Category: NBA

Thunder-Clippers odds: LA Clippers handily favored vs. OKC

Previewing Monday’s Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (5-7) visit the Los Angeles Clippers (8-5) Monday at Staples Center for a 10:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Both teams are coming off wins in their last games. We analyze the Thunder-Clippers 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.

Thunder at Clippers: Key injuries

Thunder

  • SG Hamidou Diallo (knee) day-to-day
  • SG Andre Roberson (knee) out

Clippers

  • PG Patrick Beverley (calf) questionable
  • SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) questionable
  • SG Landry Shamet (ankle) out

Thunder at Clippers: 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

Clippers 120, Thunder 108

Moneyline (ML)

The Clippers are laying -500 odds despite the potential absences of Leonard and Beverley. SF Paul George has scored 70 total points over his first two games in L.A. and is plenty capable of shouldering the load without his fellow stars.

Los Angeles is 7-1 straight up at home while OKC is still looking for its first road win in its fifth try. The Clippers have outscored the opposition 114.5-108.0 on average. The Thunder have a neutral point differential and play to an average scored of 107.1-107.1. Both teams were victorious their last time out, with the Clips beating the Atlanta Hawks 150-101 at home and the Thunder topping the Philadelphia 76ers 127-119 in overtime.

The home team will win this one whether or not Leonard and/or Beverley are active, but the -500 odds are far too chalky. Monitor this line as it will improve if the two players are ruled out, but the spread is the better play.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Clippers to win would return a profit of $2.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Back the CLIPPERS to win by double digits and cover the spread of -8.5 with -129 odds. LA is 8-5 ATS and covers the number by an average of 3.2 points per game. OKC is 7-5 ATS and covers by an average of one point per game.

The Clippers are 7-1 ATS at home while the Thunder are just 2-2 on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Thunder are 5-7 against the O/U while the Clippers are 5-8. Both teams fail to reach the projected total by an average of more than three points per game. Take the OVER 222.5 (-115). Both teams are rested and George will continue his hot start against his former team. We’ll likely need just one of Leonard or Beverley to be active in order to top this number with ease.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 30-29

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Celtics-Suns odds: Phoenix given home edge over Boston

Previewing Monday’s Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Boston Celtics (10-2) visit the Phoenix Suns (7-4) Monday at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Celtics-Suns 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.

Celtics at Suns: Key injuries

Celtics

  • SF Gordon Hayward (hand) out

Suns

  • PG Ty Jerome (ankle) out

Celtics at Suns: 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 Monday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Suns 110, Celtics 102

Moneyline (ML)

The SUNS are getting -154 odds at home against the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics. Boston is 5-2 away from home and coming off a 100-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday as it heads into the third installment of a five-game road trip. Phoenix is 5-3 at home and coming off of a 128-112 beatdown of the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics are on the second half of a back-to-back while the Suns have been off since Thursday’s win.

Phoenix has had a well-balanced offense of late with four different leading scorers over its last four games. Boston has had three different point leaders over its last four games. The Suns lead the league with a true shooting percentage of 59.3 as a team. The Celtics rank 15th at 56.2%.

Take the home side for a $6.50 profit on a $10 bet.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The better play Monday is to take the SUNS on the spread of -3.5 (-106). They’ll need to win by just four points against a tired opponent for a $9.43 return on the same $10.

The Suns are 9-2 overall against the spread and 6-2 at home. The Celtics are 6-4 overall and just 3-3 as the road team. Phoenix covers the spread by an average of 8.6 points per game while Boston covers by 4.9 PPG. The Suns rank ninth in the NBA with a pace of 104.38 possession per game. The Celtics are 18th at an average of 101.67. Phoenix will be able to pull away late as the Celts tire out.

Over/Under (O/U)

Due to the aforementioned differentials in pace and the Celtics’ back-to-back situation, take the UNDER 225.5 (-115). The Suns are 6-5 against the O/U and top the projection by 3.7 points per game. The Celtics are 5-7 against the projected totals but top the number by one point per game.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 30-29

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Trail Blazers-Rockets odds: Houston favored at home

Previewing Monday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Houston Rockets (10-3) entertain the Portland Trail Blazers (5-8) Monday night at Toyota Center. Tip-off is scheduled for just after 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Rockets 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.

