Friday, December 13 features an exciting NBA slate with matchups, including the Utah Jazz hosting the Phoenix Suns and the Indiana Pacers visiting the Philadelphia 76ers. Let’s dive into today’s best bets and insights from the "Buckets" podcast crew.
NBA Betting Picks & Predictions for Friday, Dec. 13
- Kevin Durant Over 22.5 Points
- Joel Embiid Over 28.5 Points
- Chris Paul Over 8.5 Assists
- Devin Booker Three Plus Triples
Suns vs. Jazz
"He's playing Utah and he just destroys Utah. I think the last game that he got under 22.5 points was back in 2018 when he was in Golden State. Utah is one of the worst defenses in the NBA and will continue to be so all season. Durant has cruised over this number in nine of 13 appearances this year. This is kind of like a buy-low returning spot for Durant. When in doubt, dating back to 2007, Kevin Durant over points has consistently been a reasonable place to go to."
Pick: Kevin Durant Over 22.5 Points
Pacers vs. 76ers
By Joe Dellera
"This is an incredible matchup. Centers have absolutely torched Indiana all season, and Embiid obliterates these types of soft matchups. Against the Pacers, he's hit this in seven of eight games, averaging 36.5 points per game. The miss? 26 points. This is exactly the type of game where Joel will just cook them and put up at least 30."
Pick: Joel Embiid Over 28.5 Points
Spurs vs. Trail Blazers
By Joe Dellera
"When Chris Paul has played without Stephon Castle this year, he's averaging 16.4 assists per 100 possessions, compared to 12.5 with him. Portland’s defense is absolutely garbage. This is a great spot, and I think Victor Wembanyama is going to be asking for the ball all game for the Spurs. Paul will just feed him. He’s gone over this in 15 of 24 games this year, and I don’t mind 10-plus assists for a plus-money play either."
Pick: Chris Paul Over 8.5 Assists
Suns vs. Jazz
By Sean Little
"The Utah Jazz allow 43 three-point attempts a game, second-worst in the league. Booker has hit three-plus triples in four of his last five games… 48%, 40%, 44%, and 59% shooting in that span. With Kevin Durant back on the floor, Booker gets cleaner looks and less defensive attention. His true shooting goes from 48% without KD to 60.5% with KD. Three triples at minus 110 is a great play in this spot."
Pick: Devin Booker 3+ Three-Pointers
