If you struggled with the reduced diet of hoops action during the NBA Cup finale, tonight’s loaded 12-game slate is the perfect remedy, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic all ready to roll.
Some of the matchups have a lopsided look – and big spreads to match – but you can’t argue with the star power, and my top NBA picks put a spotlight on two leading All-Star candidates.
Read on for my favorite picks ahead of the December 18 contests.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Jalen Brunson |
Over 29.5 points | -120 |
 Alperen Sengun |
Over 31.5 points + rebounds | -115 |
 LeBron James |
Over 6.5 rebounds | +100 |
Prop #1: Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 points
It’s back to business here for the New York Knicks after their NBA Cup celebrations, and the franchise’s decision not to raise a banner signals that Jalen Brunson and Co. are already moving on to the next test.
But their lengthy injury report means Brunson may be shouldering a bigger burden tonight against the Indiana Pacers. Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson are all listed as questionable, while Miles McBride remains out with an ankle issue.
Even if New York has its starting five on the court here, I still love the Over on the Brunson points prop. He’s scored 30+ points in four of his past five outings, including a 40-point masterpiece in Saturday’s cup semifinal, and he averaged 30.7 PPG against the Indiana Pacers in last year’s playoff series.
Brunson has found ways to score efficiently against Andrew Nembhard in those prior matchups, and the Pacers are without Aaron Nesmith, who’s had more success with that defensive assignment. As the Knicks arrive at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for this battle, it’s also worth noting that Brunson is averaging 30.3 PPG on the road this year.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: MSG, FanDuel Sports Network-Indiana
Prop #2: Alperen Sengun Over 31.5 points + rebounds
With Alperen Sengun putting up monster stat lines, it would be a bold move for the Houston Rockets to include him in a swoop for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sengun has been on a tear so far in December, averaging 28.5 PPG and 10.8 RPG, and this combo Over line feels too low here against a struggling New Orleans Pelicans squad.
His role in the Houston offense seems to be expanding – he’s taken 18+ shots in five of his last six games, even while sharing the court with Kevin Durant – and his scoring should take care of the bulk of this prop total.
Sengun is coming off a 33-10-10 night against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, and I see him outworking the Pelicans, who’ve allowed 119+ points in five of their six contests so far this month.
Zion Williamson returned for New Orleans at the weekend, but we could still be looking at a mismatch on the boards with the physicality of the Houston frontcourt. That sets up Sengun to breeze past this combo O/U for the fifth straight game.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SCHN, GCSEN
Prop #3: LeBron James Over 6.5 rebounds
With Luka Doncic running the show for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has the luxury of taking a back seat at times. But tonight’s clash with the Utah Jazz feels like a moment for LeBron to be a bigger factor, with L.A. missing both Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton.
I see James’ extra effort showing up on the glass, in particular. His rebounding numbers have been a little erratic, but he’s still capable of big hauls, as he showed in a 15-board effort against the San Antonio Spurs last week.
Lauri Markkanen is questionable – otherwise he’d be another great candidate for a rebounds Over – while Jusuf Nurkic will be an obvious target for Luka on switches. That makes Utah’s frontcourt vulnerable, and James should be able to mop up misses to get the Lakers out in transition.
LeBron averaged 7.8 RPG last season, and I’m banking on that level of production here to fill in for Ayton’s production. Plus, don’t be surprised if JJ Redick leans on smaller lineups, given how little he’s trusted Jaxson Hayes in key spots.
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SPECSN, KJZZ
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