Trail Blazers at Rockets: Key injuries

Trail Blazers

  • SG Carmelo Anthony (coach’s decision) out

Rockets

  • C Clint Capela (concussion) probable

Trail Blazers at Rockets: 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 123, Trail Blazers 113

Moneyline (ML)

The ROCKETS (-303) are 5-1 on the moneyline at home and 10-3 overall while Portland is 5-8 overall and 4-4 away from home.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Houston returns a profit of $3.60.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Houston started off the season 0-4 against the spread but has covered in six of nine games since, including all three at home. Portland has managed to stay close in away games and is 5-3 ATS on the road.

The ROCKETS (-7.5, -105) will seal this game late along with the cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER (-120) on the projected total of 229.5. It’s a low number given the average point totals for both sides. Also, Houston is on a seven-game winning streak averaging over 120 points per contest.

The Rockets love to push the pace and the Over is where we lean Monday night with a small wager.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Bucks-Bulls odds: Milwaukee has big road edge

Previewing Monday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Milwaukee Bucks (9-3) visit the Chicago Bulls (4-9) Monday at United Center for an 8 p.m. ET start. We analyze the Bucks-Bulls 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.

Bucks at Bulls: Key injuries

Bulls

  • SF Otto Porter Jr. (foot) out
  • PG Zach LaVine (ankle) probable

Bucks at Bulls: 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 11:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 117, Bulls 106

Moneyline (ML)

The -304 line for the BUCKS is not an easy one to stomach but Chicago’s interior, without Porter, is problematic and Milwaukee should be able to expose that.

Can Chicago keep up with Milwaukee’s pace? The answer is likely no if Milwaukee shoots anywhere close to 50%. The Bulls have lost their last four meetings with the Bucks and the final three were by nine or more points. Milwaukee is 6-2 on the road while covering at plus-4.8 points per game above the projections.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bucks to win outright returns a profit of $3.29.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The value play for this game is taking the BUCKS with the -7.5 points at -106 odds. A Milwaukee cover (win by eight or more points) returns a greater profit of $9.43.

Milwaukee is only 4-4 against the spread on the road but again a good bit above projections and has won six of its last seven away from Milwaukee. The Bulls struggle mightily at home, where they are 3-3 ATS but fall an average of 5.5 points per game below projections.

Over/Under (O/U)

Lean slightly to the UNDER 230.5 (-115). Chicago plays a little more stout on defense and slows down a bit at home. It may be just enough to keep Milwaukee from scoring 120 and making the under an easier proposition Monday.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Chris’ NBA betting record: 38-23

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Pacers-Nets Odds: Brooklyn expected to win at home

Previewing Monday’s Indiana Pacers at Brooklyn Nets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Indiana Pacers (7-6) face the Brooklyn Nets (5-7) Monday night just after 7:30 pm ET at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. We analyze the Pacers-Nets 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.

Pacers at Nets: Key injuries

Pacers:

  • SG Jeremy Lamb (ankle) questionable
  • PG TJ McConnell (groin) questionable
  • PG Malcolm Brogdon (back) questionable
  • PF Domantas Sabonis (hip) questionable

Nets:

  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) questionable)
  • SG Caris LeVert (thumb) out

Pacers at Nets: 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 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 121, Pacers 110

Moneyline (ML)

The NETS (-167) are 3-2 on the moneyline at home and 5-7 overall. On the other hand, Indiana is 2-4 away from home but one of those wins came last month in Brooklyn by a 118-108 score. Brooklyn wants revenge for that clunker and so does Irving, who had one of his worst performances of the season.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Brooklyn returns a profit of $5.99.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

After a weird 0-4 start against the spread which included an 0-2 mark at home, Brooklyn has covered two of its last three contests at Barclays Center. Indiana is 2-4 against the spread on the road but comes close to the cover line. The same goes for Brooklyn of late.

BROOKLYN (-3.5, -115) will cover against the Pacers. The Nets can put up 120-plus points per game and the Pacers may not be able to keep up in the fourth quarter.

A $10 wager here results in a profit for $8.70 if Brooklyn covers.

Over/Under (O/U)

The projected total is set at 218.5. It seems like a rather low number and these two teams could exceed it easily if they play to their pace. Brooklyn must crank up the shot volume like Indiana did to them last month. Side with the OVER at -115.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Cavaliers-Knicks odds: Cleveland a short dog at MSG

Previewing Monday’s Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (4-8) and New York Knicks (3-10) tangle at Madison Square Garden Monday night at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Cavaliers-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.

Cavaliers at Knicks: Key injuries

Cavaliers: PF Larry Nance Jr. (thumb) is considered questionable for Monday’s game.

