Category: NBA

NBA world pays its respects after David Stern’s death

He was 77.

Former NBA commissioner David Stern died on Wednesday after suffering a brain hemorrhage on Dec. 12 and spending three weeks hospitalized in serious condition following emergency surgery. He was 77 years old.

According to a league statement, Stern died with his family along his side.

Stern served as league commissioner for 30 years — from 1984 to 2014 — and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. And during his tenure, the league exploded in popularity.

Following the news of Stern’s death, many NBA players, media members and fans took to social media to pay their respects.

Read more from USA TODAY Sports.

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Portland Trail Blazers at New York Knicks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Portland Trail Blazers at New York Knicks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

TheĀ Portland Trail BlazersĀ (14-20) visit the New York KnicksĀ (9-24) at theĀ World’s Most Famous Arena — Madison Square Garden — for a 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff on Wednesday night. We analyze Blazers-Knicks odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Blazers at Knicks: Key injuries

Blazers

  • SFĀ Mario HezonjaĀ (back) questionable
  • PFĀ Skal LabissiereĀ (knee) out
  • CĀ Jusuf NurkicĀ (leg) out
  • SGĀ Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out

Knicks

  • SGĀ Reggie BullockĀ (back) probable
  • SFĀ Kevin Knox IIĀ (illness) probable
  • SGĀ Wayne EllingtonĀ (Achilles) probable
  • PGĀ Frank NtilikinaĀ (groin) questionable
  • SGĀ Damyean DotsonĀ (back) questionable
  • PGĀ Dennis Smith Jr.Ā (oblique) questionable

Blazers at Knicks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 3:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blazers 112, Knicks 103

Moneyline (ML)

The first thing that came to my mind when handicapping Blazers-Knicks was can the Blazers get up for a New Yearā€™s Day game in New York? New Yearā€™s Eve is the biggest party day of the year and thereā€™s arguably no better place to celebrate then in New York City — possibly giving the Knicks a huge advantage. However, the Blazers have played on the road on New Year’s Day the past three seasons (albeit not in New York City) and they have won each contest outright and against the spread. Damian LillardĀ is 6-1 in his career against the Knicks in MSG and the Blazers have a much better record against teams above .500 (11-7). Plus the Knicks play below expectations at home:Ā  4-5 ATS record as a home underdog, including an average margin of victory of -10.6.

We are on the Blazers to win, butĀ PASS ON BLAZERS -176 because of laying $176 to win $100 is too pricy.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

BET BLAZERS -4.5 (-106). When the spread was -3.5 (-125), I thought that was a little more vig and would have I’d preferred -4 (-110). I got my wish and I’ll take it because Blazers should win this game easily. This will need to be a bit of a “get right” game for the Blazers who come into this matchup ninth in the Western Conference and on a four-game losing streak. Ā It’ll help that the Blazers, ranked ninth in 3-point percentage, will go against a Knicks defense that ranks 29th in opponent’s 3-point %.

Also, the Knicks really decompress on their days off. They are 1-6 ATS coming off 2-3 days’ rest with a -17.6 margin of victory and -10.6 in ATS margin. Theyā€™ve struggled in games where they have any sort of rest advantage over their opponent — Knicks are 3-7 ATS when having a rest advantage.

Over/under (O/U)

It’s Carmelo Anthony’s second game in MSG since his unceremonious exit from the Knicks, and why that helps the under is because the Blazers are going to try and get ‘Melo involved early. ‘Melo’s style isn’t exactly up-tempo — he operates best out of the triple-threat — so expect long possessions early and the game to be low scoring in the first half. Furthermore, the O/U is 2-8 in the last 10 Blazers-Knicks games, the Knicks are 5-11 O/U in home games this season, the O/U is 8-9 when the Blazers are the road team. The teams’ combined O/U record is 31-36.

