Cleveland Cavaliers
Best NBA Player Props January 02: Gobert Over 9.5 Points Among Top Picks
- Survey the NBA odds today as the league gives us six games to watch.
- Look for Portland’s Toumani Camara to keep piling up the rebounds.
- James Harden faces a tough test in OKC.
- These are the best NBA player props today.
We nailed two of our NBA player prop bets on New Year’s Eve, took a day off to count our winnings (and, sure, our blessings) and now we’re primed and ready for another set of picks. The slate on Thursday night is a great one, with several contenders and playoff hopefuls going at it.
3 Best NBA Player Props to Bet Today
1. Rudy Gobert Over 9.5 Points (-127)
This NBA bet somewhat hinges on the status of Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis, who is questionable with an ankle injury. Heading into the day we love the chances for Gobert to put up some points against the soft Boston interior defense.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) December 30, 2024
Gobert is not the smoothest on the offensive end, as you all know, but he does average in double figures so just hitting that mark is enough. The Timberwolves big man is 15th in the NBA in made baskets in the restricted area, a zone where Boston can struggle at times. It allows 49.7 points in the paint, lower than only a few teams in the East.
Gobert had 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting and a season-high 20 rebounds at Boston on Nov. 26, with eight of his boards coming on the offensive end. He was clearly a dominant force in the paint in that game and should be again, at least giving him a chance to hit double digits on the offensive end.
2. Toumani Camara Over 5.5 Rebounds (+106)
We’re not going to overthink this addition to our NBA bet slip all that much. Camara has hauled in at least six rebounds in each of his last eight games, including 10 in one and 12 in another. That streak began when he had six against the Lakers on Dec. 8.
Truly 1 of 1.
Take a deep dive on Toumani Camara’s ascension in PDX. pic.twitter.com/zjOGPPwNIG
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 16, 2024
Camara has quietly become one of the better offensive rebounders in the league as he finds his groove. Among players 6-feet-10 and under (he’s 6-8), he ranks sixth in the NBA with 71 offensive boards, right behind established interior figures such as Bam Adebayo and Jarrett Allen. Just nine teams allow more offensive rebounds per game than the Lakers, so they’re not exactly dominant in that department.
Bet on Toumani Camara Over 5.5 Rebounds (+106)
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3. James Harden Under 21.5 Points (-114)
We might be going to the well too many times but we’re trying a James Harden under for the second time this week. The first one worked out well and he’s up against the defensively sound OKC Thunder in this one, so we like our chances for a repeat win.
To begin with, Harden has been held under this number set forth by the Las Vegas oddsmakers in four of his last five games. Additionally, he’s averaged only 14.5 points while struggling against the Thunder’s fleet of quality defenders. He’s 2-for-7 when guarded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 1-for-5 against Alex Caruso (out for this one) and 0-for-3 versus Jalen Williams.
Harden jacks up loads of 3s and OKC defends the perimeter extremely well. Look for him to have a hard time getting to 20 points in this one.
Bet on James Harden Under 21.5 Points (-114)
More NBA Picks Today January 02
- Celtics vs Timberwolves Picks and Predictions January 02
- 76ers vs Warriors Picks and Predictions January 02
- Nets vs Bucks Picks and Predictions January 02
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
Question of the Day
Any NBA news items bettors should watch for on Thursday?
Keep an eye on the status of Anthony Davis. He’s been questionable several times lately with an ankle injury and always suits up, but the Lakers will give their big man a rest at some point as he’s played in 24 straight.
