After the drama and intensity of the NBA Cup semifinals yesterday, the bar is set high for the Sunday schedule — luckily, there are enough big names on show to continue the buzz.
Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and the Lakers take on the Suns, while Steph Curry and the Warriors are in action in Portland for the late tip.
My NBA player props and NBA picks for December 14 target those matchups, as well as a wager on the in-form Trey Murphy III.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Trey Murphy III |
Over 19.5 points | -115 |
 Rui Hachimura |
Over 12.5 points | -105 |
 Draymond Green |
Over 6.5 rebounds | -115 |
Prop #1: Trey Murphy III Over 19.5 points
There’s not a lot to get excited about with the 4-22 New Orleans Pelicans, but at least Trey Murphy III is adding to his reputation as a bucket-getter. With Dejounte Murray still out and Zion Williamson listed as questionable, Murphy should have a neon green light again tonight against the Chicago Bulls.
He’s averaging 21.2 points per game this year, matching last season’s mark, but his December performances suggest that number is going to keep climbing. Murphy has poured in 26.6 ppg so far this month, and he’s scored 20+ points in five straight contests.
Even more impressive, he’s doing it without steady production from downtown. Murphy is shooting just 31% from 3-point range since December 2, and that slump is likely to turn around soon, given his 38% career record on triples.
The Bulls have given up 120+ points in four of their past five outings, and they’re short on defensive stoppers on the perimeter. I expect Murphy to feast in such a favorable matchup.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: GCSEN, CHSN
Prop #2: Rui Hachimura Over 12.5 points
The Los Angeles Lakers’ role players get a steady diet of inch-perfect assists from Luka and LeBron, so Rui Hachimura jumps out as a value pick here, especially with Austin Reaves still out.
Hachimura is already averaging 13.7 ppg this year, and there’s room for growth as L.A. temporarily redistributes the Reaves shot attempts. He’s gone past this O/U number in two of his last three contests, and he’s knocked down 2+ threes in four straight games.
Now he’s facing a Phoenix Suns team with a lengthy injury list, and I see the Lakers seeking payback after a loss at home to Phoenix earlier this month.
Hachimura is always a candidate for defenses to leave alone when double-teaming Doncic or James, and his road splits — 15.3 ppg away from Crypto.com Arena — are meaningful for this visit to Mortgage Matchup Center.
Plus, Hachimura is shooting 47% from 3-point range this season, and the Lakers will need him and Deandre Ayton to step up as co-No.3 options tonight.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Spectrum SportsNet, KTVK
Prop #3: Draymond Green Over 6.5 rebounds
Draymond Green is expected back tonight after missing three games for a personal matter, and that instantly gives the Golden State Warriors more defensive steel against an athletic Portland Trail Blazers squad.
Look for Green to be a factor on both ends of the floor here, and this rebounds O/U feels a little low for such a savvy paint presence. In fact, he’s grabbed nine rebounds in three of his past four outings.
The Blazers rank third in the NBA in shots per game (92), so that kind of pace should lead to an uptick in rebounding opportunities, and Golden State will need Draymond’s craftiness to keep Donovan Clingan off the glass.
There’s also a solid floor for this prop, with Green grabbing 6+ rebounds in six of the last seven games where he played 25+ minutes. At 13-13, this version of the Warriors is still finding its way, but Green’s return should provide a timely boost on the boards for Steve Kerr’s squad tonight.
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBCS-Bay Area, KUNP
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
