Friday’s NBA slate offers exciting player prop opportunities, especially for centers in favorable matchups. From Nikola Jokic's dominance in rebounds and assists to Victor Wembanyama’s scoring streak, and Ivica Zubac's rebounding surge, these picks highlight value in key games. Here’s a breakdown of the best player prop bets for December 27, with analysis to back up each recommendation.
Nuggets C Nikola Jokic Over 20.5 Rebounds + Assists vs. Cavaliers (-120, Caesars)
Here’s what Jokic has gone against Jarrett Allen in their last seven head-to-head battles (in terms of rebounds + assists), from most recent to least recent: 31, 34, 17, 31, 25 22 and 22. The first and only time they squared off this season, Joker put up 27 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists in 39 minutes. On the campaign, Jokic is averaging 12.6 rebounds (on 21.7 rebounding chances) per game, both of which rank 3rd in the NBA, along with 9.4 assists (3rd) on 16.8 potential assists (2nd), so he averages more combined upside in these two categories (38.5) than anyone else in the NBA. The first time he faced Cleveland, he had 27 rebounding chances and 14 potential helpers (41 potential rebounds + assists) and I expect him to put forth another MVP-caliber performance in this one.
Spurs C Victor Wembanyama Over 24.5 Points vs. Nets (-111, FanDuel)
Wemby has gone over this mark in 12 of his last 15 starts and is coming off an amazing Christmas Day performance against the Knicks in which he dropped 42 points on 16-of-31 shooting, including 6-of-16 from three-point range. The Nets have the 7th-worst Defensive Rating in the NBA and, like pretty much every team, don’t have an answer to defend the 7’5” unicorn. Not only has his mid-range game already matured, but I love how he’s developed as a volume three-point shooter, not only because he’s an elite scorer, but because his body isn’t ready to go up against some of the more physical low-post guys in the Association on that end of the floor. I expect him to continue his strong run in New York City and put up big numbers in the scoring column at Barclays Center.
Clippers C Ivica Zubac Over 12.5 Rebounds vs. Warriors (-128, Caesars)
In his two games against the Warriors this season, Zubac pulled down 18 and 17 boards on an average of 23.5 rebounding chances. Not only that, but he’s been arguably the hottest rebounder in the entire league over the last couple weeks or so. Over his last three games, he’s averaged 16.3 rebounds on an NBA-high 30.0 rebounding chances per contest and gets a matchup against a Warriors team that’s allowed the 5th-most rebounds to opposing centers.
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