As the NBA rolls back into action with a full slate of games, fans can celebrate with some exciting player prop bets. December 18 promises to be thrilling, as stars like Jalen Brunson, Alperen Sengun, and LeBron James are ready to showcase their talent on the hardwood.

If you felt starved for basketball during the NBA Cup finale, tonight's 12-game lineup offers everything you could ask for. This vibrant schedule features fierce competition and remarkable athletes, so let's take a closer look at my favorite prop bets.

Player Prop Highlights

Here's what I'm eyeing for today's matchups:

• **Jalen Brunson: Over 29.5 Points** - With injuries plaguing the Knicks, Brunson is poised to shoulder a heavier load. He's been incredible lately, averaging over 30 points in recent games. The Knicks need his scoring to secure a win against the Indiana Pacers.
• **Alperen Sengun: Over 31.5 Points + Rebounds** - Sengun has been on fire, and his inconsistency should not deter you from backing him against a struggling Pelicans team. Expect significant contributions from him as the Rockets aim to capitalize on their opponents' weaknesses.
• **LeBron James: Over 6.5 Rebounds** - LeBron often steps up when the Lakers face adversity. Against a physical Jazz team, he'll likely lead on the glass, especially with key teammates potentially sidelined.

Breaking Down the Top Picks

Prop #1: Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 Points

-120 at bet365

It's business as usual for the New York Knicks as they transition from their NBA Cup celebration to facing the Pacers. The absence of key players like Josh Hart and others means Brunson will need to rise to the occasion.

His scoring has been electrifying—he recently netted 40 points in a playoff-like semifinal. In the past five games, he's hit the 30-point mark four times. Given the current circumstances and his history of scoring against the Pacers, I'm confident he can maintain this momentum.

Brunson has found ways to attack efficiently against defensive matchups. The injury to Andrew Nembhard opens the opportunity further for him, especially with Brunson averaging a solid 30.3 PPG on the road. Expect fireworks as the Knicks take to the court tonight.

Prop #2: Alperen Sengun Over 31.5 Points + Rebounds

-115 at bet365

Sengun's rise as a key player for the Houston Rockets cannot be overlooked. With him averaging 28.5 points and over 10 rebounds in December, the synergy in his play is evident.

His recent performance includes a triple-double against the Denver Nuggets, showcasing his ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. Although the Pelicans may seem like a formidable opponent, they've been inconsistent defensively. Notably, they let up over 119 points per game in December. Sengun is well-equipped to take advantage of that inconsistency.

Prop #3: LeBron James Over 6.5 Rebounds

+100 at bet365

With both Lauri Markkanen and Deandre Ayton potentially out, I expect LeBron to step up with increased rebound duties. Historically, he has performed well in similar situations.

James is more than capable of amassing significant rebounds, even showcasing his prowess with a 15-rebound game last week. His ability to control the pace of the game lends itself well to a high rebounding total today, and I have complete confidence in his ability to deliver this over.

• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET

• Where to watch: SPECSN, KJZZ

Betting Tips and Advice

As we gear up for tonight's matches, ensure you manage your bankroll effectively. These prop bets hinge on player performances, so keep an eye on the latest injury reports and matchup specifics.

Eager to see everyone's reactions as these picks unfold tonight? Be sure to share your thoughts and enjoy the rhythm of this thrilling NBA season!

This article was originally published on Covers.com.