The recent defeat dropped the Rockets to fifth in ESPN's latest NBA power rankings. They've lost two of their last three games, but have also seen impressive production from Alperen Sengun. After posting a 33-point triple-double in Denver, the Turkish center is averaging 23.5 points, 9.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists on 50-35-74 shooting splits.

Quinn Allen's favorite NBA player props for Wednesday, December 17, include Darius Garland, Kevin Huerter, and Julius Randle.

The NBA schedule remains somewhat irregular due to the in-season NBA Cup tournament. The final goes down tomorrow between the Knicks and Spurs, but first, we've got a nice little five-game regular-season slate on tap this evening.

The 6-20 Sacramento Kings are "expected to explore making trades of [their] veteran players," per Marc J. Spears of ESPN and Andscape.

It's also worth noting that Payton was an underrated leader. Even though he was famous for being a trash-talker, The Glove led the Seattle Supersonics to a franchise record of 64 wins and 18 losses in the 1995-96 season. They also made it to the Finals that year but ultimately lost to the Chicago Bulls.

Quinn Allen's favorite NBA player props for Monday, December 15, include Derrick White, Nikola Jokic, and Cooper Flagg.

Cavaliers forward Dean Wade is fresh off a 14-point performance on Sunday and will start a second straight game in place of the injured Evan Mobley (calf).

The Detroit Pistons are on a roll again. This team isn't a Cinderella story anymore until the playoffs begin. The Pistons are expected to win regular season ga

SportsLine's Mike McClure, a daily Fantasy pro with more than $2 million in winnings, gives optimal NBA DFS lineup advice for Tuesday's NBA Cup Championship