The NBA served plenty of awesome gifts with some of the holiday season’s hottest games. It was a festive weekend of scoring action, with teams sometimes throwing caution through the window to deliver all-out attacking basketball. One of the most exciting weekends of the season for leading NBA betting sites saw four games on Saturday and the traditional five games on Christmas Day.

Huge games in both the Eastern and Western Conferences brought plenty of drama. A top-of-the-standings clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics saw heat on the court before Boston swept to victory. LeBron’s fightback brought high scoring, but the LA Lakers fell to the Charlotte Hornets to make it a Christmas to forget. Elsewhere, the Denver Nuggets continued to lay down their law with a big win over the Phoenix Suns.

Another fantastic weekend of basketball for bettors and fans alike. Let’s take a look at the best games from the most wonderful time of the year!

Hornets Spoil LeBron’s Party to Hold Off Lakers

The weekend began with a bang, with the Lakers and Hornets trading blows through a high-scoring encounter. Gordon Hayward grabbed a layup to tie the score with 6.3 seconds on the clock for the Hornets before P.J. Washington drained two free throws to start the Christmas celebrations early in Charlotte. 

For the Lakers, the poor season continues as the team once again paid the price for a terrible third quarter. 16 points down in the second half, NBA betting apps would have been offering great prices on a Los Angeles comeback win. The Lakers rallied behind LeBron James in the fourth quarter. 18 of James’ 34 points came during that stirring comeback, but it was not enough, leaving Los Angeles with a 13-20 record. 

It wouldn’t get any better on Christmas Day when the Lakers dropped 115-124 to the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the team without a win in four. Austin Reeves backed up LeBron with 20 points, and Russell Westbrook hit 17 points. 

While the Lakers had a festive weekend to forget, the Hornets were able to match their highest-scoring total of the season. Betting sites will have noticed how freely the Hornets have been scoring ahead of future contests.

Washington led the Hornets with 24 points, while LaMelo Ball scored 23 points while also claiming eight rebounds and eight assists. While it was a nervy victory at the death, the Hornets will feel they contained the Lakers well and weathered the Los Angeles storm in the fourth quarter.

NBA

Fractional Decimal American

Best Odds

% Chance

$200

$1,000

$200

$200

$500

$150

Nuggets

16.67%

19/4

5.75

+475

17/4

5.25

+425

19/4

5.75

+475

19/4

5.80

+480

9/2

5.50

+450

5/1

6.00

+500

Celtics

15.38%

19/4

5.75

+475

5/1

6.00

+500

5/1

6.00

+500

47/10

5.70

+470

11/2

6.50

+550

5/1

6.00

+500

Suns

13.33%

13/2

7.50

+650

13/2

7.50

+650

13/2

7.50

+650

13/2

7.50

+650

6/1

7.00

+600

25/4

7.25

+625

Bucks

10.53%

13/2

7.50

+650

15/2

8.50

+750

17/2

9.50

+850

6/1

7.00

+600

11/2

6.50

+550

13/2

7.50

+650

Heat

9.09%

10/1

11.00

+1000

17/2

9.50

+850

9/1

10.00

+900

10/1

11.00

+1000

8/1

9.00

+800

9/1

10.50

+950

Teams Best Odds

DEN

See Less See All Odds

5/1

6.00

+500

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

5/1

6.00

+500

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

19/4

5.80

+480

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

19/4

5.75

+475

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

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19/4

5.75

+475

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

9/2

5.50

+450

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/4

5.25

+425

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/4

5.25

+425

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/4

5.25

+425

BOS

See Less See All Odds

11/2

6.50

+550

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

11/2

6.50

+550

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

5/1

6.00

+500

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NV, NY or ON.

19/4

5.75

+475

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

47/10

5.70

+470

PHO

See Less See All Odds

13/2

7.50

+650

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

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13/2

7.50

+650

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

13/2

7.50

+650

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

13/2

7.50

+650

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

13/2

7.50

+650

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

13/2

7.50

+650

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

13/2

7.50

+650

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

25/4

7.25

+625

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

6/1

7.00

+600

MIL

See Less See All Odds

17/2

9.50

+850

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/2

9.50

+850

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

15/2

8.50

+750

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

15/2

8.50

+750

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

15/2

8.50

+750

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

13/2

7.50

+650

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NV, NY or ON.

