NBA Player Props Today: My Best NBA Prop Bets and Odds December 19

The NBA is back, and there are 13 games on the massive slate today! Included in that are two prime time matchups on TNT.

(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Two of the best defensive teams in the NBA, the Magic are +6.5 underdogs at home vs the OKC Thunder. Will the Thunder bring extra motivation tonight after conceding to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup Championship Final?

For the late-night matchup, Karl-Anthony Towns will make his return to Minnesota as a member of the New York Knicks. 2-1 vs the Knicks since 2023, the Timberwolves are -2.5 favorites at home.

Current FanDuel NBA Slate And Odds For December 18

• Orlando Magic (-5) (-210 ML) vs Charlotte Hornets (+5) (+176 ML): O/U 213
• OKC Thunder (-290 ML) vs Orlando Magic (+235 ML): O/U 210
• Utah Jazz (+154 ML) vs Detroit Pistons (-184 ML): O/U 227
• Charlotte Hornets (-178 ML) vs Washington Wizards (+150 ML): OU 226.5
• Chicago Bulls (+640 ML) vs Boston Celtics (-950 ML): O/U 241
• Brooklyn Nets (+142 ML) vs Toronto Raptors (-168 ML): O/U 218.5
• Golden State Warriors (+120 ML) vs Memphis Grizzlies (-142 ML): O/U 236.5
• New Orleans Pelicans (+310 ML) vs Houston Rockets (-390 ML): O/U 217.5
• Atlanta Hawks (-104 ML) vs San Antonio Spurs (-112 ML): O/U 234
• Los Angeles Clippers (+164 ML) vs Dallas Mavericks (-196 ML): O/U 223.5
• Indiana Pacers (+205 ML) vs Phoenix Suns (-250 ML): O/U 235
• New York Knicks (+118 ML) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (-138 ML): O/U 215
• Denver Nuggets (-350 ML) vs Portland Trail Blazers (+280 ML): O/U 235.5
• Los Angeles Lakers (+160 ML) vs Sacramento Kings (-190 ML): O/U 229

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 Props Thursday, December 19

Player Prop Best Bet #1: LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 19 | PPG: 30.3 | FG: 41.3 % | FT: 64.7 % | 3PT : 35.9 % | REB: 8.0 | AST: 8.3 | STL: 1.7 | BLK: 0.3

• Over 26.5 Points (-113 FanDuel)
• Top Scorer (-135 FanDuel)

My first player prop for today, I placed one unit on Hornets star LaMelo Ball to record over 26.5 points vs the Wizards. With that, I have him as the games top scorer for -135 odds on FanDuel.

If you've been tailing my bets, you may remember the last time I bet on Ball prop points. In fact, he finished 3-13 vs the Brooklyn Nets in an important NBA Cup game. I'm confident Ball will finish over the 12 point threshold tonight.

One of my best bets today, LaMelo Ball is the clear cut top scorer and star on a 7-19 Hornets squad. Although Charlotte is 1-9 in their last 10 games, Ball has been brilliant over that span. In fact, the craft guard is averaging over 30 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.3 assists over the last 10.

Has LaMelo Ball Reached His Peak?

Aside from a 15 point down performance vs the 76ers on Monday, Ball is fourth in the NBA in scoring. Putting up a career best 30.2 points per game, the guard has elevated his game in several aspects. With the highest usage rate of his career (40.8), Ball has had some monstrous performances as of late.

I will point out, Ball returned from a calf injury, and was on a minute restriction last game. With three days rest, I'm unsure if that will be the case tonight. Logging 15 minutes on 5-15 shooting, Ball managed to play just 26 minutes for Charles Lee.

I do believe a 26.5 points player prop line is too low, especially given Ball is crushed this 10 of the last 15 games. Aside from Monday, Ball logged the following performances over the past week:

• 32 points vs Miami Heat
• 44 points vs Orlando Magic
• 50 points vs Milwaukee Bucks (Career-High)
• 35 points vs Detroit Pistons

As you can see, the Magic and Bucks are no defensive slouches. In addition, playing back-to-back 40 point minutes with one days rest on the road vs the Bucks and Orlando is quite impressive.

