It's Friday and we've got a fun NBA slate on on tap tonight. Our analysts have detailed five of their best NBA bets and expert predictions for Friday, Dec. 15.
Make sure to check out the "Buckets" podcast to get analysis from our betting experts on tonight's games, a quick look at NBA Playoff odds, the Rookie of the Year race and mmore. Listen to the latest episode and find our best NBA bets tonight below.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | Keldon Johnson Over 24.5 Points + Rebounds |
| 7:30 p.m. | Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 Blocks |
  | 8:00 p.m. | Jabari Smith Over 12.5 Points |
  | 10:00 p.m. | Knicks +5 |
| 10:00 p.m. | Julius Randle Over 8.5 Rebounds |
Keldon Johnson Over 24.5 Points + Rebounds vs. Lakers
7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ ESPN
By Sean Little
The volume has been there for the Johnson as of late. At home, he shoots 6.4 3's per game. He is coming off a really good game against the Lakers where he had 28 points and 5 rebounds. He has had numerous double-doubles this season and is a willing rebounder. If either LeBron James or Anthony Davis miss this game, I really like Johnson to clean up the glass.
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Victor Wembanyama Over 2.5 Blocks vs. Lakers
7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ ESPN
By Joe Dellera
With Wemby now playing the five spot for the Spurs, he can get plenty more blocks just hovering the paint. The Lakers don't shoot that many 3s, and most of the team is trying to get to the rack to score. He is averaging 3.9 blocks per game over his last 10 games, and I don't think this number has adjusted properly.
It's just so hard for guys to escape his reach. Even when players think they beat him, he has an extra foot of wingspan because he is so long. I don't think it will be long before the books start setting this number at 3-3.5.
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Jabari Smith Over 12.5 Points at Grizzlies
8:00 p.m. ET ⋅ NBA League Pass
By Joe Dellera
They kept the line at the same number as the previous game against the Grizzlies, and I took it then. Smith can stretch the floor and shooting against the Grizzlies is a huge plus as opposed to scoring inside or near the paint. He struggled out of the gate but since he has settled in, he has 16, 20, 18 and 20 in his last four games against the Grizzlies.
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Knicks +5 at Suns
10:00 p.m. ET ⋅ ESPN
By Joe Dellera
The [spread] seems too much. Obviously, the Knicks miss Mitchell Robinson and his importance to this team both offensively and defensively. I don't mind him being out too much in this matchup though because Jusuf Nurkic is not a guy who can take full advantage of his absence.
Jericho Sims is in the starting lineup and they are bringing Isaiah Hartenstein off the bench. Phoenix hasn't had a ton of minutes together and they got pushed to the brink against a Warriors team that isn't that great this year. I am still skeptical of this Suns team until that big 3 gets more playing time together.
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Julius Randle Over 8.5 Rebounds at Suns
10:00 p.m. ET ⋅ ESPN
By Joe Dellera
He has hit this number 75% of the time when Mitchell Robinson has been out. He averages 10.1 rebounds with Robinson out and he has been attacking the paint a lot more with him out of the paint. Phoenix also takes a lot of mid-range jumpers which keeps Randle close to the paint.
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