Tag: Denver Nuggets

MVP Race: Damian Lillard is climbing after his recent stellar play

Each week, HoopsHype’s staff gives our Top 10 candidates for this year’s Most Valuable Player award. Which stars have stood out thus far?

Each week, HoopsHype’s staff gives the Top 10 candidates for this year’s Most Valuable Player award. This list highlights stars who are in the mix for the 2019-20 MVP award due to their impressive play.

Which stars have stood out? Here are our latest MVP rankings:

10. BEN SIMMONS, PHILADELPHIA

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 16.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 2.1 SPG, 58.4 FG% 

This season has been a rollercoaster for the Philadelphia 76ers, who have gone on several hot and cold streaks. The point forward has made 271 field goals in the restricted area this season, which ranks fourth-best in the league. His unique size has helped him pull down rebounds on 5.5 percent of his squad’s missed field goals, per Cleaning The Glass, which is the best rate among point guards. Simmons also has defensive rebounds on 31.7 percent of opponent’s missed free throws, also the best among point guards. On the defensive end, Simmons is averaging an NBA-best 2.1 steals per game. He also leads all players in both loose balls recovered (87) and deflections (190) this season.

9. JIMMY BUTLER, MIAMI

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 20.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 45.3 FG% 

Jimmy Butler has found a perfect home on the Miami Heat. The five-time All-Star is averaging 1.46 points per possession in transition, which ranks No. 1 in the league (minimum: 100 possessions) in 2019-20. He just put up a season-high 39 points per game against the Philadelphia 76ers. His career-best assist rate (28.6 percent) puts him in the 96th percentile among all NBA wings. Butler has been a fantastic hustler, too. He currently ranks sixth-best in steals (1.8 SPG), sixth-best in deflections per game (3.6) and sixth-best in loose balls recovered per game (1.6) thus far.

8. KAWHI LEONARD, L.A. CLIPPERS

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 27.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 46.5 FG% 

Once again, Kawhi Leonard is having a sensational season on both ends of the court. The biggest issue is that he has only played 38 games, though the Clippers have won 30 of those. He is averaging 2.1 steals per game since January, tied with Simmons for the best in the NBA. The Clippers have scored 120.4 points per 100 possessions with Leonard on the court since December 1. That gives Leonard the second-best offensive rating among all players in the league (minimum: 25 minutes per game) during that span.

7. NIKOLA JOKIC, DENVER

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 20.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 51.5 FG%

Denver’s Nikola Jokic has been one of the most multidimensional players in the league over the past few seasons. He is shooting 43.7 percent on jump shots, which ranks Top 10 among all players who have taken at least 400 jumpers thus far. The center ranks second-best in the NBA on field goals made (77) within five to nine feet of the basket. His field goal percentage (61.6 percent) is the best among those with more than thirty attempts. He has recorded 10 triple-doubles in 2019-20, which ranks third-best in the NBA. His assist percentage (34.5 percent) and assist-to-usage rate (1.19) are both in the 100th percentile among all big men, per Cleaning the Glass.

6. LUKA DONCIC, DALLAS

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 28.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 46.4 FG%

The second-year superstar has been sensational for the Mavericks, leading Dallas to an impressive 62.0 winning percentage this season. His team has played very well even when they are not playing at home, as we recently noted. The guard has averaged 29.1 points per game on the road, second-best in the NBA. Doncic has scored 13.9 PPG as the ballhandler in pick-and-roll possessions, per Synergy Sports, which ranks third-best in the league. As a primary playmaker, his assist percentage (53.8 percent) ranks second-best behind only LeBron James among those with at least 100 minutes played. He leads the league with a dozen triple-doubles so far this season.

5. ANTHONY DAVIS, LA LAKERS

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 26.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.4 BPG

Davis is shooting 210-of-280 (75.0 percent) in the restricted area, which is the best among all players who have had at least 200 attempts this season. The big man is averaging 1.12 points per possession, according to Synergy Sports, which ranks second-best among those who have finished at least 800 possessions this season. Davis has more loose balls recovered per game (1.9) than anyone who has played at least ten games. The Lakers are currently 33-9 (.786 percent) in games when their superstar acquisition has played.

