Worth the Wager: $100K NBA Bet for December 19th, 2024

As 26 teams face off for NBA Thursday on December 19, 2024, check out why this 1 bet is worth the wager.

Disclaimer: Never bet more than you can afford to lose. For some people that’s $100K, for others that’s $1. Let’s explore why we have a good chance to double whatever that number is today instead of losing it.

The NBA action on December 19, 2024, features two thrilling matchups that offer plenty of intrigue and betting potential: the Indiana Pacers hosting the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets taking on the Portland Trail Blazers. Both games bring compelling storylines and key players lacing them up that make them must-watch contests for basketball fans and bettors alike.

In Phoenix, the Suns bring their prolific offense into their 100th matchup against the Pacers with Bradley Beal expected to play. Phoenix has a very strong record with Kevin Durant in the lineup and look to continue their winning ways against the Indiana Pacers in Arizona.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets face the Trail Blazers in a game where Nikola Jokic looks to continue his MVP-level season, averaging a career-high 30.9 points per game that would lead the NBA if not for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both games are packed with betting opportunities and high stakes but there is one parlay that stands above the rest of the competition.

Here is why this Nikola Jokic o24.5 PTS & Suns ML parlay bet is worth the wager on December 19, 2024:

FACTS & TRENDS

Via Basketball Reference

Nikola Jokic averaged 28.3 PPG in 3 games vs. POR in ’23-’24 (season-average 26.4)
Nikola Jokic is averaging a career-high 30.9 PPG in ’24-’25
Denver Nuggets are 5-0 vs. Portland in their last 5 games
This will be the 100th matchup between the Suns & Pacers in NBA history
Phoenix is 13-2 this season with Kevin Durant in the lineup who will play
Indiana is 5-7 this season against winning teams (PHX is 14-11)

WHY IT HITS

BET for 12/19/24: Nikola Jokic o24.5 PTS vs. POR (-275) + Phoenix Suns ML vs. IND (-260) = -113

Reason #1: Nikola Jokic is a scoring machine, hitting 25+ PTS in 16/21 games this season

Reason #2: Jokic is putting up a career-high 30.9 PPG, facing off against Deandre Ayton who is not a strong defender

Reason #3: Phoenix Suns are a much better team with Kevin Durant (13-2) than without him (1-9)

Reason #4: Phoenix has home-court advantage, facing a mediocre team in Indiana who’s on a 3-game road trip

COUNTERPOINT

Every bet has a chance of not hitting but based on the value (-113 odds), this one is worth the wager. However, if it doesn’t hit, it’ll most likely be because of these reasons:

Indiana’s High-Scoring Offense:
The Pacers are driven by their fast-paced offense and strong guard play. Tyrese Haliburton, in particular, is playing at an All-Star level again, capable of dissecting defenses and controlling the tempo. Phoenix may struggle to keep up if Indiana gets hot early, especially since the Suns rank in the bottom half of the league in transition defense.

Portland’s Defensive Adjustments:
Although the Trail Blazers have struggled in their last five matchups with Denver, they may adopt a strategy of double-teaming Jokic early and forcing other Nuggets players to step up. This approach could limit Jokic’s scoring opportunities and shift his role toward facilitating.

Potential Blowout Scenario:
Given Denver’s dominance over Portland in their recent matchups, there’s a risk the game could turn into a blowout. If this happens, Jokic’s minutes could be reduced, limiting his chances to rack up points and pushing his total below 25.