The NBA season is heating up as we head toward the holiday stretch, and with it comes a slate of marquee matchups and standout individual performances that are shaping the early-season narrative. From Stephen Curry still doing Stephen Curry things in Golden State, to Cade Cunningham leading a Pistons resurgence, the league is buzzing with energy-and the player props are telling a compelling story.
Let’s break down some of the most intriguing names and numbers heading into the December 22 matchups.
Stephen Curry: Still the Engine in Golden State
At 35 years old, Stephen Curry continues to defy time-and defenders. In a recent showdown against the Phoenix Suns, the four-time NBA champion put together a vintage performance: 28 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in 35 minutes of action. That double-double helped lift the Warriors to a tight 119-116 win, and it was another reminder of just how central Curry remains to everything Golden State does.
Through 20 games this season, Curry is averaging 28.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. That scoring average keeps him among the league’s elite, and his ability to stretch defenses with his range continues to open up the floor for his teammates.
Looking ahead, the Warriors face the Orlando Magic, and Curry is projected to top 33.5 combined points and assists. Given his current rhythm and the way Golden State leans on him in close games, that number feels well within reach.
LaMelo Ball: Searching for Rhythm in Charlotte
It’s been a tough stretch for the Charlotte Hornets, who currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference at 9-19. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the team, and LaMelo Ball is still working his way back into form.
Ball is averaging 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game-solid numbers, but he’s yet to fully recapture the dynamic pace and flair that made him an All-Star. In a recent outing against the Detroit Pistons, Ball played just 23 minutes, finishing with eight points, six assists, and one rebound. Whether that was rust, rhythm, or simply an off night, the Hornets will need more from their floor general if they’re going to climb the standings.
Next up: a matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Ball’s player prop is set at over 26.5 combined points and assists. If Charlotte is going to be competitive, Ball will likely have to hit that mark-and then some.
Jamal Murray: Quietly Elite for the Nuggets
Jamal Murray might not always grab headlines, but he’s been quietly excellent for a Denver Nuggets squad that’s currently third in the Western Conference at 20-7. Murray is averaging 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game-numbers that speak to his all-around impact and growing leadership role alongside Nikola Jokić.
In a recent game against the Houston Rockets, Murray posted 16 points, seven assists, and four boards. Not his highest-scoring night, but a balanced effort that reflects his ability to affect the game even when the shot isn’t falling.
Denver’s next test comes against the Utah Jazz, and Murray’s player prop is set at over 32 combined points and assists. Given his usage and the way he’s been facilitating the offense, that’s a number to watch.
Cade Cunningham: Leading the Charge in Detroit
Yes, you read that right-the Detroit Pistons are leading the Eastern Conference with a 22-6 record. And at the heart of this turnaround is Cade Cunningham, who’s blossoming into the franchise cornerstone Detroit hoped for when they drafted him.
Cunningham is putting up 27 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. That’s MVP-level production, and it’s coming with poise, control, and a growing sense of command. He’s not just scoring-he’s orchestrating, setting the tone on both ends, and elevating the play of those around him.
The Pistons will face the Portland Trail Blazers next, and Cunningham’s player prop sits at over 37.5 combined points and assists. Given his current form and the way Detroit is leaning into his playmaking, that number reflects just how central he is to everything the Pistons are building.
As we head into the heart of the season, these are the players to keep an eye on-not just for their box score impact, but for the way they’re shaping their teams’ identities. Whether it’s a seasoned vet like Curry, a rising star like Cunningham, or a steady hand like Murray, the NBA’s landscape is being defined by these performances night in and night out.