Based on all those factors, TAKE UNDER 224.5 (+100) in this one.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_ClarkĀ and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.Ā  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Orlando Magic at Washington Wizards odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Magic at Wizards NBA matchup with NBA betting odds, picks and best bets

TheĀ Orlando MagicĀ (14-19) head to the nation’s capital to play the Washington WizardsĀ (10-22) in the Capital One Arena at 6 p.m. ET.Ā  We analyze Magic-Wizards odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Magic at Wizards: Key injuries

Magic

  • PFĀ Aaron GordonĀ (Achilles) questionable
  • PGĀ Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) out
  • SFĀ Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out

Wizards

  • SGĀ Bradley BealĀ (leg) questionable
  • PFĀ Rui HachimuraĀ (groin) out
  • CĀ Thomas BryantĀ (foot) out
  • C Moritz WagnerĀ (ankle) out
  • PFĀ Davis BertansĀ (quadricep) out
  • SGĀ C.J. MilesĀ (wrist) out
  • PGĀ John WallĀ (Achilles) out

Magic at Wizards: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Wizards 115, Magic 108

Moneyline (ML)

Let’s fade theĀ Orlando Magic, who are at -167 but are terrible on the road (4-12), and BET WIZARDS +140 for a half or quarter unit. We are going to hit the spread harder to maximize our ROI on the Wizards but here’s the rationale for backing the Wizards:

Despite the Magic being ranked second in opposing PPG, I’d argue they actually aren’t a good defensive team. That stat has more to do with their pace of play (ranked 27th) than their defense, which ranks 17th in opponent’s field goal percentage (.457) and 21st in opponent’s 3-point percentage (.366). Also, the motivation is there for the Wizards who lost the previous two meetings between these teams. The injury report will be crucial here so keep an eye on it; Bradley Beal lit up the Magic for 42 and 34 points in two games this season and if he suits up Wednesday, expect him to feast on D.J. Augustin and Evan Fournier.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Go bigger on an ATS BET on WIZARDS +3.5 (-106) since we love the game and it’s a safer play than the moneyline. The Wizards have covered four of the last five games against the Magic. Also, their defense has a much better chance at stopping the Magic — who rank 29th in effective FG% and 25th in offensive rating — than the Magic’s defense has at stopping a Wizards offense that has scored less than 100 points only once this season.

Over/under (O/U)

Once again the Wizards are pitiful on defense but they are an offensive powerhouse, and BETTING OVER 218.5 (-129) correlates with our handicap above. Since I envision a good game from the Wizards, the game should be played more to their tempo, which almost always equals more points. The Over cashed in both Magic-Wizards games earlier this season and BetMGM is trying to throw us off the Over scent. Their -129 price is an effort to persuade bettors away from taking the Over but we aren’t falling for it.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_ClarkĀ and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.Ā  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (13-20) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (26-7) Wednesday at Staples Center for a 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Suns-Lakers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Suns are 1-2 on a current four-game road trip, winning their last two: 122-116 at the Portland Trail Blazers Monday and 112-110 at the Sacramento Kings Saturday. Devin Booker and Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 33 and 29 points, respectively, as the Suns overcame a 19-point deficit after the first quarter in Portland.

The Lakers are also on a two-game win streak, most recently defeating the Dallas Mavericks 108-95 at home Sunday. Anthony Davis led the charge with 23 points, while LeBron James finished with 13 points and 13 assists on his 35th birthday. LeBron also became the ninth player in NBA history to reach 9,000 career assists in the win.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Suns at Lakers: Key injuries

Suns

  • PF Frank Kaminsky (knee) questionable

Lakers

  • PF Anthony Davis (shoulder) probable

Suns at Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lakers 118, Suns 112

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers are going to win if Anthony Davis plays or not. They’re such big ML favorites (-625), it’s not worth the risk vs. the payoff. Every $6.25 wagered on the Lakers will only profit $1 if they win. If you’re willing to take a shot that the Suns (+450) somehow pull of an upset, they offer a 4.5-to-1 payoff, but I’m going to PASS.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The SUNS (+11.5, -115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. It’s just too many points. They’re 3-1 ATS as an underdog between 10-12 points, while the Lakers are 3-4 ATS as a 10- to 12-point favorite. The Suns are also 7-4 ATS as a road dog.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on the Suns here will profit $1 if they win outright or stay within 12 points in a loss. (Ex: Bet $11.50 to profit $10 or bet $115 to profit $100).

