The NBA regular season is back in action with a excellent 9-game slate on Friday night. So, we've got you covered with player prop picks for three of tonight's contests.
Our NBA player props for Friday are targeting Jaime Jaquez, Desmond Bane, and James Harden.
Continue below for our NBA player props for Friday, December 26.
NBA Player Prop Picks for Friday, December 26
| Time (ET) | Player Prop |
|---|---|
| 7 p.m. | |
| 7 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. | |
Heat vs. Hawks
Jaime Jaquez Over 4.5 Assists (-136)
By Nick Galaida
According to our RotoGrinders CourtIQ tool, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 5.2 assists per 30 minutes this season with Bam Adebayo off the floor.
In six games with Adebayo inactive, Jaquez has yet to have fewer than four actual assists or nine potential assists.
When Adebayo was out of the lineup during the early part of November, Jaquez played the clear facilitator role for the Heat, averaging 9.4 potential assists – trailing only Davion Mitchell.
Since Kristaps Porzingis last played on December 5, Atlanta ranks 1st in pace and 29th in defensive rating. They have allowed the most assists per game of any team in the NBA during that stretch, including the 4th-most assists per game to forwards.
There are a lot of reasons to think Jaquez could go over this number on Friday.
Pick: Jaime Jaquez Over 4.5 Assists (-136)
Hornets vs. Magic
Desmond Bane Over 27.5 Points + Assists (-115)
By Joe Dellera
The Magic face off against the Hornets tonight, and this sets up as an excellent matchup for Desmond Bane.
The Magic’s injury report remains crowded with Jalen Suggs listed as doubtful, while Tristan da Silva and Goga Bitadze remain questionable, and still no Franz — this opens up more usage for Bane.
This is a fantastic matchup for pull-up shooters and pick-and-roll ball handlers — both roles Bane thrives in.
Bane is great on above the break looks and getting to the rack; two spots where the Hornets struggle.
The Hornets have been thrashed by similar players, with guys like Dyson, Hart, Mathurin, and Bridges all crushing their numbers against them.
Pick: Desmond Bane Over 27.5 Points + Assists (-115)
Clippers vs. Trail Blazers
James Harden Under 8.5 Assists (-145)
By Nick Galaida
According to our RotoGrinders CourtIQ tool, James Harden is averaging only 7.4 assists per game this season with Ivica Zubac off of the floor.
In the lone game that Harden has played with Zubac inactive, he had only six assists on eight potential assists.
Since Jerami Grant last played on December 18, Portland ranks 7th in defensive rating. They have allowed the 2nd-fewest assists per game to guards during that limited sample.
Playing on the road the day after Christmas, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Harden struggle to rack up assists in this spot.