13/2

7.50

+650

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

6/1

7.00

+600

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

11/2

6.50

+550

MIA

See Less See All Odds

10/1

11.00

+1000

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

10/1

11.00

+1000

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NV, NY or ON.

10/1

11.00

+1000

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

9/1

10.50

+950

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

9/1

10.00

+900

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/2

9.50

+850

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/2

9.50

+850

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/2

9.50

+850

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

8/1

9.00

+800

Show All Odds

Close X

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Visit Site

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NV, NY or ON.

Close X

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Close X

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Close X

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Close X

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Visit Site

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

Close X

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Visit Site

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

Jokic Leads Nuggets to 128 – 125 OT Win Over the Suns 

The Phoenix Suns were one of the favorites with USA sports betting sites to win the NBA this season, but there may be a few more doubters than before following a Christmas weekend to forget. One of the obstacles facing the Suns this season is the Nuggets, with the Denver franchise having a campaign to remember. A huge OT win on the weekend shows why the Denver Nuggets are also primed for a championship run. 

Not least because the Nuggets have Nikola Jokic in the form of his life. Another huge triple-double from the Serbian center was the inspiration to beat the Suns. However, it was a monster dunk from Aaron Gordon that held up to review in overtime that was the pivotal moment. 

After Denver rallied to victory, all eyes, cameras, and microphones were on Jokic. His 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists gave the Nuggets a colossal foundation to build the win. It was the 83^rd triple-double of his career but only the fourth 40-point, 15-rebound, and 15-assist game in NBA history. 

As for the Suns, the team also lost 125 – 100 to the Grizzlies on Saturday, making it a winless Christmas weekend. Phoenix is now sitting on a three-game losing streak, and early-season championship talk is cooling. It doesn’t help that Devin Booker is unavailable, lasting just 4:20 against the Nuggets on his comeback following a groin injury. 

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NBA - Player - Regular Season - Most Valuable Player

Fractional Decimal American

Best Odds

% Chance

$200

$1,000

$200

$200

$500

$150

Nikola Jokic

18.18%

4/1

5.00

+400

15/4

4.75

+375

9/2

5.50

+450

22/5

5.30

+430

7/2

4.50

+350

7/2

4.50

+350

Giannis Antetokounmpo

13.33%

11/2

6.50

+550

5/1

6.00

+500

11/2

6.50

+550

5/1

6.00

+500

5/1

6.00

+500

13/2

7.50

+650

Luka Doncic

13.33%

5/1

6.00

+500

11/2

6.50

+550

5/1

6.00

+500

13/2

7.50

+650

6/1

7.00

+600

6/1

7.00

+600

Joel Embiid

9.52%

7/1

8.00

+700

17/2

9.50

+850

13/2

7.50

+650

17/2

9.50

+850

8/1

9.00

+800

9/1

10.50

+950

Jayson Tatum

9.09%

9/1

10.00

+900

9/1

10.00

+900

9/1

10.00

+900

8/1

9.00

+800

10/1

11.00

+1000

9/1

10.00

+900

Teams Best Odds

Nikola Jokic

See Less See All Odds

9/2

5.50

+450

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

9/2

5.50

+450

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

22/5

5.30

+430

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NV, NY or ON.

4/1

5.00

+400

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

15/4

4.75

+375

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

15/4

4.75

+375

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

15/4

4.75

+375

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

7/2

4.50

+350

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

7/2

4.50

+350

Giannis Antetokounmpo

See Less See All Odds

13/2

7.50

+650

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

13/2

7.50

+650

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NV, NY or ON.

11/2

6.50

+550

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

11/2

6.50

+550

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

Luka Doncic

See Less See All Odds

13/2

7.50

+650

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

13/2

7.50

+650

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

6/1

7.00

+600

2nd Chance Bet Up To $500

Must be 21 to participate. T&C apply.

6/1

7.00

+600

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

11/2

6.50

+550

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

11/2

6.50

+550

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

11/2

6.50

+550

Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Must be 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NV, NY or ON.

5/1

6.00

+500

Bet $5+, Get $200 Instantly + Up To $150 in No Sweat Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

5/1

6.00

+500

Joel Embiid

See Less See All Odds

9/1

10.50

+950

Up To $1,000 in Second Chance Bets

Must be 21+, Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion will only be available to all new PointsBet players in CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.

9/1

10.50

+950

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/2

9.50

+850

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/2

9.50

+850

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/2

9.50

+850

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

17/2

9.50