4. DAMIAN LILLARD, PORTLAND

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 29.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 46.1 FG% 

Since our last MVP Race update, Portland’s Damian Lillard is averaging 39.0 points with 5.8 three-pointers per game. The Trail Blazers have three wins and just one loss during this stretch, helping bounce back from a rough start to the season. Lillard is also leading the league in scoring with 34.3 PPG since January 1. He has hit 66 three-pointers from at least 28 feet, which is over five feet from beyond the NBA’s three-point line. That is over a dozen more than anyone else in the league has made in 2019-20. He is averaging 1.13 points per possession, per Synergy Sports, which ranks No. 1 overall among those who have finished at least 800 possessions this season. Lillard also leads all players with 757 points scored as the ballhandler in pick-and-roll possessions.

3. LEBRON JAMES, LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 25.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 49.3 FG%

Knowing that narrative plays a big role in MVP voting, the momentum is there for the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James. He currently leads the league with 10.7 assists per game. The 35-year-old superstar is also putting up a career-high 2.1 three-pointers connected per game, including five three’s in less than three minutes against the San Antonio Spurs last night. He keeps putting up monumental performances, putting up outstanding numbers while also helping elevate the play of another star teammate in Davis. The more he keeps winning for the Lakers, the better the odds he will have of winning his fifth Most Valuable Player Award.

2. JAMES HARDEN, HOUSTON

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 35.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 43.6 FG% 

Harden has connected on 208 non-corner three-pointers, over twenty more than anyone else has hit thus far. The guard leads the league in jump shots (313) in 2019-20. He has once again been fantastic creating his own shot, too. Only 14.6 percent of his three-pointers have been assisted, which is the best among all players in the NBA. Harden has scored 16.2 points per game on isolation possessions, per Synergy, which is nearly ten points more than any other player in the league. In fact, his 762 points scored on this play type is more than any other team besides his own Houston Rockets. To put that in perspective, the Milwaukee Bucks lead the Eastern Conference with just 386 points scored in isolation.

1. GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, MILWAUKEE

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

STATS: 30.1 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 55.4 FG%

He is averaging 8.7 points per game when operating in a transition offense, per Synergy. That ranks No. 1 overall in the NBA, over a point and a half more than anyone else thus far. He has the second-most dunks (141) and the most double-doubles (41) among all players in the league in 2019-20. His rebound percentage (18.8 percent) ranks Top 10 among all players who have averaged at least 20 minutes per game. Most important, though: Milwaukee is currently outscoring opponents by 14.4 points per 100 possessions when he has been on the court so far this season. That ranks as the best among those who have averaged at least 25 minutes per game.

[lawrence-related id=1315864]

Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

Two of the best teams in the Western Conference will faceoff Wednesday as the Denver Nuggets (35-16) are at Vivint Smart Home Arena to take on the Utah Jazz (32-17). Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Nuggets-Jazz sports betting 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.

Nuggets at Jazz: Key injuries

Nuggets

  • PF Paul Millsap (knee) questionable
  • C Mason Plumlee (foot) out
  • SF Jerami Grant (ankle) questionable
  • SF Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) questionable
  • SF Gerald Green (foot) out
  • C Bol Bol (foot) out

Nuggets at Jazz: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Jazz 114, Nuggets 113

Moneyline (ML)

Despite a lesser record, the Jazz (-400) are moneyline favorites over the Nuggets (+310) at home. Denver has won five of its last seven games but has managed to win just six of the last 18 games against the Jazz. Meanwhile, Utah is in a bit of a slump, but is still  9-1 in its previous 10 home games. Expect the Jazz to take care of business at home, but the -400 odds are too chalky. PASS.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Jazz (-8.5, -115) open this contest as three-basket favorites over the NUGGETS (+8.5, -106). Given how well Denver’s defense has played this season, it feels like far too many points. Denver has gone 5-2 against the spread in its last seven games, while the Jazz failed to cover in each of their previous five contests. While I expect the Jazz to ultimately win this game, take Denver with the points in Utah.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 215.5 points, which feels slightly too low. While it’s true both teams are strong on defense, each side is averaging over 110 points per game. While this game likely won’t get into a shootout, expect the OVER 215.5 (-106) to hit.

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

Follow @Marcus_Mosher 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2017]

The winners and losers of the Rockets, T-Wolves, Nuggets and Hawks 12-player trade

Who won and lost this huge deal?

We have our first major action of the 2020 NBA trade deadline.

Four teams — the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets — got together and made a massive 12-player deal that involves first-round picks and expiring contracts, plus (most importantly) some of the bigger names available ahead of Thursday.

Center Clint Capela is off to the Hawks.

Wing 3-and-D man Robert Covington went from the T-Wolves to the Rockets.