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 224.5 (-129). If Davis doesn’t play, I like it even more as the Lakers defense ā€“ ranked fourth in points allowed (105.3 PPG) ā€“ will take a hit. L.A. can replace A.D.’s scoring, but it can’t replace his team-leading blocks (2.5 BPG) and steals (1.5 SPG). Meanwhile, Phoenix, which is 20-13 O/U on the season and on a little bit of a roll, gives up 115.1 PPG and both offenses rank in the top-9 in scoring.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 22-10-1. Strongest plays: 11-3.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.Ā  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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The HoopsHype Daily: Welcome the new year with some of the NBA’s latest news, and some of our best from 2019

Along with some of the latest news out of the NBA, ring in the new year by reading some of our favorite content from 2019.

CONTENDERS INTERESTED IN TT: Playoff teams around the Association are eyeing Cavs center Tristan Thompson for a potential trade, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Makes sense for a variety of reasons: Cleveland is in the early stages of a rebuild, Thompson is a veteran in a contract year and averaging 12.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.

LOTTERY PICK OUT: Wizards big man Rui Hachimura is set to miss several more weeks after having groin surgery. That does not sound pleasant.

SLOW START: Al Horford was one of the offseason’s biggest acquisitions by the Sixers, but he’s struggled so far to acclimate with playing alongside Joel Embiid. Horford knows he can do better, and Philadelphia has to hope he figures it out soon.

BLING BLING: Lamar Odom is selling one of his NBA championship rings, and it could go for as much as $100,000.

BRIGHT FUTURE: Former 35-year-old NBA rookie Pablo Prigioni is now an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and many around the Association believe he has future head coach written all over him.Ā 

HAPPY 2020! Take a look at some HoopsHype content as we enter the 20s:

TOP DOG FROM EACH TEAM: With the decade coming to a close, we pick the best player from each team for the 2010s. We went with Kevin Durant for the Thunder, which surely won’t cause any sort of reaction from the Oklahoma City fanbase.

BEST TO WORST: We rank every NBA team by their win percentage in the 2010s as the decade comes to a close. Shield your eyes, Kings fans.

IN THE MONEY: Thereā€™s 16 players owed at least $140 million in guaranteed salaries going forward. We rank them.

HOF šŸ† TALK: We ranked the Top 10 greatest Hall of Fame classes ever, but after next year’s inductees are announced, we might have to revise that list, because this group could eclipse most of the other ones we ranked.

LIFE ON THE ROAD: We spoke with beat writers covering typically lousy NBA franchises to see what thatā€™s like. Drama can make great copy.

CLARKSON IN UTAH: We analyze the fit between the Jazz and their newest acquisition Jordan Clarkson, who they traded for last week. So far, the fit has been great, as Clarkson is averaging 14 points off the bench for his new team.

SALARY QUIZ: WHO’S THIS NBA PLAYER? šŸ¤”

Click here for the answer.

Feel super free to forward this newsletter to your friends. Subscribe here.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (12-20) and Milwaukee Bucks (30-5) do battle at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Timberwolves-Bucks odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Timberwolves at Bucks: Key injuries

Timberwolves

  • SF Robert Covington (hand) probable
  • SG Treveon Graham (flu) questionable
  • PG Jeff Teague (knee) doubtful
  • PF Noah Vonleh (gluteal) questionable
  • PF Jake Layman (toe) out
  • SG Josh Okogie (elbow) probable
  • C Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) out
  • SF/SG Andrew Wiggins (flu) out

Bucks

  • SF Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) probable
  • SG/SF Wesley Matthews (thigh) questionable

Timberwolves at Bucks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 123, Timberwolves 101

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Bucks (-2000) are way too chalky. One must wager $20 just to profit $1 on the Bucks ML. That’s not smart betting. The Timberwolves are +1000, which is tempting, but they’re not winning here. Especially not as shorthanded as they are.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BUCKS (-16.5, -115) are costly. You might want to hold off and double-check to make sure Antetokounmpo is active and not being rested for any reason. He is expected to play, but it’s a holiday, it’s a poor opponent where he isn’t necessarily needed to win, etc. … Be careful.

The Timberwolves (+16.5, -106) would have had a difficult time anyway, but they’re going to be shorthanded with at least a couple of key players, joining Towns in street clothes. Not good.

