Key Points
- Sara breaks down her three best player prop bets for the December 11 NBA Cup Quarterfinals matchups!
The NBA Cup Quarterfinals continue, and two matchups are on the slate today! For the Eastern Conference, the undefeated New York Knicks (4-0) will host the Atlanta Hawks (3-1) at Madison Square Garden. With a knockout single-elimination set in the Big Apple, can the Knicks get redemption after falling to the Pacers in the Quarterfinals last Cup?
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
For the late-night showdown in the West, the 3-1 Houston Rockets will face the 3-1 Golden State Warriors in Houston. They are two of the top teams in the Western Conference, and this should be an exciting matchup to watch.
With tip-off set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET, both matchups will air on primetime TNT. Given I have a current NBA betting record of 26-23 in December, let's keep the NBA player prop bets flowing today! Before we break down my three best props for tonight, let's peep at the current DraftKings odds for the December 11 NBA Cup Quarterfinals matchups.
NBA Cup Quarterfinals Slate And DraftKings Odds For Wednesday, December 11
| Matchup |
Spread |
Moneyline (ML) |
Over/Under (O/U) |
| Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks |
+7.5 / -7.5 |
+270 / -340 |
237.5 |
| Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets |
+2 / -2 |
+105 /-125 |
223.5 |
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 Quarterfinals Player Props Tuesday, December 10.
NBA Cup Quarterfinals Player Props Wednesday, December 11
Player Prop Best Bet #1: Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 24 | PPG: 25.2| FG: 49.6 % | FT: 82.6 % | 3PT : 43.2 % | REB: 2.9 | AST: 7.8 | STL: 0.6 | BLK: 0.0
- Over 2.5 Made Threes (-136 FanDuel)
My first player prop best bet of today, I placed one unit on Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson
to record over 2.5 made threes tonight vs the Atlanta Hawks. Brunson is the definition of true grit when it comes to playing hoops in the concrete jungle. This is one of my strongest props of the night, and here's why.
Bettors already know Brunson is having a career-year from beyond the arc. Eclipsing over 43 percent from downtown, Brunson's been on a heater. In what is considered the biggest matchup of the season so far, I'm certainly not fading the Knicks biggest star.
Brunson's been spectacular from three-point range as of late, averaging 50.8 % from deep, as well as over 50 % from the floor. A top 20 player in terms of shooting percentage, Brunson is quickly emerged as one of the most pristine shot creators in the NBA.
- No. 11 in the league in points per game (25.2), we've seen Brunson crush it beyond the arc, especially over the last three outings.
The Raptors, Pistons, and Hornets aren't exactly teams that impress me. However, we simply can't ignore the fact Brunson is shooting 58.7 % over the last three matchups. With as much star power has the Knicks have, Brunson is still getting a fair amount of looks from deep. With 15 three-point attempts over the last two games, the guard is averaging 6.2 trey ball attempts per game in December.
- Combine that with a 51.6 three-point percentage for the month, do the math. It's a strong play.
The Hawks Struggle Significantly in Defending the Perimeter
Aside from being limited to 27 minutes in the Knicks 121-106 group play blowout vs the Magic, Brunson has logged heavy minutes for Tom Thibodeau in the Cup games. Playing 37 vs the Hornets, and 34 against the Nets, Brunson is averaging 32 minutes in Cup games. While he's averaged 39.2 minutes over the last two outings, I expect Brunson's minutes to increase tonight. With elimination and bonus money on the line, I doubt Thibodeau will give Brunson much rest.
Next, we have to analyze how well Brunson has played in high stakes NBA Cup matchups. Aside from the Magic, the competitive hasn't been exactly on par between Charlotte and Brooklyn. Averaging nearly 30 points in Cup games, Brunson is shooting at a high percentage (45.8 %) from downtown.
- Shooting the rock 4-6 from deep vs the Hornets, Brunson had 17 total three-point looks over group play matchups.