What's more impressive is Ball's shot volume even with members of the starting five back in the lineup.

• With 35 field goal attempts, LaMelo scored 34 % of the team's points with 32. In that game, Ball had 20 three-point attempts alone vs the Heat.

The Washington Wizards Struggle Defensively

If the minute restriction is lifted, the Hornets will attempt to get another shot at a full starting five. If Brandon Miller is unable to lace up, I do expect the shot expectations to increase for Ball.

Averaging 33.2 points and 29 field goal attempts over the last five games, Ball has 70 deep shot attempts over that span. In addition, he's flirted with triple-double numbers on numerous occasions.  Even in low scoring games, Ball scored 44 of the Hornets 84 points vs Orlando.

Scoring half the team's points is quite impressive in itself. A versatile guard that uses his length and craftiness to get to the rim, Ball is also a striker from beyond the arc. Today, Ball has a perfect matchup against the Wizards.

Tonight is the battle of two of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. As long as it's not a blow out and Ball is feeling fairly healthy, this is one of the best matchups of the season.

• A poor defensive team, the Wizards allow the second most points to guards.

While not one guard has eclipsed the 26.5 point mark in December, bettors witnessed Kyrie Irving (25), and Darius Garland (24) cook up against the Wizards. In November, James Harden poured in 43 points.

While Ball won't necessarily cash this prop out from the free-throw line, he's performed even more efficiently on the road.

• Averaging 31.6 points on the road, Ball will face the Wizards for the first time all season.

My Final NBA Player Prop Betting Prediction: LaMelo Ball Over 26.5 Points (-113 FanDuel) + Top Scorer (-135 FanDuel)

Crushing over 26.5 points in 7/10 games, Ball is averaging 31.8 points over that span. In the lone game on minutes restrictions, Ball scored 15 points with Josh Green, Mark Williams, and Miles Bridges back in the lineup. Without Miller, Ball has eclipsed over 26.5 points in four of the last five games.

If you're betting on the NBA, there's positive news on the horizon! Given LaMelo Ball is one of the best in the NBA in terms of paint points (10.7), the Wizards allow the 5th most points inside (51.1).

A real solid matchup for Ball, look for the guard to capitalize against a Wizards team that allows the most points per game (123). With one of the worst perimeter defenses in the NBA (37.1 %), Washington allows nearly 40 three-point attempts per game alone.

• I'll take LaMelo Ball to score 26.5 points today. Given Ball has been the top scorer in 14 of 19 games, I'll take that as well. 

Player Prop Best Bet #2: Payton Pritchard

Payton Pritchard 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 26 | PPG: 16.5 | FG: 48.5 % | FT: 84.1 % | 3PT : 43.5 % | REB: 3.6 | AST: 3.3 | STL: 1.0 | BLK: 0.1

• Over 18.5 Points + Rebounds (-122 FanDuel)

My second best player prop for today, I placed one unit on Celtics guard Payton Pritchard to record over 18.5 points and rebounds tonight vs the Bulls.

A top Sixth Man of the Year candidate, is anyone playing better than Pritchard off the bench? After requesting a trade from the Celtics a few years ago, Pritchard has emerged as Joe Mazzula's top trusted players.

Averaging a career-high 16.5 points per game on 43.5 three-point percentage, Pritchard has elevated his game significantly. Known for this full and half court buzzer beaters, Pritchard is truly one of the hardest working guards in the NBA.

A crucial member off the bench for the Celtics, the former Oregon Duck is also averaging career-highs in minutes (28.7), field goal percentage (48.5 %), rebounds (3.6), and usage (20.6).

• To furthermore solidify how I feel about this bet, Pritchard is second in the NBA in three-pointers made with 101. Just outside the top 20 in three-point percentage, the guard is performing at this level as a rotation player!

Payton Pritchard Is The Leading 6MOY Candidate

Averaging 18.9 points, Pritchard is having the best production of the year this month. Through December, the guard has managed over 32.3 points, on 42.5 three-point percentage. With Sam Hauser, Kristaps Porzingis, and Xavier Tillman all listed as questionable, perhaps Pritchard will get extended playing time today.

