Key Points
- Sara breaks down her favorite NBA player prop bets for the December 3 NBA Cup matchups
It's Tuesday, and you know what that means! NBA Cup games are back, and we are getting down to the wire! With 11 games scheduled on the NBA slate, tonight is the last set of matchups before the quarterfinals.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
While two marquee matchups are scheduled to air on TNT, the New York Knicks (12-8, 6-2 home) will host the Orlando Magic (15-7, 6-7 away) in the Big Apple. Both squads 3-0 in East Group A, will the Magic run away with the point differential and victory?
For the late-night action, we have a West Group C showdown between the Golden State Warriors (12-7, 7-4 away) and the Denver Nuggets (10-8, 5-4 home). With the Warriors clinching the group at 3-0, it's a highly anticipated Western Conference matchup. What's more prime than betting on a Steph Curry vs Nikola Jokic matchup?
In this article, I've provided my best player prop bets for the NBA Cup games today. Including a mix of combo, points, and assist props, I've placed all of my wagers as straight plays. Having finished the month of November strong, I head into December up 13 units last month. With a 47-26 NBA betting record, let's keep it rolling through December.
First, let's take a look at the current FanDuel NBA Cup matchups and odds for Tuesday, December 3.
NBA Slate And FanDuel Odds For Tuesday, December 3
- Washington Wizards (+16) (+900 ML) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (-16) (-1600 ML): O/U 234.5
- Philadelphia 76ers (-4.5) (-194 ML) vs Charlotte Hornets (+4.5) (+162 ML): O/U 211.5
- Milwaukee Bucks (-3.5) (-172 ML) vs Detroit Pistons (+3.5) (+144 ML): O/U 221
- Indiana Pacers (-3) (-154 ML) vs Toronto Raptors (+3) (+130 ML): O/U 238
- Orlando Magic (+4.5) (+162 ML) vs New York Knicks (-4.5) (-194 ML): O/U 215
- Utah Jazz (+13.5) (+610 ML) vs OKC Thunder (-13.5) (-900 ML): O/U 223.5
- Memphis Grizzlies (+4) (+152 ML) vs Dallas Mavericks (-4) (-180 ML): O/U 242.5
- San Antonio Spurs (+7.5) (+250 ML) vs Phoenix Suns (-7.5) (-310 ML): O/U 229.5
- Houston Rockets (+1) (+100 ML) vs Sacramento Kings (-1) (-118 ML): O/U 227.5
- Golden State Warriors (+5) (+164 ML) vs Denver Nuggets (-5) (-196 ML): O/U 239
- Portland Trail Blazers (+9) (+295 ML) vs Los Angeles Clippers (-9) (-370 ML): O/U 219
Are you looking to bet on NBA player props with us all season long? Here at Ballislife Bets, we've gathered a complete list of the best sports betting offers here.
NBA Cup Player Props Tuesday, December 3
Player Prop Best Bet #1: Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 12 | PPG: 26.8 | FG: 52.1 % | FT: 81.8 % | 3PT : 44 % | REB: 6.9 | AST: 3.2 | STL: 0.9 | BLK: 0.4
- Over 24.5 Points (-122 FanDuel)
- Over 2.5 Assists (-150 FanDuel)
If there's any player that can pick right off where he left off after injury, it's
Kevin Durant.
One of the most consistent and elite players in the NBA, I'm hot on Durant over 24.5 points tonight. In a prime matchup at home, Durant gets the Spurs, who are a favorable team on the defensive end. However, Durant's truly a bucket no matter the opponent.
2-1 since KD's return from injury, the Suns are fighting for their life at 2-1 in the West Group B standings. With that said, they lead the group with +19 point differential over the Spurs and Thunder. It's safe to say this is a high stakes game, especially vs the Spurs who are 2-1.
The best part about this player prop is that Durant doesn't seem to be under any minute restrictions. Coming off 36 minutes in the Suns 113-105 victory, it's highly unlikely Durant will repeat his 7-20 shooting performance. Averaging 26.8 points on the season, 21 points is an outlier performance.
Even with Booker and Beal, Durant has averaged 24.6 in his return in three games. That includes a 30 bomb, on 10-18 shooting vs the Brooklyn Nets. Now with Jeremy Sochan trending upwards of playing, the Spurs do allow the 6th least points to forwards.
