NBA Player Props, Odds and Best Bets for January 5th

Tonight's NBA slate presents a compelling landscape for player prop betting, headlined by what was supposed to be a marquee clash between Nikola Jokić's Denver Nuggets and Joel Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers. With Nikola Jokić expected to play, the spotlight remains intensely on Embiid's potential dominance. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors face a challenging road test against the LA Clippers, featuring Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in what projects as a high-scoring affair.

NBA Player Props and Best Bets for Jan. 5 Games

The evening's action extends beyond these premium matchups, with dynamic scorers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson operating in favorable spots to accumulate statistics. Some stars will encounter defensive resistance, while others find themselves positioned to exploit advantageous matchups. Understanding these individual scenarios creates the foundation for profitable wagering decisions.

We've dissected recent performance trends and statistical patterns to identify the most compelling player prop opportunity for every team taking the court tonight.

New users can claim the BetMGM bonus code to use a $1,500 first bet or win a $150 bonus.

Best Player Props for Tonight's Games

Here's our top player prop recommendation for one player from each team in action:

Premium Plays of the Evening

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 31.5 Points (-120) stands out as the most attractive proposition on the board. The Thunder's superstar faces a Charlotte Hornets defense that consistently struggles against elite perimeter creators. Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to generate offense through mid-range pull-ups and free throw attempts aligns perfectly with Charlotte's defensive vulnerabilities.

Joel Embiid Over 24.5 Points represents exceptional value considering the circumstances. With Jokić unavailable and Denver's frontcourt depleted, Embiid should encounter minimal resistance in the paint. The reigning MVP at home, facing a compromised interior defense, makes this number appear artificially low.

Stephen Curry Over 4.5 Made 3-Pointers (-111) maintains appeal despite the challenging road environment. Curry's volume and efficiency from beyond the arc create a reliable foundation for this prop, particularly in a competitive divisional matchup where the Warriors will lean on his shot-making to remain competitive.

Key Injury Updates Affecting Player Props

Several significant roster changes will reshape tonight's betting landscape, creating both opportunities and potential pitfalls for prop bettors.

• Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) - Out (Knee)
The absence of Denver's offensive centerpiece fundamentally alters the Nuggets-76ers dynamic. Without their primary playmaker and scorer, the Nuggets lose their most reliable source of interior offense. This development significantly enhances Joel Embiid's scoring environment while potentially overwhelming Jamal Murray with defensive attention. Denver is not missing Jonas Valančiūnas (Calf), which means their frontcourt shortage is not compounded by this absence.

• Josh Hart (New York Knicks) - Out (Ankle)
Hart's absence consolidates offensive responsibilities among remaining starters, particularly benefiting Jalen Brunson's assist opportunities. The versatile wing's rebounding and secondary playmaking will be missed, placing additional creative burden on Brunson's shoulders.

• Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris (Detroit Pistons) - Out
The Pistons enter significantly shorthanded. This depletion forces increased reliance on Cade Cunningham while potentially limiting his assist ceiling due to fewer reliable finishing options.

Sign up to bet on NBA action using the DraftKings promo code to bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets (if you win).

Game-by-Game Prop Analysis

New York Knicks @ Detroit Pistons

Jalen Brunson Over 6.5 Assists
With Hart sidelined, Brunson assumes even greater control of the offense. His increased time of possession against a depleted Pistons roster should create numerous opportunities to find open teammates. Brunson's court vision and ability to penetrate Detroit's compromised defense make this assist total very achievable.

Cade Cunningham Under 9.5 Assists (-114)
Despite elevated usage due to Detroit's injuries, Cunningham faces significant challenges converting passing opportunities into assists. The absence of Duren and Harris removes two reliable finishing options, while New York's physical defensive approach should limit easy scoring chances for his teammates.

Charlotte Hornets @ Oklahoma City Thunder

LaMelo Ball Over 17.5 Points (-115)
This scoring total appears conservative for Charlotte's primary offensive weapon. In what projects as an up-tempo affair, Ball will need to be aggressive offensively for the Hornets to remain competitive. His unlimited green light and three-point volume provide multiple paths to surpass this number.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 31.5 Points (-120)
Charlotte's defensive struggles against elite guards create an ideal scenario for Gilgeous-Alexander. His mastery of mid-range scoring and ability to draw fouls should prove too much for the Hornets' perimeter defense. Expect an efficient, high-volume scoring performance from the Thunder's MVP candidate.

Denver Nuggets @ Philadelphia 76ers

Jamal Murray Under 26.5 Points (-118)
Without Jokić drawing defensive attention, Murray becomes Philadelphia's primary focus. The 76ers can deploy extra defensive pressure without worrying about leaving the two-time MVP in advantageous positions. Murray's scoring efficiency should decline significantly under constant harassment.

Joel Embiid Over 24.5 Points (-109)
This represents tonight's most compelling value proposition. Embiid faces a Denver frontcourt missing both Jokić and Valančiūnas, creating a massive size and skill advantage. The motivated superstar on his home court should dominate through post-ups and free throw attempts, making 24.5 points an easily attainable total.

Golden State Warriors @ LA Clippers

Stephen Curry Over 4.5 3-Pointers (-111)
Curry's three-point prowess remains reliable regardless of opponent quality. In a crucial road game against a division rival, the Warriors will rely heavily on his perimeter shooting to generate offense. His volume and accuracy from deep provide a solid foundation for reaching this modest total.

Kawhi Leonard Over 28.5 Points (-114)
As the Clippers' primary offensive weapon, Leonard should see increased touches in a competitive matchup. His mid-range excellence and ability to create separation against Golden State's defense position him well to exceed this scoring threshold. The game's projected pace and competitiveness favor aggressive offensive approaches from both team's stars.