The NBA regular season is back with a relatively light slate of games on Thursday night, with a total of four matchups scheduled for today, featuring Celtics vs Bucks at 8:00 p.m. ET, Nuggets vs Kings at 10:00 p.m. ET, and more.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified four NBA picks for tonight's matchups.
Continue below for our NBA picks, odds, props, and predictions for Thursday, December 11.
NBA Picks, Odds, Props, Predictions: Thursday, December 11
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
| 8 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans
By Kyle Murray
This looks to be a good spot for Murphy, as he should continue to benefit from increased minutes with Zion Williamson sidelined for the Pelicans.
This has also been a good matchup this season, as the Blazers have played at the 4th-fastest pace in the NBA and have allowed the 5th-most points per game to opposing wings.
I have Murphy projected for 25.4 points alone, and also 3.7 assists in this spot.
Pick: Trey Murphy Over 25.5 Points + Assists (-120)
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Celtics vs. Bucks
By Bet Labs
The NBA system "Contrarian Overs, Good Road Teams" in totals betting is built on the idea that strong traveling teams can drive pace and scoring in matchups where the market leans too heavily toward the under.
By focusing on regular season games outside of division play, the system avoids slower rivalry environments and taps into contests that tend to be more open and less physical.
It targets overs specifically when the betting public and money trends show a clear lean toward the under, creating a contrarian opportunity where expectations are suppressed but conditions for scoring remain strong.
The away team must be early enough in its season to still carry energy and identity, and it must also be coming off a decisive win, a signal that its offense and confidence are functioning at a high level.
When these elements align, strong road teams often set the tone, push pace, and elevate scoring beyond market expectations, making the over more attractive precisely when it is being overlooked.
Pick: Over 223.5 (-110)
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Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans
By Kyle Murray
Williams is not always the most fun player to fade, as he can be a very productive player on a per-minute basis.
However, this line is simply too inflated, likely due to him playing 30 minutes last game.
In that game, he tallied 22 points + rebounds, but the bottom line is I don't think we can consistently project Williams for 30 minutes, especially here in a spot where the Blazers could go small to match up against the Pels.
As a result, I have Williams projected for just 19.6 points + rebounds tonight.
Pick: Robert Williams Under 21.5 Points + Rebounds (-125)
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Nuggets vs. Kings
By Bet Labs
The NBA system titled "1H 'Dog vs Coasting Teams" focuses on first half moneyline opportunities where strong teams often start slow against inferior opponents.
During the regular season, underdogs with modest Pythagorean ratings face elite opponents with high win records who may be pacing themselves or conserving energy early in games.
These matchups frequently occur when the superior team is in cruise control, relying on second half adjustments rather than urgency in the opening quarters.
Meanwhile, the underdog typically plays with early intensity and effort, creating value in short term situations before talent disparity takes over.
By isolating first halves against top competition, this system leverages motivational imbalance and situational focus to identify profitable early game edges.
Pick: Kings First Half Moneyline (+365)
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