Overall, I love this player prop line from a points perspective alone. I know Pritchard is one of the most aggressive guards on the boards, especially on the offensive end.

• Often following his own shot, Pritchard is coming off 15 points and 11 rebounds vs the Wizards.

While Pritchards shot volume is fair, his three-point attempts are what stands out to me. With 10 deep ball attempts in December, the guard has cracked 18 points alone in five of seven games.

Although I do expect this line to increase, Pritchard has soared over this line in four of the last five games.

• Averaging 22.4 points and rebounds over that span, are the books sleeping on this!?

My Final NBA Player Prop Betting Prediction: Payton Pritchard Over 18.5 Points + Rebounds (-122 FanDuel)

Matchup wise, Pritchard gets the Bulls, who allow the most points, and second most rebounds to guards. Bettors recently witnessed:

• Gradey Dick (33 P+R)
• Tyrese Maxey (36 P+R)
• Tyrese Haliburton (27 P+R)
• Shake Milton (20 P+R)
• Jalen Suggs (34 P+R)
• Malcom Brogdon (21 P+R)

Among other guards who have smashed the points and rebounds category.

In the Celtics lone 138-129 victory over the Bulls, Pritchard logged 29 points and seven rebounds, on 7-11 three-point shooting. Overall the Bulls struggle on the boards, allowing the thirst most in the NBA.

• I'm confident Mazzulla will give Pritchard the extended usual minutes. Perhaps the guard will earn extra playing time if it's a blowout. Give me Payton Pritchard to record over 18.5 points and rebounds. 

Player Prop Best Bet #3: Gradey Dick

Gradey Dick 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 22 | PPG: 18.5 | FG: 41.6  % | FT: 89.7 % | 3PT : 34.1 % | REB: 3.3 | AST: 2.0 | STL: 0.8 | BLK: 0.2

• Over 2.5 Made Threes (-130 FanDuel)

My third player prop of the night, I placed one unit on Raptors guard Gradey Dick to record over 2.5 made threes tonight vs the Brooklyn Nets.

Although the guard has faced a slight regression from the three-point line, we've seen nearly a ten point increase in scoring in his sophomore year. Drafted out of Kansas for his sharpshooting ability, Dick now has the floor with Scottie Barnes out indefinitely, along with Jacob Poetl and Immanuel Quickley.

The third leading scorer for the Raptors, Dick has earned himself a spot in the starting lineup next to RJ Barrett in the backcourt. Coming off back-to-back 20+ performances without Barnes, Dick is averaging 19.5 shots, including 10 attempts alone from the three-point range. While his three-point percentage has been underwhelming the last two outings, the volume is there.

Now more than ever, the Raptors depth chart is starting to shrink as the injuries pile on. With that said, expect increased production from Dick. In fact, he's soared over 2.5 made threes in three of the last five matchups without Barnes.

There's no doubt Dick's three-point volume is enough to make me love this prop. Averaging 34 % from beyond the arc in December, Dick has 47 trey ball attempts in five games. In fact, the sharpshooter saw a season high 14 deep shots vs the Mavericks on December 7.

My Final NBA Player Prop Betting Prediction: Gradey Dick Over 2.5 Made Threes (-130 FanDuel)

What I love about this player prop is how well Dick has played against elite defenses. Hitting 4-8 from deep vs the Thunder, the guard finished 3-6 from three against Cleveland. With increased responsibility, he now faces a Nets team that gives up the third most three-pointers to guards.

In fact, the Brooklyn Nets allow the fourth highest three-point percentage in the NBA (37.6). While the Nets play hard and stick through games, they lose a step defensively without Dennis Schröder.

Averaging 3.1 three-pointers made over the last six games, Dick has soared over this prop line in the last 6/7 games. Recently, Caris LeVert just connected for 6 three-pointers last game.

• Set to play the Nets for the first time this season, Dick recorded six three-pointers in their last meeting. I'll take Gradey Dick to record over 2.5 made threes today.