The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans pulled the trigger on two of the most stunning trades of the past decade – and as the dust continues to settle, those teams collide tonight as part of a stacked hoops menu.
Other subplots include the sputtering Cleveland Cavaliers trying to avoid a fourth straight loss and the Oklahoma City Thunder looking to bounce back after a jarring end to their win streak. Meanwhile, Anthony Black continues to emerge as a legitimate weapon for the Orlando Magic.
Check out my favorite NBA player props and NBA picks as I lock in on the Monday, December 22 action.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Trey Murphy III |
Over 18.5 points | -120 |
 Anthony Black |
Over 8.5 assists + rebounds | -110 |
 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
Over 32.5 points | -120 |
Prop #1: Trey Murphy III Over 18.5 points
The New Orleans Pelicans have quietly won four games in a row, providing something to build on for a franchise that’s been a punchline over the last six months. New Orleans has a real chance to extend that streak tonight against the banged-up Dallas Mavericks, and I see Trey Murphy III stepping up with another strong outing.
He’s averaging 21.2 points per game, but December has been his best month (24.6 PPG), and he’s gone past this O/U number in seven of his past eight contests. That includes a 27-point masterpiece, on 9-for-13 shooting, in last week’s OT victory over the Houston Rockets.
Even with Zion Williamson back and Jordan Poole always a candidate to chase his own shot, Murphy stands out as the Pels’ top scoring threat. He’s shooting 58% from the field this month and taking the pressure off rookie Jeremiah Fears as another ball-handler.
Dallas could be short-handed on the perimeter, with Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, and Max Christie all listed as questionable, and Murphy has knocked down 2+ triples in five of his last six games. He’s got a clear path to another 20-point night.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: KFAA, GCSEN
Prop #2: Anthony Black Over 8.5 assists+rebounds
While the Orlando Magic are still figuring out the on-court chemistry between Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane, there are no concerns about Anthony Black’s fit as part of the long-term future.
Black began the season as a key bench cog, but has looked at home in the starting lineup during Orlando’s injury crisis – and the Magic will be counting on him again tonight against the Golden State Warriors, with Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva joining the Wagner brothers on the injury report.
That makes this combo a value pick. Black is averaging 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in December, and he’s gone past this number in seven of his last eight. In fact, he could be well within range in rebounds alone. He’s grabbed 8+ boards four times this month and has the size to dominate backcourt rivals on the glass.
Black has logged 37+ minutes in his past three outings, so look for Orlando to lean heavily on the third-year guard and his do-it-all skill set again here.
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FDSN Florida, NBC Sports Bay Area
Prop #3: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 points
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the unfamiliar territory of losing two of their last three games, but I don’t see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander letting any kind of post-NBA Cup funk creep in.
Last season’s MVP and Finals MVP has been lights out again this year, and I expect the Memphis Grizzlies to be on the receiving end of a backlash tonight. SGA has dropped 33+ points in seven of his last 10 contests, and I’m backing him for another splashy effort here.
He’s been more efficient than ever this season – 55% from the field – and the Grizzlies felt the brunt of that last month when Shai went off for 35 points on 11-for-22 shooting.
OKC could be without Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams have already been ruled out. That puts a little dent in the Thunder’s depth, but this feels like a night where their starters will take care of business.
Though Memphis is 7-3 in its last 10 games, Jaren Jackson Jr. & Co. lost to the lowly Washington Wizards over the weekend, and there will be plenty of defensive weak spots for SGA to pick on in this matchup.
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Peacock
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