Knicks: C Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is expected to be ready to play, while SG Reggie Bullock (neck) is sidelined until at least early December.

Cavaliers 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 at 6:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Cavaliers 103, Knicks 99

Moneyline (ML)

The CAVALIERS (+110) are a nice value as short dogs against the Knicks (-134), especially since Cleveland already has a win at New York, 108-87, back on Nov. 10.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on a Cleveland win profits $1.10 if the Cavs prevail. (Ex: Bet $10 to win $11, $20 to win $22, $4.76 to win $10).

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Take the CAVALIERS (+2.5, –115), as they’re 5-2 against the spread in the past seven games on the road, and 13-5 ATS in the past 18 on the second end of a back-to-back set.

The Knicks (-2.5, -106) are 0-4 ATS in the past four tries against the Cavs, including Nov. 10, and they’re 1-6 ATS in the past seven tries against Cleveland at MSG. The underdog has hit in four of the past five in this series, too.

Over/under (O/U)

The UNDER 208.5 (-110) is the play for each of these erratic offenses. The under has hit in each of Cleveland’s past five games, including each of the past four on the road, while going 19-8 in its last 27 with no rest. The under is 21-7 in the past 28 for the Knicks at MSG dating back to last season, while going 12-3-1 in the past 16 on one day of rest.

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.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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The HoopsHype Daily: We take a look at the numbers to determine how sustainable the Lakers’ early success is

The Lakers are off to a strong start. We took a look at their strength of schedule to determine if this is real or fool’s gold.

JUST HOW LEGIT ARE THE LAKERS? The Lakers reeled off their fourth win in a row on Sunday, beating down the Hawks 122-101, bumping their record to a league-best 11-2 for the season in the process. Considering it’s the first time in a while that the Lakers look this good, it forces one to wonder: Is this real? For what it’s worth, the advanced numbers do love them, with both net rating and defensive rating calling Los Angeles the strongest team in the Association thus far this year.

But it must also be noted that to this point, the 13 teams that the Lakers have faced this year have a combined record of 78-85, which is middling as far as strength of schedule is concerned. What’s more, only five of their games have come on the road. So there might be just a touch of fool’s gold involved with the team’s dominant record early in 2019-20. At the same time, however, they are led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the best players in the world, and they do have an elite defense thanks to their top-notch rim protection, so Los Angeles is undoubtedly a legitimate contender.

🏀 Speaking of LeBron, the four-time league MVP is averaging 24.3 points per game this season, and owns the longest double-digit scoring streak in the regular season in league history. Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are not even that close.

DEPLETED WARRIORS: The hits keep on coming for the Warriors, who will now be without All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell for at least two weeks. It’s so bad that Draymond Green has been forced to play the point.

🏥 Warriors players have missed a combined 75 games due to injury so far this season. The second NBA team in the ranking? 38.

BEHIND THE SCENES ON BIG SIGNING: Adrian Wojnarowski on how the Melo-Blazers marriage came to be.

WHO WANTS SOME J-CROSSOVER? Jamal Crawford, 39, is baffled he’s not in the NBA right now.

MO WAGNER, FLOP MASTER: Call it flopping, call it great defense, call it whatever you want, but Wizards big man Moritz Wagner has been statistically outstanding at drawing charges this season.

IN DEPTH WITH VETERAN TRAINER: NBA trainer Joe Abunassar has trained an insane amount of NBA players, including guys like Kevin Garnett, Kawhi Leonard and DeMarcus Cousins. He recently went on the HoopsHype podcast with Alex Kennedy and had a lot of interesting things to say.

A KEEPER: Per Shams Charania, some contenders expected Phoenix to eventually buy out Aron Baynes’ contract during the season. With the way Suns and Baynes are performing, that’s the longest of shots right now.

TEAMS EYEING DUNK CHAMPION: In that same piece, Charania also reported that teams are eyeing Magic swingman Aaron Gordon for a potential trade, but that Orlando isn’t interested at the moment. 

FEEL-GOOD STORY: Aaron Gordon teammate Markelle Fultz scored a career-high 19 points Sunday. He’s been great scoring in transition this season, and Orlando has been a better team with him on the floor, despite his shooting struggles.

📷 Since we’re on the topic of transition scoring, Fultz also had a game-sealing steal and dunk (in transition) on Sunday, throwing down this monster slam over Washington. 

FROM DYNASTY TO THE TOP OF THE LOTTERY: If they continue on the winning pace they’re currently at, the Warriors will set the record for biggest year-to-year drop in win percentage in league history.

