The NBA regular season is back in action with a excellent 9-game slate on New Year's Eve. So, we've got you covered with player prop predictions for three of today's contests.
My NBA player props for Wednesday are targeting Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, and Tre Jones.
Continue below for our NBA player prop picks for Wednesday, December 31.
NBA Player Prop Picks for Wednesday, December 31
| Time (ET) | Player Prop |
|---|---|
| 3 p.m. | |
| 7 p.m. | |
| 8 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. | |
Magic vs. Pacers
Paolo Banchero Over 30.5 Points + Rebounds (-130)
Paolo Banchero is only 1-for-3 in his last four games against this line. So, that should keep the number for this prop exactly where we want it.
I actually think Paolo had his typical lift in that last game against the Raptors – he went icy in the 4th quarter, but he was attacking the basket and hitting outside shots in a way that was more reminiscent of the guy he’s been throughout his short career.
Banchero came back from a groin injury on December 5, and frankly he has not looked good. He’s even recorded some triple-doubles in that time, but didn’t even look right doing it.
However, Paolo finally passed the eye-test on Monday night, and that’s what I’ve been waiting for before jumping back in on his props.
When all is right with the world, Banchero's line for this prop usually sits around 32.5. I like the value here.
Pick: Paolo Banchero Over 30.5 Points + Rebounds (-130)
Pelicans vs. Bulls
Tre Jones Over 7.5 Assists (-110)
I'm adding a half-unit here. Kevin Huerter has been one of Tre Jones' most targeted players. If Huerter has a poor shooting night, Jones could also struggle, so I'm not going to risk a full unit.
Jones is 2nd on the team in assists (5) and potential assists (9.7) per game despite only playing 26.7 minutes. His assist rate has jumped 5.1% with Josh Giddey and Coby White off of the floor this season.
Jones averaged a massive 69 passes in the two games without Giddey and White. He also paced the team with 31.7 minutes per game.
Jones gets a matchup against a Pelicans team that has allowed the 3rd-most assists on the 4th-highest assisted field goal rate.
Pick: Tre Jones Over 7.5 Assists (-110)
Trail Blazers vs. Thunder
Jalen Williams Over 23.5 Points + Rebounds (-120)
By Joe Dellera
The Thunder are massive favorites against the Blazers on New Year’s Eve, but that won’t keep me away from betting on Jalen Williams.
Williams has been solid since he debuted this season, averaging 17.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.
This line is aligned with his averages, but there’s the additional factor today of no Isaiah Hartenstein or Jaylin Williams, which effectively leaves the Thunder with just Chet on the interior.
Without both of them, J-Dub has cleared this line of 23.5 in 2-of-3 games — all of which were double-digit wins.
The Blazers play at the fourth-fastest pace in the league. So, this also presents a pace-up spot for Williams and OKC.
