Amen Thompson has picked up where he left off the second half of last season. He does not take a ton of shots but his efficiency is off the charts. In each of his last two games he has only attempted ten shots, but made seven field goals and got to the free throw line. Against the Lakers look for Thompson to get extra easy looks attacking the paint, and do just enough to eclipse his points prop.

DK/B365. Let’s ride with Jabari Smith again. He’s averaging 15.7 points per game this season, and is over this line in 17/26, including 11/L14. Good spot against a Lakers defense that looks to stop the point of attack, but allows a lot of secondary action: 23rd in spot up points, 23rd in assists allowed (76% of Smith’s made baskets are assisted). I’d bet this at over 15.5 at -105 or better (for a half unit), if need be.

We'll see about the status of Luka Doncic, who missed LA's blowout loss at Phoenix on Tuesday. Though reports are encouraging if ESPN's Shams Charania can be believed. "He will return to the lineup and debut his new signature shoe on Thursday," said Shams. With or without Luka, the Lake Show looks like it can't guard anyone, especially out of the perimeter, where the Suns on Tuesday and others in recent weeks have taken target practice. But if Doncic is good to go, with LeBron and Austin Reaves, the Lakers could at least be closer to full strength. Meanwhile, the Rockets are struggling after their fast start, with just one spread cover in seven, and recent losses to sub-.500 Pels, Kings, and Clips. Play Lakers

If you are looking for defensive rating or stuff like that, well I have that in the newsletter. Here I just pick which mascots or colors I like. Obviously not. I have followed the NBA way, way more than the NFL in my life simply because of MJ. Why wouldn't I? And what I found about Jordan is self-motivation or slights. This might be LeBron's last Christmas game. And Luka is expected. When did the NBA become solo named? (Cher is arm-wrestling Madonna at halftime.) Feels like one of those last veteran times put the young'uns in place like Celtics-Pistons or Pistons-Bulls or Knicks-Bulls. I miss hoping the Conjuring would inhabit Patrick Ewing (pretty sure did), but I digress. LeBron vs. KD will be fun.

Christmas Day’s NBA slate I’ll focus on the game that makes the most sense from a value stand point. The Houston Rockets have lost four out of five games, with three of those being overtime losses. Their latest losses were against two of the worst teams in the NBA in the Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers. Presenting a perfect opportunity to go with the oddsmakers set favorite with Houston against the Lakers. Sharper effort tonight as Houston spoils Lebron and Luka’s first Christmas game together as teammates.