The Timberwolves acquired Malik Beasley, Juan Hernangomez and Jarred Vanderbilt from the Nuggets.

The Wolves got the Hawks’ first-round pick they own from the Nets, and the Nuggets got a first-rounder from the Rockets.

You follow all that? But wait! There’s more! From USA TODAY Sports:

Other components of the deal include Jordan Bell going from Minnesota to Houston; Nene (who hasn’t played this season) going from Houston to Atlanta; Evan Turner going from Atlanta to Minnesota; Keita Bates-Diop, Noah Vonleh and Shabazz Napier going from Minnesota to Denver; Gerald Green (who’s been out all season with a foot injury) going from Houston to Denver.

Whew. Let’s sift through this one and declare some winners and losers.

Winners

The Rockets’ small-ball concept

Remember the “South Beach Five” last year? It’s back and has been working for Houston with P.J. Tucker (more on him later) filling in at center. Capela was more valuable for Houston when he was running more pick-and-rolls with James Harden. Now, they’ll have some stifling wing defense thanks to Covington.

The Hawks

I love the idea of Capela with Trae Young, picking-and-rolling all day long. The Hawks’ rebuild suddenly took a big step forward with this acquisition, and although I’m curious how Atlanta fits in Capela with John Collins, I think it works with Collins continuing to stretch the floor and letting Capela do more of the defensive dirty work.

Robert Covington

Hey, anytime you can go from a hapless franchise to a playoff team, you’re a winner.

NBA fans

It feels at the moment like some bigger names — Andre Drummond, D’Angelo Russell, Kevin Love — may not be on the move unless something changes. So it’s a win for die-hards to see a massive deal they can chew on, especially a day before the deadline.

Tilman Fertitta

Bye bye tax bill!

Losers

The Nuggets (for now)

It’s not that I hate the deal for Denver. They got something back for Beasley and Hernangomez, two restricted free agents at the end of the year who the Nuggets might not have been able to re-sign. It’s that I just hope there are more trades coming for one of the NBA’s deepest teams. Maybe they can deal some more assets, hang on to Michael Porter and get a high-impact starter. If they don’t? They’re still super-deep. But do they have enough to beat one of the West’s elite teams in the postseason? I worry.

P.J. Tucker

His name was trending on Twitter Wednesday morning as NBA fans said stuff like this:

I think Tucker can handle some of the load. But what happens when teams go big against Houston? He’ll have to deal with Anthony Davis or Nikola Jokic or Rudy Gobert. Yikes.

Karl-Anthony Towns

He last won a basketball game on Jan. 9, and boy, he doesn’t seem happy about what just went down:

[jwplayer 44QqkWAb-q2aasYxh]

In Clint Capela trade, Rockets to acquire Robert Covington

Best known for his defense, 6-foot-7 forward Robert Covington is on his way to Houston in a trade sending center Clint Capela to Atlanta.

In news that broke late Tuesday night, the Houston Rockets agreed to acquire forward Robert Covington and reserve big man Jordan Bell from the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with a second-round draft pick.

As part of a four-way trade, the Rockets are sending starting center Clint Capela to Atlanta and their 2020 first-round draft pick to Denver, along with injured reserves Gerald Green (to Denver) and Nene (to Atlanta).

The complex deal was agreed to over a day before the NBA’s trade deadline for the 2019-20 season, which is at 2 p.m. Central time on Thursday. It’s certainly feasible that Houston could make another move by that time, since the Rockets now have two open roster spots.

Best known for his defense, Covington is averaging 12.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 29.4 minutes per game this season. The lanky 6-foot-7 forward, who is shooting 43.5% from the field and 34.6% on 3-pointers, offers the defensive versatility to guard several positions.

The 29-year-old is signed through the 2021-22 season at an average salary of approximately $12 million. Per several reports, Covington has been a trade target of the Rockets for months.

[lawrence-related id=22160,19536]

The Rockets selected Capela in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft. Now in his sixth season — all with the Rockets — the 25-year-old is averaging 13.9 points (62.9% shooting) and 13.8 rebounds per game, with that rebounding total ranking fourth in the league.

Despite the gaudy individual numbers, though, the Rockets are 10-1 (.909) in games that Capela has not played in the 2019-20 season due to injury or illness. Specifically, the Rockets have had a far superior rating on offense when not utilizing a traditional center.

[lawrence-related id=23869,23826]

That seems to have prompted GM Daryl Morey to reallocate his team’s salary resources, with Capela’s slot of more than $16 million going to a more versatile forward in Covington and a cheaper center.

