Best NBA Christmas Best Bets For December 23rd, 2024

By Adam Thompson Dec 23rd, 2024 8:26 PM EDT

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The NBA aims to showcase its top talent every Christmas Day, and this year is no exception with five nationally televised games on the slate. 

The action begins at noon ET when the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs, followed in succession by the Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks; the Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics; the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors; and the Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns. 

Christmas NBA Betting Predictions

 Bookies Plus NBA handicappers Adam Thompson, Nick Whalen, and Alex Barutha reveal their top plays for all the Christmas NFL action. See all of their NBA picks, plus picks for NFL, college football, college hoops, NHL, and Premier League action at Bookies.com/picks.

Spurs vs. Knicks Picks

Harrison Barnes, Over 8.5 Points 

Barnes averages 10.9 ppg on the season but hasn’t hit double-figure scoring in six of his last nine games. That said, the Knicks, for how great their defense usually is, have had issues defending offense-first small forwards. No team allows more points to SFs than the Knicks, and they give up the most 3’s to the spot. Sounds like a great spot for Barnes to re-find his form. – Adam Thompson

NBA Odds: -112 at FanDuel

Timberwolves vs. Mavericks Picks

Mavericks -4.5

The Wolves were having a strong December until getting hit hard and taking losses to the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors. Minnesota's defense is still the best in the NBA this month, but their offense has been clunky. Ultimately, this is one of the least trustworthy teams on a night-to-night basis on that end of the floor. It's hard to like them in a matchup on the road against a Mavericks team that went to the Finals last year and looks polished this season. – Alex Barutha

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Lakers vs. Warriors Picks

Under 230.5 Points

Both of these teams have been difficult to figure out of late, partially due to some injuries and blowout scenarios. But over the last 10 games, the Lakers rank 30th in offense, while Golden State ranks 27th. Both teams play at about a league-average pace, and the Lakers, in particular, have been better on the defensive end of late. I think we see a lower-scoring game overall.

Nuggets vs. Suns Picks

Nuggets -1.5

It’s the second game of an anticlimactic doubleheader, as these teams faced off on Monday night. Denver has won its Christmas showdown the last two years, including a three-point win over these Suns. – Adam Thompson

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Nikola Jokic, Over 28.5 Points

Jokic has shown up the last two years on Christmas. He totaled 48 PRA last year in a win over the Warriors, and the year prior recorded a ridiculous 41-15-15 stat line against these Suns. Phoenix ranked 29th in points allowed to opposing centers. We’ll shy from the big 50.5 PRA total but stick with Joker pouring it into the hoop all night. – Adam Thompson

NBA Odds: -115 at BetMGM

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About the Author

Adam Thompson

More About Adam

Long established as one of the nation's premier handicappers, Adam Thompson joined Bookies.com in 2019 after a successful run as senior handicapper for SportsLine & CBSSports.com. He specializes in the NFL and MLB, where he's hit on well over 60% of his picks the past five years. Adam's NBA and horse racing picks have also produced consistent, major winners over the years.

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