Overall, we have to look at the matchup with the Hawks and what's at stake. Is Jalen Brunson going to shy away from creating his own shot and pulling threes? No, Atlanta remains one of the least efficient teams around the perimeter this season. When I mean they are horrific, here at the numbers.
- Atlanta allows the most three-pointers made in the NBA with 16. It gets worse, opponents are shooting a league high 38.7 % against them.
Given the Hawks allow the most three-point attempts per game with 41.4, I expect Brunson to soar over this line tonight.
Sara's Final NBA Cup Quarterfinal Player Prop Betting Prediction: Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 Made Threes (-136 FanDuel)
In fact, I do believe the 2.5 three-point prop line will increase as the day goes on. Dreadful defensively, bettors witnessed Brunson put up 11 shots from beyond the arc November 6 vs the Hawks. Hitting 4-11 from deep, Brunson and the Knicks attempted 47 shots from three-point range. Two of those deep shots came against Trae Young, and two of three vs Onyeka Okongwu. While Dyson Daniels should be a formidable force defensively, I will expect Brunson to eat today.
Recording over 2.5 three-pointers in three straight games, Brunson loves to cook up against the Hawks. In the last three outings alone, the guard has 18 trey balls vs the Hawks. Since the end of November, Damian Lillard (5), CJ McCollum (5), Josh Green (4), Darius Garland (5) and Donovan Mitchell (4) all sizzled over this prop line.
- One of my best prop bets for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, I'm riding with Jalen Brunson to knock down over 2.5 made threes.
Player Prop Best Bet #2: Steph Curry
Steph Curry 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 18 | PPG: 23 | FG: 45 % | FT: 93.4 % | 3PT : 41.7 % | REB: 5.3 | AST: 6.6 | STL: 1.3 | BLK: 0.4
- Over 30.5 Points + Assists (-115 DraftKings)
My second player prop best bet today, I placed one unit on Warriors guard
Steph Curry
to record over 30.5 points and assists vs the Houston Rockets tonight. However, this should be a highly defensive game. However, in a must win scenario, I'm putting Curry in the drivers seat.
Bettors already know the Warriors have the deepest bench in the NBA, and Curry simply doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting night to night.
- However, this is a must win for Golden State, and I strongly believe Curry will play hefty minutes tonight.
This prop might be a bit inflated, especially given the matchup. However, Curry remains one of the most lethal shooters and consistent players on a night basis. Coming off a 30 point, 8 assist performance vs the T-Wolves, he'll take that momentum into today.
Up from last season, Curry is shooting at a high clip from the three-point line (41.7 %), averaging 23 points and 6.6 assists on the season. Although the guard's production is slightly less on the road, Curry has been stellar over the last 10 games.
- Averaging 25.5 points and 7.7 assists through December, this is a strong play tonight.
Curry Has Been On A Heater Lately
Just from a points perspective, chef Curry is averaging 25.6 points alone over the last five matchups. Averaging 19 shot attempts per game over the span, the Warriors star is shooting 37.1 % from downtown on 12.2 three-point attempts per game.
Yes, you read that correctly, Steph Curry had 61 three-point looks over the last five outings. His three-point shots alone should cover a bulk of his points. In addition, add the 23 trips to the charity stripe in December. I additionally love this prop given Buddy Hield has slipped into the starting spot for an injured Moses Moody. That alone, should open up the assists column for Curry.
Speaking of assists, Curry has been on fire, racking up 23 dimes over the last three games. With a 34.5 % assist rate, how can I fade this prop? Sure, this number may take a hit, especially since Moody is shooting 77.8 % of his field goals assisted from Curry.
With that said, the assist prop is clearly contingent on how others play around Curry. Given the most passes (8.8) and (6.3) are to Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, that's a great sign.
- Expected to suit up, Wiggins has been on a tear, averaging 19.6 points on 47.2 three-point % over the last 1o games.