GOAT SUPPORTING GOAT: Kobe Bryant made a rare appearance at the Lakers’ Sunday night game, sitting courtside with his daughter for the contest and dapping up LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard throughout the evening.

HE DID… THAT? Did… anyone know Danny Green could get up this high? Judging by Dwight Howard’s reaction, he certainly didn’t.

OUCH: The Celtics saw their 10-game win streak snapped by the Kings on Sunday. The way the contest ended was particularly brutal (at least if you’re a Boston fan), as Marcus Smart had a good look to win it at the buzzer, but saw his floater roll around the rim before ultimately missing.

DEROZAN VS REFEREES: DeMar DeRozan has been pretty outspoken against what he deems to be poor officiating this season. Now, he says he’s going to start flailing and flopping his way to calls. He should watch more James Harden tape for a good guide on how to do that.

SALARY QUIZ: WHO’S THIS NBA PLAYER? 🤔

Click here for the answer.

📧 You can get this in your email inbox every morning. Just need to subscribe here.

Markelle Fultz has been among the most efficient transition finishers

Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz recorded a career-high 19 points on Sunday night during a victory over the Washington Wizards.

Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz recorded a career-high 19 points on Sunday night during a victory over the Washington Wizards.

The former No. 1 overall pick connected twice from beyond the arc on just three attempts. It was just the second time in his career that he made multiple three-pointers during a regular-season NBA game.

But the most memorable moment of the evening came in the final minute of his performance. Fultz had a brilliant takeaway, intercepting a pass from Bradley Beal and then speeding up the floor for a quick slam to secure the win.

After scoring the bucket, he could hardly contain his joy and let loose on an emotional celebratory scream.

Something worth noting is Fultz has been excellent in the open court for the Magic. He is averaging 1.46 points per possession in transition, which ranks in the 93rd percentile among all players in the NBA. In fact, among those in the Eastern Conference who have had at least 20 transition finishes, only five players have more efficient.

When he has the ball in the open court, he has been at his best since joining Orlando. There are 58 players who have had at least 15 opportunities as the ballhandler in transition, as he did in the final seconds against Washington, and no one has averaged more points per possession on these looks than Fultz.

The guard also has a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in transition, showcasing some effective playmaking on these looks as well. If he can keep distributing that well, he can get into more of a rhythm with his teammates on fastbreaks.

For a player whose confidence needs as much rebuilding as his jump shot, finding things that work well for him will continue to help his development. Orlando will look for any way to reinvigorate him, as it can only help his game.

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The longest double-digit scoring streaks in NBA history

Numbers as of November 16, 2019.

Numbers as of November 16, 2019.

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Hawks-Lakers odds: Los Angeles huge home favorite

Previewing Sunday’s Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis and picks

The Atlanta Hawks (4-8) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (10-2) Sunday at the Staples Center for a 9:30 p.m. ET start.

We analyze the Hawks-Lakers 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.

Hawks at Lakers: Key injuries

Hawks

  • SG Kevin Huerter (shoulder) out
  • SG Vince Carter (personal) out

Lakers

  • PG Avery Bradley (leg) out

Hawks 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 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lakers 130, Hawks 108

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers are -1112. The Hawks are +700.

Can Atlanta even keep up with the Los Angeles? Looking at the Hawks’ Saturday outing at the L.A. Clippers, that answer would appear to be a resounding no. Atlanta gave up 150 points to the other Los Angeles team in a 49-point loss. Expecting a resilient Atlanta performance on the back end of a back-to-back is asking a lot.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lakers to win outright returns a profit of $0.90. It is that chalky of a pick.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The better play for this game is taking the LAKERS -14.5 points at +100 odds. A Los Angeles cover here (win by 15 or more points) returns a profit of $10 on a $10 wager.

The Hawks are 2-4 ATS and the blowout loss to the Clippers skews their cover projections completely. Considering that earlier on this trip Atlanta was blown out by 16 at the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles should beat this spread. The Lakers are 5-2 at home ATS while exceeding projections by 3.5 points per contest.

Over/Under (O/U)

Just take the OVER 218.5 (-106). Watch the numbers as they may inch upward a bit before tip-off. The Lakers easily could score 120 points or more like they did against the Golden State Warriors in a 26-point rout. Having Anthony Davis and LeBron James together in the lineup for this game seals Atlanta’s fate and the Over likely as well.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Chris’ NBA betting record: 38-25

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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