Expect Kevin Durant To Cook Up In A Must Win NBA Cup Matchup
Back to the Cup game, Durant has only taken part in one lone matchup vs the Lakers where he recorded 23 points. However, trailing the Mavericks for the wild card spot, I expect Durant to give it his all tonight. Especially vs a Spurs team that allowed DeMar DeRozan to erupt for 38 points.
While bettors have witnessed Lauri Markkanen (27) and Anthony Davis (40) soar over their prop lines, we've seen similar forwards overperform as of recent. That includes rookie Dalton Knecht (20), John Collings (20), and Andrew Wiggins (20). Given San Antonio has been more forgiving to forwards as of late, expect Durant to crush this tonight.
Overall, the Suns are a team that needs big performances from the big 3 (Bradley Beal, Durant, Devin Booker) to get going. No disrespect to Mason Plumlee, however he can't replace center Jusuf Nurkic. When their starting center out, look even more to Durant to shine tonight.
Durant Is Much More Efficient At Home
One of my strongest player prop bets today, Durant has been cruising at home, averaging 27.9 points per game. That's more than a three point differential when on the road. Now coming off plenty of rest, it's been Booker and Durant that's carried the Suns on their backs as of late. In fact, both Booker and Durant are averaging around the same shot volume since his return.
Tonight, I'm truly anticipating Durant to get anywhere from 18-20 looks vs the Spurs. Combine that with a 47.8 field goal % and 45.8 % from beyond the arc. Known for getting to the line, it may be a challenge. The Spurs may be allowing the 3rd fewest trips to the charity stripe. Known for guarding the toughest player, can Sochan stop Durant?
With a 10-2 record with KD on the floor, the Suns can't afford a loss vs the blazing Spurs. While the health if Beal is unknown, it's not clear if he'll face minute restrictions.
Sara's Final NBA Cup Player Prop Betting Prediction: Kevin Durant Over 24.5 Points (-122 FanDuel) + Over 2.5 Assists (-150 FanDuel)
Along with the points, I placed one unit on Durant to record over 2.5 assists. While this line hasn't moved, that has me perplexed. In a must win matchup, Durant will be heavily involved tonight. Averaging 3.2 dimes on the season, this is a bit low. Sure, the Spurs allow the 8th least assists to forwards. However, he's recored 10 in the last two meetings with the Spurs. Both of which include the big 3 on the court.
Although this line is a tad juiced, DeRozan and LeBron James recently combined for 19 assists in the last two outings vs the Spurs. Expecting this line to increase, Durant has historically cooked the Spurs. Averaging 27 points in the last four outings vs San Antonio, he's soared over twice with Beal and Booker in the lineup.
- Today, I'm taking Kevin Durant to score over 24.5 points and record over 2.5 assists.
Player Prop Best Bet #2: James Harden
James Harden 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 22 | PPG: 22.3 | FG: 38.5 % | FT: 89.5 % | 3PT : 34.6 % | REB: 7.2 | AST: 8.9 | STL: 1.7 | BLK: 0.7
- 3+ Made Threes (-130 FanDuel)
My second player prop of today, I placed one unit on Clippers guard James Harden to record 3+ made threes vs the Trail Blazers. Joining Steph Curry in the 3k three-point club, is there anyone as hot as Harden from three?
As a bettor and NBA fan, I know one aspect, the Clippers belong to James Harden. With the absence of Kawhi Leonard and the departure of Paul George, Harden looks extremely comfortable. Alongside Norman Powell, Harden clearly leads the Clippers in overall field goal attempts and three-point attempts.
Second behind Powell in scoring, Harden is coming off a season-high 15 thee-point attempts, and 26 overall shots. In a gutsy 126-122 over the Nuggets, it was Harden who hit the 3k mark in the first half. Raking in three trey balls by half time, it was Harden's free-throws that sealed the victory.
Why This NBA Player Prop Line Is Too low
With that said, Harden's been on a tear from a betting perspective. Sure, he's hitting 38.2 % of three-point shots with 24.3 points per game over the last ten games. I truly do believe the books are sleeping, and here's why. Refusing the raise the bar player prop line above 2.5 made threes, Harden has a 100 percent hit rate in five straight games.
That includes six threes and seven vs the Wizards. Harden even tallied three trey balls vs the Celtics, who are tough on the defensive end. Given the books haven't moved the line, this this prop hit the over in the last 6/7 games. While we can look at the early season inconsistencies, I'll ride the hot hand today.
