Friday's NBA prop recommendations are headlined by standout Charlotte Hornets rookie, Kon Knueppel.
Today's NBA props narrative: Knueppel is known for his knockdown 3-point shooting, but the guard has a solid opportunity to stuff the stat sheet across the board against the Chicago Bulls. Elsewhere, I'm looking for Joel Embiid to clear a modest point total in a plus matchup.
Check out my top NBA prop picks, including a prediction on Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Evan Mobley.
BET FINDER: Search & Bet!
-> Join NorthStar Bets & start betting on the NBA!
NBA prop picks: Dec. 12
Best bet: Knueppel over 27.5 PRA (-107)
Cooper Flagg is favoured to win Rookie of the Year, but Knueppel would be my vote — if I had one.
The sharpshooting guard is averaging 18.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists (26.8 PRA) while shooting a stellar 40.3% from deep.
His perimeter offence can really drive up scoring and push him past a PRA number like this. Check out a few performances this year where the No. 4 pick went nuclear:
- Nov. 7 at MIA: 30 points (5-of-13 from 3)
- Nov. 14 at MIL: 32 points (4-of-9 from 3)
- Nov. 19 at IND: 28 points (5-of-12 from 3)
- Nov. 23 at ATL: 28 points (7-of-11 from 3)
-> See full props for Kon Knueppel!
Knueppel will be leading Charlotte's backcourt tonight without LaMelo Ball.
All three of Knueppel's counting stats see an uptick when Ball isn't playing (19.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists), adding up to a PRA total well above this line.
This is also a plus matchup across the board.
Chicago ranks 21st in opponent 3-point percentage (36.7%). Additionally, it allows the ninth-most points and assists and the 13th most rebounds per game to shooting guards, per Fantasy Pros.
Key stat: Knueppel is 5-3 against this total when Ball is sidelined.
Best NBA picks
Embiid over 21.5 points (-113): Embiid is coming off an awful performance against the Lakers, where he shot 4-for-21 from the field. But he still scored 16 points after going 8-for-8 from the line.
That tells me two things.
Firstly, Embiid is still happy to take a ton of shots even if they're not falling. And secondly, he still has an affinity for foul baiting and getting to the line.
-> Full betting markets for tonight's 7 NBA games!
It's not the type of basketball I would want to watch, though I think that puts this line well within reach against the Pacers.
Indiana plays at the 10th-fastest pace and has the 12th-worst defensive rating in the NBA. The squad particularly struggles to defend bigs, ceding the sixth-most PPG to opposing centres.
Embiid has reached the 20-point milestone in five of his nine starts, and has had five days to rest since his game against L.A.
NBA player prop predictions
Mobley 30+ points and rebounds (-125): Mobley and the Cavaliers are big favourites over the Washington Wizards on Friday.
My only worry with this wager is that Mobley would play limited minutes in a blowout victory. If that does happen, though, I think the power forward will be instrumental in running up the score.
-> Bet on Mobley vs. the Wizards!
Washington has the worst defensive rating in the NBA. It also allows the second-most points (26.2) and rebounds (11.9) to opposing power forwards per game.
Mobley has recorded double-digit rebounds in seven of his last nine games dating back to a 22-point, 12-rebound performance against the Pacers.
In that span, he is 4-5 against this line, but has had at least 27 points/rebounds seven times.
Similarly, Mobley has had at least 26 points/rebounds in five straight games against Washington, while only clearing this line once.
The power forward is ultra consistent, and I love his chances of outperforming his baseline with Jarett Allen sidelined.
NBA prop picks made at 9:30 a.m. ET on Dec. 12, 2025.