To that end, the Rockets had reportedly sought to bring in both a wing player and a replacement center for Capela as part of their planned transactions leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline. Since they are not acquiring a proven center in this deal, it could signal that another trade or an eventual buyout signing is in the works for that purpose.

[lawrence-related id=23900]

The Rockets (32-18) have won six of their last eight games overall, with the last four wins without Capela. They’re in the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference playoff race and just a half-game back of No. 4 Utah (32-17).

But with a stated mission of winning the 2020 NBA title, their sights are much higher than their current standings placement. Morey’s hope is that the acquisition of Covington can move them closer to that ultimate goal.

[lawrence-related id=17801,12366]

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Portland Trail Blazers (23-27) stop by the Pepsi Center to play Northwestern Division-rival Denver Nuggets (34-16) Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. ET. We analyze Blazers-Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Blazers at Nuggets: Key injuries

BLAZERS

  • PF Skal Labissiere (knee) out
  • C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles’) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out

NUGGETS

  • SF Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) out
  • C Bol Bol (foot) out
  • PF Mason Plumlee (foot) out
  • PF Paul Millsap (knee) out
  • PG Jamal Murray (ankle) questionable

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

Blazers at Nuggets: 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 3:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blazers 117, Nuggets 112

Moneyline (ML)

Denver is currently first in the Northwestern Division and have beaten the Trail Blazers in both their meetings this season. The Nuggets were most likely motivated to get revenge on the Blazers for eliminating them in last year’s Western Conference Semifinals.

But, the Trail Blazers are the current ninth seed in the West and have climbed back into contention for the final playoff spot thanks to a 7-3 record over their last 10 games, which featured victories over the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. Damian Lillard’s crazy hot streak has been the key to the Blazers’ recent success. Over the past 10 games, Lillard is scoring 41.6 points on .528% shooting, .500% from behind the 3-point line with 5.4 rebound and 9.3 assists per game.

Let’s ride with the hot hand, and the more healthy side, and MAKE A SMALL WAGER on BLAZERS +145. New to sports betting? Bet $50 on Blazers +145 to earn a profit of $72.50 if the Blazers win outright.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since we are on Portland to win straight up, definitely BET BLAZERS +4.5 (-121). The more expensive price point for the Blazers line can be viewed as a good thing because that means the oddsmakers are trying to price bettors out of betting Portland. Portland is 4-0 against the spread in their last four games. Also, the Nuggets have struggled in similar betting situations this season: They are 0-5-1 against the spread when laying 3-4.5 points. 

Over/Under (O/U)

Each of the last two Nuggets’ games have went Over and the Over has cashed in seven of the last eight Blazers games. The Blazers have scored 120+ points in their past six games and the Over correlates with the other handicaps since the Blazers are the eighth highest-scoring team in the NBA. Denver has a good defense—ranked fifth in opponent’s points per game and fourth in opponent’s 3-point percentage—but they’ll need to score points to keep up with the Blazers. Good thing for them the Blazers are ranked 26th in defensive rating.

BET OVER 224.5 (-121) is the right bet on the total of Blazers-Nuggets.

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

Follow @Geoffery_Clark 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Analysis: Where the Rockets stand with potential West tiebreakers

Entering February, here’s where the Rockets stand with regards to potential tiebreakers, and why Dallas is the primary team to track.

Entering Sunday’s home game versus New Orleans, the Houston Rockets are 30-18 and in the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference. They have 34 games left to play in the 2019-20 regular season.

However, given how tightly bunched the West standings are, it would be misleading to focus solely on their seed at a given moment. The Rockets are only three games back in the loss column of No. 2 Denver, and just two games ahead of No. 7 Oklahoma City.

Things can change very quickly, for better or for worse.

Thus, as the season hits the home stretch, it’s becoming quite possible that Houston could end up tied with one or more teams. In that case, tiebreakers would be used to decide seeding for the NBA playoffs.

Tiebreaker rules are available at the bottom of the league’s official standings page. As far as what that means for the Rockets entering February, it varies on a case-by-case basis.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas is the most important team to track, from a Houston perspective. At the moment, the Rockets and Mavs (30-19) have split their two games so far this season, with two more remaining in Dallas.

If they split head-to-head, the next tiebreaker criteria would be division record, since both teams are in the same division. (For teams in different divisions, it would be conference record.) At the moment, Dallas has the edge with only one Southwest loss, as compared to four for Houston. That means the Rockets probably need to maintain, or ideally expand, their current advantage in the standings to hold off Dallas.