While the Warriors have a high powered offense, the Rockets will be difficult to run through. There is some hope in this all, the Rockets give up the third most points to guards. On the flip side, they shut down passing lanes, allowing the third fewest assists among guards.
Totaling this prop line in three of the last five games, Curry historically has had a field day vs the Rockets. Dating back to 2021, obviously the Rockets have reconstructed their lineup. Soaring well over this line in 7/9 last head-to head matchups, the Rockets starting five has remained similar from last season.
Recording over 30.5 points and assists in two of three matchups vs the Rockets last year, Curry dominated with 29 points and 6 assist in their last meeting. In the last month, we've seen:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (37)
- Tyrese Maxey (49)
Hit well over the prop line tonight. Having missed both matchups vs the Rockets this season, we don't have matchup stats to go off of. However, Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga took charge from a points perspective. We recently saw Curry have success against an elite Timberwolves defensive squad.
Sara's Final NBA Cup Quarterfinal Player Prop Betting Prediction: Steph Curry Over 30.5 Points + Assists (-115 DraftKings)
Pulling a 36 point and 7 assist performance vs the Thunder, Curry's proven he can plow through top defenses. That includes the Celtics.
- One of my best prop bets for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, I'm riding with Steph Curry to record over 30.5 points and assists.
Player Prop Best Bet #3: Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 24 | PPG: 16.9 | FG: 47.9 % | FT: 61.9 % | 3PT : 34.3 % | REB: 3.6 | AST: 3.4 | STL: 1.1 | BLK: 0.5
- Over 23.5 Points+ Rebounds + Assists (-125 DraftKings)
My last player pop bet for today, I placed one unit on Knicks guard
Mikal Bridges
to record over 23.5 points, rebounds, and assists vs the Hawks.
Although a risky bet at times, I truly love the matchup with the Hawks tonight. This is especially given this is simply a win or go home matchup.
Acquired from the Nets, Bridges is the fourth scoring option, behind Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby. With that said, nearly 17 points per game is fairly decent. Third on the Knicks in assists, sure his overall stats have dropped from last season. However, his assist to turnover ratio is the highest it's been in years, and Bridges has played incredible this month.
Averaging 22.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, Bridges is currently performing at the highest level as a member of the Knicks.
- Shooting at a high clip of 56.4 % from the field, his 45.2 three-point percentage has earned him hefty minutes tonight.
Mikal Bridges Has A Prime Matchup Vs A Low End Hawks Defense
Truthfully, I love this prop line from a points and assists line alone. Mentioned previously, the Hawks give up the 3rd most points and assists to guards, along with 7th most rebounds. Although Bridges disappointed bettors with 10 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds vs the Hawks, Bridges shot poorly (4-10 from the field). With KAT and Brunson combining for 55 points, Bridges hit just 2-7 from deep.
I will point out, the Bridges played nearly a full game at 39 minutes in November vs Atlanta. Spectacular in group play this season, the minutes should be on the higher end tonight.
- Although his group play has been less than stellar, there's some optimism after a 19 points, 5 assist performance vs the Hornets last week.
With 18 assists over the last five games, Bridges has received a fare amount of shot volume. Shooting 63.2 % from the field on an average of 15.6 attempts, look for Bridges to be heavily involved tonight. As we know with Thibs, the rotation shrinks in high stakes games.
- Extremely particular about his rotation, minutes certainly won't be an issue for Bridges today.
Sara's Final NBA Cup Quarterfinal Player Prop Betting Prediction: Mikal Bridges Over 23.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-125 DraftKings)
Given this player prop line has soared over in 5 of the last 7 games, the Hawks are truly a terrible defensive team. With a small three guard lineup, Bridges is often placed at the 3. In terms of "comparable" positions, Michael Porter Jr (36), Brandon Miller (44), and LeBron James (60) all hit well over this line. Of course, it's hard to compare these players. Position wise, this is a prime matchup.
- One of my best prop bets for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, I'm riding with Mikal Bridges to record over 23.5 points, rebounds, and assists today.
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