If there's one aspect bettors know about Harden, is his ability to throw up the rock. Step back, dribble- he's not afraid to shoot. One of the best three-point shot creators in the NBA, he now gets an elite matchup.
Overall, Portland is clearly rebuilding. With Simons and Sharpe leading the front court, the Trail Blazers give up the 27th most three-pointers to guards. To hammer home this player prop, Portland allows opponents to shoot from a high clip from three (36.3 %).
NBA Guards love to play against Portland for Many Reasons
Given Harden will put up a ton of deep shots, this is a Trail Blazers team that allowed guards:
- Luka Doncic (4)
- Malik Monk (8)
- Tyrese Haliburton (5)
- Dillon Brooks (6)
- Jalen Williams (5)
- Trae Young (5)
To all soar over 2.5 made three-pointers. With Harden's usage as high as it's been in four seasons, he's putting up 47 % of his overall shots from deep. A strong player prop for today, Harden tends to favor above the break and right sided threes. Shooting well over 43 % from three over the last five games, Harden is averaging 10 trey balls in that time span.
Sara's Final NBA Cup Player Prop Betting Prediction: James Harden 3+ Made Threes (-130 FanDuel)
The last time Harden faced Portland, he finished 5-11 from deep for 19 points. While suffering a 106-105 loss, Harden made a go-ahead three in the fourth quarter. Given it's a Cup matchup, don't expect LA to let Portland pull away again.
- For that reason alone, I have James Harden to record 3+ three-pointers made today.
Player Prop Best Bet #3: Ja Morant
Ja Morant 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 11 | PPG: 22.1 | FG: 46.4 % | FT: 84.4 % | 3PT : 26.7 % | REB: 4.3 | AST: 9.0 | STL: 0.8 | BLK: 0.4
- Over 20.5 Points (-104 FanDuel)
My third player prop of today, I placed one unit on Grizzlies star
Ja Morant
to record over 20.5 points vs the Mavericks tonight. In Morant's fourth game back from injury, it's clear Taylor Jenkins is cautious with the star. Although he's yet to see 30+ minutes in his return, Morant is coming off 27 and 29 minutes vs the Pacers and Pelicans. This time, I can't pass up a prop line at nearly plus money.
With a 1-2 record in the West Group C, it's likely the Grizzlies are out of contention for the NBA Cup championship. However, point differential matters, and I expect Morant to play a monumental role tonight. Plus, with Zach Edey out and GG Jackson II yet to see action, I expect Morant to show out tonight.
Why Ja Morant Can Explode For Over 20.5 Points
I do believe this prop line is set lower with the explosion of Scotty Pippen Jr behind Morant in the front court. Yes, the Grizzlies have a ton of depth. That doesn't mean Morant isn't good for 21+ points. Coming off a 19 point performance in a blow out vs the Pacers, Morant is averaging nearly 23 points since his return. In those those games, the guard is averaging 14.3 shot attempts, on 50.6 % field goal shooting.
Am I blown away by Morant's performance from deep? No. He's an athletic guard who can score in several ways. With 23 trips to the charity stripe in the last three games, this is a great matchup. Giving up the 25th most free-throw attempts in the NBA (24.5), the Mavericks are decent from a defensive perspective.
Allowing the 19th most points to guards the Mavericks are in danger of missing Klay Thompson and Derick Lively. While I do believe this prop line is too low, Dallas recently allowed Anfernee Simons and Jalen Brunson to erupt for 27 and 37 points. There's a reason why the total is one of the highest of all matchups between the Grizzlies and Mavericks. Regardless of defense, Memphis is second in offensive points for a reason (121.7).
Sara's Final NBA Cup Player Prop Betting Prediction: Ja Morant Over 20.5 Points (-104 FanDuel)
Although Jaren Jackson Jr technically leads the Grizzlies in scoring, Morant is one of the most explosive guards in the league. Tallying 35 and 20 points in the last two outings vs Dallas, Morant should be heavily involved tonight. While I'm not expecting a large amount of points, he's one of the best facilitators in the game as well. Expecting a more balanced approach, the Mavericks defense has been a bit rocky as of late.
- Allowing Portland to pour in 131 points was eye opening, expect Ja Morant to soar over 20.5 points today.
Bonus Bets
- Evan Mobley double-double (-115 FanDuel)
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