tonight against the struggling Pistons. FYI, Bradley Beal is +114 to score 25+. Look for a rebound performance from Washington tonight.
Domantas Sabonis Over 16.5 Points (-118)
The Pacers are messy right now and it just came out that all of their key players are on the NBA trading block. It is true they are not getting anywhere with this group. I like Sabonis the best of those players on offer. His scoring is a little down this season, but a 20/10 game is always on the menu. The Knicks might be sturdy inside, but Sabonis is very aggressive. The Knicks for all of their defensive bravado don't like getting punched. There are just not many players that can actually do it.
Bobby Portis Over 22.5 Points & Rebounds (-110)
I love the way Portis is running with his opportunity to be the featured big man–other than Giannis, obviously–with the Bucks this season. He has become a reliable scorer and rebounder for Milwaukee. The key for this one is that Bam Adebayo is out, which leaves the Heat very thin up front, especially against an aggressive player like Portis. Sometimes he gets three boards on one possession.
Jonas Valanciunas 12+ Rebounds (+110)
This is a high total, but Valanciunas is averaging 12 boards a game this season. And Denver is bad on offense right now with only Jokic’s presence making them functional, so there will be a lot of misses to collect. Plus, the Pelicans want him out there to force Jokic to have to play some defense, which makes this a game where he should get 30+ minutes. On a per-minute basis, there are few players as productive.
Christian Wood Over 18.5 Points (-102)
Wood has cooled after a hot start, but I like the matchup here. Firstly, the Nets are not great defending inside. Also, they also played a game last night that took a lot out of them to get the win. Kevin Durant played more than 40 minutes, including logging some time at center. Houston plays with pace so Wood should get lots of opportunities against a light defense.
