NBA Best Bets Today: 3 of the best NBA Picks for Thursday, December 19

The NBA Cup is officially over, meaning there's a full slate of NBA games tonight!

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

With 13 games on the slate, I'll provide my three best NBA bets in this article. One of the highest anticipated matchups, how will Karl-Anthony Towns fare in his return to Minnesota? Included in the slate are a ton of high-stakes conference matchups.

I would love to finish the month in the green as the end of December approaches. With an NBA betting record of 44-33, I will keep bankroll management and smart betting at the forefront.

Let's look at my three best bets and picks for the Thursday, December 19 NBA matchups.

Are you looking to bet on the NBA all season long with us? Here at Ballislife Bets, we've gathered a complete list of the best sports betting offers here. 

NBA Best Bets For Thursday,

December 19

NBA Totals Best Bet #1: Indiana Pacers vs Phoenix Suns

Pacers 2024-2025 OU  Record: 16-10-1
Suns 2024-2025 O/U Record: 15-10

• Pacers vs Suns Over 235 Points (-110 FanDuel)

One of my best bets for today, I placed one unit on the Indiana Pacers vs Phoenix Suns matchup to total over 235 points tonight.

Two of the largest producing offenses in the NBA, the Suns should have a fairly healthy squad for once. On the Pacers side, Ben Sheppard is listed as questionable.

I truly believe the offensive numbers are slightly skewed, especially since Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker have seen the court only 10 times together this season. Boasting an 8-2 record with the big three, Phoenix will heavily rely on the trio tonight.

Averaging just over 114 points per game, the Suns are an extremely efficient three-point shooting team (38.3 %),  a team that attempts a load of threes (39.6).

With a 15-10 over/under record, the Suns are coming off a 116-109 victory over the Trail Blazers. Although the Suns were without Beal, all five starters managed to put up points in double figures. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combined for 48 points alone.

Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker Will Reunite on the Court Today

I'll be quick to point out, I doubt Durant will repeat that 9-23 field goal shooting performances. One of the most elite shooters in the game, Durant shot just 1-9 from deep.

With the trio plagued by injuries, Beal, Booker and Beal are allocating for 41.7 combined points on the season.

• With an average of 17.5 minutes played together, they've eclipsed the 50 percent field goal mark (51.3 %), and 37.7 % from beyond the arc.

Given 234 is the highest total since the Suns vs Lakers matchup in late November, it's worth to note over 235 points has occurred in just two of the last 10 games. With that said, the Suns have managed to maintain the 9th best offensive rating score. With Booker and Durant combining for 64 points vs the Jazz, they have another prime matchup tonight.

Overall, the Suns are averaging 114.5 games with the big three over the lineup through 10 games. In that span, just two have tallied over 235 points. Although the Suns don't have a ton of depth, they have scoring options off the bench in Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, Ryan Dunn, and Josh Okogie.

• Trading for point guard Tyus Jones has proven to be a critical asset for the Suns.

While they remain a top team offensively, the Suns struggle on the defensive end. Giving up 114.2 points per game, Phoenix ranks no. 21 in defensive rating. Although it's not a true test, we'll find out tonight with the trio back in the lineup.

The Pacers And Suns Struggle Defensively

With the Suns giving up 126 points to the Jazz, the Suns are allowing over 119 opponent points per game over the last five matchups. With teams shooting 50 percent in that span, both the Heat and Jazz shot well over 50 percent from the floor. It won't get easier tonight, given the Pacers put up the 11th most points in the NBA (114.4).

While their production is down from last season, Indiana has been plagued with injuries. With one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, Rick Carlisle has heavy hitters in Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner.

A solid perimeter shooting team (37.5 %), the Pacers rank no. 4 in the NBA in field goal percentage (48.9 %). Averaging over 120 points per game over the last four outings, Indiana has put up 120+ points on the Bulls and 76ers. They've managed to cross the 235 point threshold just three times in the last ten games.

Overall, these are two high powered offenses who struggle defensively. An issue in years past, the Pacers allow the fifth most points per game (117.3) and the Suns will be tough to guard on the weak and strong side of the ball.

• While guarding the perimeter is not their strongest quality, they rank no. 22 in defensive rating. Let's face it, I've won a ton of coin on Pacers totals.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Pacers vs Suns Over 235.5 Points (-110 FanDuel)

There should be plenty of offense produced tonight with the amount of star power on the court. Given the Pacers are a fast paced team, the Suns will have to match that.

• My best prediction for tonight, I'm betting on the Pacers vs Suns matchup to soar over 235 points in the valley. 

NBA Moneyline Best Bet #2: Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies

Warriors 2024-2025 Record: 14-11
Grizzlies 2024-2024 Record: 18-9

• Golden State Warriors ML (+120 FanDuel)

My second best bet of the night, I placed one unit on the Golden State Warriors to win the moneyline outright at +120 vs the Memphis Grizzlies.

At 14-11, the Warriors started off as one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference. Starting off a 7-1, Klay Thompson's departure was hardly noticeable on the court. As of late, the Warriors have looked awful down the stretch.

• Fresh off two losses vs the Mavericks and Rockets, they're 2-8 in their last 10.

