A wave of injuries and absences will reshape the NBA's five-game slate on Sunday, December 7, with star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and LaMelo Ball sidelined. Teams such as the Thunder and Hornets face significant challenges, opening opportunities for role players. Betting lines and DFS strategies highlight the uncertainty across matchups from Portland at Memphis to Oklahoma City at Utah.
The NBA's Sunday slate on December 7 features five intriguing games, but injuries dominate the narrative, forcing teams to adapt lineups and boosting value plays for fantasy and betting enthusiasts.
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder will miss reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to an elbow injury, his first absence this season. This opens the door for Ajay Mitchell to start at point guard, where he has averaged 33.3 FanDuel points in six starts, including 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. The Thunder are 9.5-point favorites against the Utah Jazz, who list Lauri Markkanen as questionable with illness.
Charlotte faces a tough matchup against the Denver Nuggets without LaMelo Ball (ankle), alongside Tre Mann and Collin Sexton. Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller stand to benefit, with Knueppel posting 31.9 FanDuel points over his last 10 games at a 24.0 percent usage rate without Ball. Nikola Jokic leads Denver's elite options, fresh off 66.8 FanDuel points against Atlanta.
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Philadelphia, where LeBron James is questionable (foot/back), potentially elevating Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Reaves has scored 60 and 47.6 FanDuel points in his last two games. Tyrese Maxey remains a focal point for the 76ers, averaging 47.6-plus FanDuel points in four of five recent outings.
Golden State heads to Chicago without Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and Draymond Green (foot), though Jimmy Butler is game-time decision (knee). Josh Giddey could exploit the Warriors' short-handed backcourt for the Bulls. Portland at Memphis sees Ja Morant doubtful (calf), with Deni Avdija shining for the Blazers at 47-plus DraftKings points in five straight games.
Spreads reflect the chaos: Nuggets -10.5 at Hornets, Thunder -9.5 at Jazz. Totals range from 227.5 to 236.5, promising high-scoring affairs despite the absences.