Over/Under (O/U)

The lean is to the UNDER 226.5 (+105), especially with Towns and Wiggins on the mend for the Wolves. If Antetokounmpo is rested for some reason, the bottom should cash rather easily.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.Ā  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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The best New Year’s news is Zion Williamson could reportedly return in January

The No. 1 overall pick could be back by the end of the month.

It’s the report we’ve all been waiting for: Zion Williamson could play in an NBA regular-season game in January.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who said the No. 1 overall pick could return to New Orleans Pelicans practice soon, and that “both sides are hopeful of a January season debut.” Remember, Williamson has been out after a head-turning preseason with a torn meniscus in his knee that required surgery.

Since then, NBA fans have been waiting patiently for Williamson to make his season debut. Along the way, we learned he’s being taught to walk and run differently to help his “kinetic chain” and that he’s back to dunking recently.

We could be seeing more of this soon:

The Pels are 11-23 with the second-worst record in the West, so getting Williamson back helps the franchise figure out how he fits in ahead of the NBA trade deadline next month — not because they’d trade him, but to see how he works with the current roster.

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LeBron James and James Harden are the lone players with 500 wins in the 2010s

LeBron James and James Harden are the lone players with 500 wins in the 2010s

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Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (21-11) and Oklahoma City Thunder (17-15) tip it off at Chesapeake Energy Center in Oklahoma City at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Mavericks-Thunder odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Mavericks at Thunder: Key injuries

Mavericks

  • SF Luka Doncic (wrist, back) questionable
  • SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (hamstring) questionable
  • SF Isaiah Roby (foot) out
  • SG Ryan Broekhoff (knee) questionable

Thunder

  • SF Danilo Gallinari (ankle) questionable
  • PG Dennis Schroder (ankle) questionable
  • SG Andre Roberson (knee) out
  • SGĀ Hamidou DialloĀ (elbow) out

Mavericks at Thunder: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Mavericks 113, Thunder 105

Moneyline (ML)

The MAVERICKS (-128) head to OKC looking to close out 2019 on a high note. It appears Doncic avoided disaster and will be in the lineup Tuesday, barring any kind of late decision to rest him as a precaution. Double-check before finalizing those tickets. Hardaway Jr. isn’t as much of a certainty, but his absence or inclusion in the lineup isn’t going to move the needle much on the chances of Dallas to win the game.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Mavericks to win outright returns a profit of $7.80.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAVERICKS (-1.5, -115) will cost you a little less than the moneyline, so it’s not a bad way to go as long as Doncic is officially active. The Mavs have a 19-6-1 ATS mark in the past 26 road games, including a perfect 4-0 ATS as a road favorite. The Thunder (+1.5, -106) are a solid 4-1 ATS in the past five overall, but just 1-6 ATS in their past seven tries vs. Dallas. The Mavs are also 23-11-1 ATS in the past 35 trips to Oklahoma City.

Over/Under (O/U)

The projected total of 217.5 is just too close to my predicted score. Like the line, there is a little bit of uncertainty as far as Doncic, too. But assuming he plays, this one will be in the high two-teens. If there is a lean, it’s to the Over (-115), which has cashed in each of the past six meetings in OKC.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.Ā  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Golden State Warriors (9-25) and San Antonio Spurs (13-18) meet at AT&T Center in San Antonio at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Warriors-Spurs odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Warriors at Spurs: Key injuries

Warriors

  • PF Eric Paschall (hip) probable
  • PF Kevon Looney (abdominal) out
  • C Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) out
  • PG D’Angelo Russell (illness) out

Warriors at Spurs: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Spurs 116, Warriors 109

Moneyline (ML)

The Spurs (-625) are expected to close out the decade with a ‘W’, but laying over six times your return is not good business.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Spurs to win outright returns a profit of $1.60.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The WARRIORS (+9.5, +105) have started to show some signs of life lately, winning four of their past five games straight up. Golden State has improved significantly since a 127-110 loss in the most recent meeting in San Francisco Nov. 1. The Spurs (-9.5, -125) have managed to cover in just seven of their previous 25 games at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 214.5 (-128) is the play, although this won’t be a track meet. It will go Over in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. It’s been all Under for the Warriors lately, going 4-1 in the past five, and eight of the past 11 as a dog. The Over is 4-0 in San Antonio’s past four at home, however, and 16-5 in the past 21 as a favorite.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.Ā  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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