But the biggest reason Dallas’ record is so important to the Rockets is because both teams are fighting for the Southwest Division title, and thus it affects all of Houston’s other potential tiebreakers as well.

In a tie of three teams or more, the first criteria is eliminating the non-division winners. For a two-team tie, if the head-to-head meetings are split, the division tiebreaker is next on the list.

So if the Rockets can hold off Dallas and win the Southwest Division, it significantly boosts their odds of winning several other tiebreakers as well. For example, between the Nuggets, Jazz, and Thunder, only one can win the Northwest Division. Similarly, while the Clippers still have an opportunity to tie the season series with the Rockets, they’re unlikely to win the Pacific Division because of the presence of the Lakers (37-11).

[lawrence-related id=23564,18539]

Denver Nuggets

The Rockets and Nuggets (34-15) have concluded their four games in the 2019-20 season, with each side winning twice at home. At the moment, Denver would seem well positioned for a potential tiebreaker against Houston, since they’ve been disproportionately stronger in the West.

Though the Nuggets have just three less overall losses than the Rockets, they have six fewer losses in the Western Conference.

However, this is a prime example of where the division title could be very important. If the Rockets win their division and the Nuggets don’t win theirs, Houston would own the tiebreaker over Denver — even if the Nuggets have a superior conference record (which they likely will).

[lawrence-related id=23019,20963,22640]

Utah Jazz

The Rockets and Jazz (32-17) play just three times this season, so there will be a head-to-head winner. The Rockets won on Jan. 27 in Utah, giving them an opportunity to clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker when the Jazz make a return visit to Houston next Sunday, Feb. 9.

If the Rockets aren’t able to win that game, the rubber match would be Saturday, Feb. 22 back in Salt Lake City.

Should the Rockets win at least one of those two games, it would give Houston the edge on Utah in a two-team tie, and most likely in a three-team tie unless the Jazz win their division and the Rockets do not.

If they clinch the tiebreaker versus Utah, it’s probably to the advantage of the Rockets to cheer for the Jazz to win the Northwest Division, since Houston likely needs Denver to not win its division in order to earn that potential tiebreaker. The Nuggets and Jazz have three head-to-head meetings still left this season, including two in the season’s final 10 days in April. Those could prove pivotal.

[lawrence-related id=23144]

Los Angeles Clippers

The Rockets have won two of three games this season versus the Clippers (34-15), with the final matchup looming March 5 in Houston. If the Rockets win that game, they would secure the season series and the head-to-head tiebreaker over Los Angeles.

If the Clippers win in March, it gets murky. The Clippers currently have 11 losses in the West compared to 14 for the Rockets ⁠— but that’s less important than it might sound, since they have three fewer losses overall, as well. For the teams to end up tied, the Rockets would have to have made up three games on the Clippers, anyway. It’s quite possible that the shrinking of that gap could come based on conference results.

Should the conference record of both teams also end up tied, the next tiebreaker would be record vs. other West playoff teams.

However, this is another scenario where the Southwest title could be huge for the Rockets. The Clippers are four games back of the Lakers in the loss column for the Pacific Division. If that lead holds up, the Rockets would still earn the tiebreaker, even if the Clippers manage to split the season series and finish with a better in-conference mark than Houston or record versus other West playoff teams.

[lawrence-related id=20162,17812]

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Rockets lost the season series to the Thunder (30-20), two games to one, which gives Oklahoma City the tiebreaker in two-team scenarios.

However, in a tie of three or more teams, the Rockets could still edge out the Thunder (who are five back in the Northwest Division) if Houston holds off Dallas to win the Southwest.

[lawrence-related id=22534,22440]

Overall, the biggest variable by far is where the Rockets stand relative to Dallas. If Houston wins the Southwest Division, then not only does that inherently mean that they’re ahead of the Mavs in the race for playoff seeding, but it also could push them past other teams as well, thanks to the league’s tiebreaker rules and the importance of division titles.

Denver Nuggets at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Denver Nuggets at Detroit Pistons sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

he Denver Nuggets (34-15) take on the Detroit Pistons (17-33) early Sunday afternoon at Little Caesars Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Nuggets-Pistons sports betting 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.