With the trade deadline looming, the Warriors become one of the first teams to strike a deal. In a push to win another championship, they acquired veteran guard Dennis Schröder. Set to make his Warriors, debut, the veteran guard is having his best scoring season (18.4 PPG) since 2019.

• While it's unclear how the guard will fit alongside Steph Curry and Buddy Hield, Schröder adds a much needed scorer amongst injuries and defense.

After conceding to the Rockets with a heartbreaking, bizarre one point loss, they let the Mavericks put up 143 points. Now with several days rest, it's time for Golden State to reset.

The Warriors Will Have New Look Offense With Dennis Schröder

Also, we can't forget the Warrior's schedule hasn't been too forgiving. Imaging matching up against the Mavericks, Rockets, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Suns, and Thunder all within the last nine games?

Even with injuries, there's no doubt Ja Morant's return to the lineup has positively impacted the Grizzlies. Sitting at the no.2 spot at 18-9, they are 8-2 in the last 10 games. Although Memphis took a loss to the Lakers, a 127-121 victory over the Celtics turned some heads. While their schedule has been fairly smoother, Golden State will be a tough test.

This may surprise bettors, but the Warriors are no longer one of top dogs offensively. No. 14 in offensive rating, it's the Grizzlies that put up a league high 122.1 points per game. While there's quite a large gap in point production, the Warriors by far remain a superior team on the perimeter offensively.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Golden State Warriors ML (+120 FanDuel)

What may surprise folks is the defensive prowess of both teams. With the Grizzlies and Warriors ranking no. 6 and no 7. in defensive rating, the Warriors can keep up on the defensive end.

Although the Grizzlies are 15-5 straight up as favorites, this has been a brewing rivalry for quite some time. 6-4 in the last 10, the Warriors have a 3-1 record vs Memphis in the last four head-to-head matchups.This time around, Memphis has a ton of depth and heavy hitters in Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, and others. The talent on the Grizzlies is endless.

Although playing on the road can present the challenge, the Warriors are 7-6 in away games.

Overall, Golden State has been tested over the last 10 games, and will have a new addition with Schröder. This should provide a new style of offense, playmaking and floor spacing.

• Give me the Warriors to win outright today. For plus money, it's worth a sprinkle.

 NBA Player Prop Best Bet #3: Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 15 | PPG: 15.9 | FG: 41.0 % | FT: 80.4 % | 3PT : 31.5 % | REB: 3.5 | AST: 3.7 | STL: 0.9 | BLK: 0.1

• Over 15.5 Points (+102 FanDuel)

My last best bet for today, I placed one unit on Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson to record over 15.5 points tonight vs the Pistons. One of my favorite player props last year, Clarkson is back in action!

While the subject of several trade rumors, Clarkson has been a prime scorer for the Jazz off the bench. At 5-20, Clarkson is the fourth leading scorer behind Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Collin Sexton. For plus money, I couldn't resist this prop.

Back fully healthy after missing seven games with a left plantar fasciitis issue, Clarkson has arrived back with a vengeance. With back-to-back 20+ games,  the guard has totaled 20 vs the Suns, and 23 against the Clippers. Mind you, those are two among the top teams in the Western Conference.

Despite injuries and a slow start to the season, I do believe this prop is low for plus money! Good for 16+ points on a nightly basis, Clark is putting up over 18 points in December. While he is technically not a starter, minutes haven't been an issue. Playing 27 minutes for Will Hardy this month, Clarkson has been straight ballin.

This Prop Line Has Great Value At +102 Odds

How can I fade a player who's shot a combined 58.3 % from the three vs the Suns and Clippers? Averaging 14.1 shot attempts per game over the last 10 outings, Clarkson's overall shooting percentages are way up. I expect the guard to get a least five trips to the charity stripe tonight as well.

When we look at the matchup, the Pistons aren't great. However, they weren't the train wreck from last season, and are a young team. Even with such improvements, the Pistons give up the 8th most points to guards. Given Clark is a decent combo guard, his scoring ability is unmatched.

One of the most underrated guards in the NBA, Clarkson will face a Pistons team who who allow nearly the 12th most points per game (113.8). Although their perimeter defense has improved, Detroit allows the 6th highest three-point percentage (37.3 %).

With the line set at 14.5, I decided to take 15.5 for +120. Soaring over this prop line in 11 of 15 games, Clarkson is averaging over 18 points in those 11 outings.

Final NBA Best Bet Pick and Prediction: Jordan Clarkson Over 15.5 Points (+102 FanDuel)

Given the guard has historically performed well vs the Pistons, he poured in 36 points in their last outing. While the Detroit roster has changed drastically, Clarkson is averaging 23.4 points vs the Pistons in their last five head-to-head matchups.

Clearing this line in 5/5 last road games, the Pistons have been forgiving to guards as of late. Bettors recently witnessed:

• Tyler Herro (23)
• Payton Pritchard (27)
• Jalen Brunson (31)
• Jaylen Brown (28)
• Damian Lillard (27)
• Tyrese Maxey (28
• Tyrese Haliburton (18)
• Marcus Smart (25)

All guards who have far surpassed the 15.5 point threshold. It's clear as day, the Pistons are challenged all guards. That includes players off the bench who aren't starters.

• A pure lock tonight, give me Jordan Clarkson to record over 15.5 points today.