The NBA's annual slate of Christmas Day action always brings a certain degree of intrigue, especially in the player props market for bettors of the sport with the league trotting out some of its biggest names on December 25.
This year is no exception, so here are three player prop expert picks for your consideration on the five-game schedule, including a blocks prop (-102) for San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks.
Victor Wembanyama UNDER 3.5 Blocks vs. Knicks (-102)
Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks, 12 p.m. ET
Sure, let's project the 7-foot-4 unicorn to not achieve at least four blocks after he's swatted away 18 in total over his last two games alone and 29 in his last four appearances. Usually it would be wise to ride the hot hand and attempt to cash in on a player's output, but oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook have an UNDER on Wembanyama's 3.5 blocks prop at -102, and that's at least justifiable.
The four teams Wembanyama just played rank in the bottom seven across the Association in blocks allowed to opposing centers, with those numbers no doubt hindered even more so by the reigning Rookie of the Year sending their shots flying in convincing fashion. Prior to this absurd defensive productivity, Wembanyama hadn't achieved four or more rejections in a game in 10-straight outings.
The 20-year-old Frenchman blocked just two shots total in two meetings with the Knicks last season, and New York currently ranks 11th overall in opponent's blocks at 4.4. Even finishing with three blocks would be a solid day at the office, yet Wembanyama has set the bar so incredibly high for himself that it's simply not sustainable.
(Related) NBA Christmas Day Betting Trends, Patterns
Luka Doncic OVER 37.5 Points + Assists vs. Timberwolves (-108)
Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks, 2:30 p.m. ET
It's like seeing a ghost of Christmas past for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who likely still have nightmares over the Western Conference finals when Luka Doncic lit them up to the tune of 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across the five-game series win for the Dallas Mavericks.
In the case of his combination points and assists prop being set at 37.5 for Wednesday's tilt, Doncic exceeded that number in every single one of those games, although he failed to do so earlier this season on Oct. 29 when he finished with 24 points and eight assists (32 total, UNDER) in 40 minutes of action.
Nonetheless, Christmas seems to bring the best out of Doncic, who last year became just the fourth player in history to score 50 or more points on the holiday with a 50-point, 15-assist effort against the Phoenix Suns. Minnesota is limping into this game in the midst of a three-game losing skid SU, as well, so while anticipating another 50-point outburst may be asking too much, Doncic should at least be in store for another sensational box score at the expense of the Timberwolves.
Nikola Jokic OVER 30.5 Points vs. Suns (-104)
Preview: Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns, 10:30 p.m. ET
The Phoenix Suns are simply ill-equipped to force any pressure on someone with the size and skillset of Nikola Jokic, although the same can be said for all other 28 teams.
We just witnessed Jokic dominate Phoenix at Ball Arena on Monday night with 32 points on 12-of-17 shooting, and he needed just 30 minutes of playing time to make it happen in what ended up being a 27-point victory for the Denver Nuggets. Jamal Murray may miss the festivities with an injured calf, and even if he's active, that shouldn't cut into Jokic's offensive activity.
The three-time Most Valuable Player is averaging 33.3 points on the road this season, which currently leads all players, and he's toppled 30.5 points in two of his last three games, as well.
