Top NBA Player Trends: Christmas Day Games

Julian Champagnie (Over 12.5 PRA)

Julian Champagnie has been quietly on fire this season, averaging 19 PRA and hitting the over at a 90% clip. Over his last 20 games, he’s even bumped that average to 19.6 PRA with a 95% success rate. Facing the Knicks is a promising matchup, as he previously posted 19 PRA against them, and they rank among the league’s worst at defending small forwards by allowing the 2nd-most points and the 2nd-most rebounds to the position.

Christian Braun (Over 0.5 Steals)

Christian Braun is a solid pick for steals, especially considering he’s averaging 1.4 steals over his last 20 games. The Nuggets as a whole are piling up 9.5 steals per game over their last 10 outings, ranking 9th in that span. Meanwhile, the Suns, Braun’s upcoming opponent, have been careless with the ball, allowing 8.9 steals per game over their last 10 contests.

Michael Porter Jr. (Over 8.5 Rebounds+Assists)

Michael Porter Jr. continues to be undervalued when it comes to his combined rebounds and assists, as he’s putting up 9.7 RA this season and hitting the over 81% of the time. Over his last 20 games, that success rate increases to 85%. He has a strong track record against the Suns on the road, averaging 11.2 RA and clearing this line in four of his last five matchups. The Suns also allow the 6th-most rebounds and the 8th-most assists to small forwards over the past 15 games, making this wager even more appealing.

P.J. Washington (Over 0.5 Steals)

P.J. Washington has been a steady steals machine, averaging 1.3 steals this season and hitting the over 87% of the time. He’s on an even hotter streak over his last five games, where he’s at a 100% hit rate by averaging 1.2 steals. Taking an even broader scope, he’s at 90% over his last 10 outings. Playing at home boosts his odds further, as he hits this prop at a 92% rate on his own court. To top it off, he faces a Timberwolves team that has been giving the ball away at a high clip, allowing 9.6 steals per game in their last 10.

Stephon Castle (Over 0.5 Steals+Blocks)

Stephon Castle is another high-value defensive prop, averaging 1.3 steals+blocks for an 82% success rate this season. His recent 10-game stretch is even better, with a 90% hit rate and no drop in productivity at 1.3 steals+blocks. He’s been particularly consistent on the road, where he’s cashed this prop in eight straight games. Although the Knicks boast a respectable defense, they’ve still been giving up 6.5 steals per game over their last four outings, so Castle has room to produce.

Chris Paul (Over 0.5 Steals)

Chris Paul has been a defensive stalwart lately, averaging 1.6 steals over his last 10 games and hitting the over at a 90% clip. He’s also been flawless against the Knicks, maintaining a 100% hit rate and averaging 1.5 steals against them. The recent trend at point guard for opponents of the Knicks suggests more of the same, as five of the last six point guards have logged at least one steal.

Jeremy Sochan (Over 1.5 Free Throws Made)

Jeremy Sochan is on an absolute tear in the free throw department, hitting this over in nine straight games while averaging 2.8 made free throws. On the season, he’s logging 27.2 minutes per game, and once he plays at least 13 minutes, his season average jumps to 2.9 FTM at an 87% hit rate. His current hot streak makes this a prime opportunity to capitalize on his knack for drawing contact and converting at the line.

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