With eight games on the slate, Friday night in the NBA promises to deliver a mix of competitive matchups and enticing opportunities for player props. We’ve analyzed key players, matchups, and game contexts to identify three standout plays that offer excellent value for tonight’s action.
Let’s dive into the top picks and why they deserve your attention.
NBA Betting Today Preview & Plays: Friday, Dec. 13
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With an action-packed Friday night slate, the stage is set for standout performances across the league.
1. Julius Randle More Than 19.5 Points
Julius Randle is in a prime position to exceed 19.5 points tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have struggled to contain power forwards, allowing the 4th most points in the league to the position. This defensive vulnerability makes Randle’s path to success clearer.
Randle has been a reliable scoring option this season, hitting this mark in 65% of his games. He’s also performed well against the Lakers historically, surpassing this line in five of his last seven appearances at Crypto.com Arena. Given the high-scoring potential of this game and Randle’s consistent minutes and usage, he is well-equipped to capitalize on the Lakers’ defensive struggles. With the added factor of a close projected spread, Randle is expected to play significant minutes, making this pick one of the strongest for tonight.
2. Jordan Poole Less Than 5 Assists
Jordan Poole’s move to the Washington Wizards has increased his responsibilities as a primary playmaker, but tonight’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers presents a significant challenge. Cleveland is one of the best teams in the league at limiting assists, allowing the 13th fewest to opposing point guards. Historically, Poole has struggled to generate assists against the Cavaliers, surpassing this number only once in his career.
While Poole’s new role with the Wizards has given him more opportunities to facilitate, this specific matchup doesn’t bode well for his assist potential. Cleveland’s disciplined defensive approach and ability to slow down opposing guards make it likely that Poole falls short of the 5-assist mark. If you’re looking for a strong under play, this is a great choice.
3. Chris Paul More Than 22.5 PRA
Chris Paul has a golden opportunity to shine tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland ranks 6th worst in points allowed and 8th worst in assists allowed to opposing point guards, providing a highly favorable environment for Paul to exceed 22.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (PRA). With Tre Jones and Stephon Castle ruled out, Paul’s minutes are expected to exceed 30, giving him plenty of time to contribute across all categories.
Paul has been a steady contributor this season, excelling in matchups where he can exploit defensive weaknesses. Portland’s lack of perimeter defense and rebounding control positions Paul perfectly to hit this number. With his ability to control the game and distribute efficiently, Paul is a strong candidate to clear this line.
Tip of the Day: Focus on Matchup Trends
When evaluating plays, always consider how the opposing team defends the specific position of your selected player. Defensive stats such as points allowed, rebounds surrendered, and assists given up can reveal critical matchup trends. For example, Julius Randle’s success tonight hinges on the Lakers’ inability to defend power forwards effectively. By identifying these trends, you can make data-driven decisions and increase your odds of success.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a summary of our top plays for Friday night’s NBA slate:
- Julius Randle More Than 19.5 Points – A favorable matchup against the Lakers gives Randle a strong edge.
- Jordan Poole Less Than 5 Assists – Cleveland’s defense and Poole’s historical struggles point to the under.
- Chris Paul More Than 22.5 PRA – Portland’s defensive deficiencies and Paul’s extended minutes make this a strong over play.
These selections are built on matchup insights, statistical trends, and game contexts, offering a strategic approach to tonight’s picks. Best of luck with your plays, and enjoy the Friday night action in the NBA!