NBA Player Prop Picks for Friday, December 20

Friday night’s NBA slate offers plenty of opportunities to cash in on player props, especially with intriguing alternative lines. Let’s break down the value behind these longshot bets.

Bucks C Brook Lopez 20+ Alt Points vs. Cavaliers (+800, FanDuel)

In 114 minutes with Damian Lillard off the floor, Lopez has seen a 6.25% usage bump this season, the highest on the Bucks. In one of his three games played without Lillard active this season, Lopez went off for 29 points and he should get some solid shot volume, including from beyond the arc. Over his last 15 games, Lopez has averaged 12.7 points on 52.5% shooting (40.5% three-point shooting) and in that span, he’s put up separate games of 21, 27 and 29 points. This has 11.11% odds, so I think there’s some value and he should get enough volume to have a nice scoring night.

Hornets C Nick Richards 14+ Alt Rebounds vs. 76ers (+1000, FanDuel)

With LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Mark Williams, Grant Williams and Tre Mann all out, Nick Richards is going to have to step up and play as many minutes as he can handle in the post against Joel Embiid. I hope he can get to 30 minutes, because in the four games he’s done so this year, he’s put up 13, 12, 14 and 14 boards. One of those 14-board games came against this Sixers team (without Embiid) back on December 3 when he had a whopping 26 rebounding chances. Most recently on Monday, he pulled down five rebounds (on 12 chances) in just 19 minutes against Philadelphia. Now, the path is clear for him to play substantial minutes and at +1000, I’m going to certainly get on this outcome. Also keep in mind that if Embiid doesn’t play, this becomes an even better play, but if Embiid does suit up, he will be playing with a facial mask. That could impact the big man’s shooting ability more than usual, which could result in some more rebounds for Richards.

Thunder SG Isaiah Joe 15+ Alt Points vs. Heat (+900, FanDuel)

Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace have been splitting minutes at the two (and flip-flopping starting there) all season long, but I love Joe if he starts or comes off the bench in this one. When seeing 20-plus minutes this season, he’s scored in double figures in 12 of 15 opportunities and this matchup is an awesome one for him. Miami’s defense does a great job limiting superstars, so Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be their primary focus. As a team that also plays zone defense quite a bit, opposing spot-up shooters have thrived against Miami. In fact, Miami ranks 3rd-worst in points per possession allowed vs. spot-ups and have allowed 10.5 made catch-and-shoot threes per game (5th-most in the Association). I like 10+ alt points at +240, but for some extra upside, I’m going to go to 15+ at +900 odds.

Bet up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets at BetMGM! All you need to do is CLICK HERE, sign up for a new account, make your first deposit and bet! Don’t miss out!