Nuggets at Pistons: Key injuries

Nuggets

  • PF Paul Millsap (knee) out
  • C Mason Plumlee (foot) out
  • PG Jamal Murray (ankle) out
  • SF Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) out
  • C Bol Bol (foot) out

Pistons

  • PF Blake Griffin (knee) out
  • SG Luke Kennard (knee) out
  • SF Khyri Thomas (foot) out
  • SF Bruce Brown (thumb) available

Nuggets at Pistons: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:00 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Nuggets 114, Pistons 105

Moneyline (ML)

The NUGGETS (-149) are smaller-than-usual moneyline favorites over the Pistons (+125) Sunday afternoon due to the plethora of injuries to their starting lineup. Denver has still managed to win four of its last five games, including a 127-115 upset over the Milwaukee Bucks Friday. Detroit, on the other hand, has lost five-straight games and is just 9-17 at home this season. Take the value of the Nuggets’ moneyline in Detroit.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NUGGETS (-2.5, -115) are one-basket favorites. Denver has fared decently well against the spread on the road this season, going 12-11-1. Detroit hasn’t had the same luck, going 9-17 against the spread at home. Considering how low this spread is, pick the Nuggets despite the injuries to several starters. They are just the better team in this matchup.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Sunday afternoon matchup is set at 212.5 points, which feels slightly too low despite the Nuggets having the fifth-ranked scoring defense in the NBA this season. Both offenses are averaging 109 points per game, and the Nuggets offense has been clicking on all cylinders lately after scoring 127 points against the Bucks. Don’t expect this to be a super high scoring contest, but for the OVER 212.5 (-115) to hit.

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

Follow @Marcus_Mosher 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2017]

Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

Two of the best teams in the NBA will faceoff Friday as the Denver Nuggets (33-15) travel to Fiserv Forum to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (41-6). Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Nuggets-Bucks sports betting 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.

Nuggets at Bucks: Key injuries

Nuggets

  • PF Paul Millsap (knee) out
  • C Mason Plumlee (foot) out
  • SG Gary Harris (personal) questionable
  • PG Jamal Murray (ankle) out

Bucks

  • PG George Hill (hamstring) out
  • PF Giannis Antetokoumpo (shoulder) questionable
  • PG Frank Mason (abdominal) probable
  • SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) questionable

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Bucks 121, Nuggets 107

Moneyline (ML)

As expected, the Bucks (-556) are big favorites at home against a Nuggets team that has suffered some pretty significant injuries. It also doesn’t help that the Bucks are an incredible 22-2 at home this season, best in the NBA. As good as Denver are and as much value as they present in this contest (+400), there is just no way you can bet against Milwaukee at home. We also can’t eat the chalk involved in betting the Bucks. PASS and play the spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BUCKS (-10.5, -110) are double-digit favorites over the Nuggets Friday night. While Denver (+10.5, -110) has fared well against the spread of late (4-2 ATS in their last six games), it just doesn’t appear they have the ability to stop the Bucks’ No. 1 ranked offense. Look for this game to be somewhat close throughout, but for the Bucks to pull away in the fourth quarter.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this big-time matchup is set at 223.5 points. That doesn’t feel like enough points as the Bucks average 120.0 points per game. This game probably won’t reach the 230’s, but expect it to be high-scoring enough for the OVER 223.5 (-115) to hit at Fiserv Forum.

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

Follow @Marcus_Mosher 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2017]

Peyton Manning, Von Miller show off arm strength at Nuggets and Avalanche games

Broncos legends Peyton Manning and Von Miller support Denver’s hometown teams, including the Nuggets and Avalance.

Former Broncos quarterback still lives in the Denver area and he occasionally attends NBA games featuring the Nuggets. At one of their games in December, Manning played catch with Rocky the Mountain Lion, the Nuggets’ mascot.

Manning jokingly warmed up with a short toss before throwing a longer pass to the mascot.

Manning isn’t the only Bronco who shows off his arm strength at Denver sporting events. Superstar outside linebacker Von Miller signed and then threw a football into the stands at an Avalanche game last month.

View this post on Instagram

🏒

A post shared by Studio58 (@vmstudio58) on

Miller has also attended Rockies games with his teammates and the Rapids of MLS have even (sarcastically?) offered Miller a spot on their roster. Clearly, he’s a fan of many sports.

Miller’s going to stick with football, though, specifically as an outside linebacker (though he does think he would be a good running back).

[vertical-gallery id=631819]

Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Utah Jazz (32-15) trek over to the Mile High City Thursday to play the Denver Nuggets (32-15) at 10:30 p.m. ET at Pepsi Center. We analyze the Jazz-Nuggets 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.

Jazz at Nuggets: Key injuries

Nuggets

  • C Bol Bol (foot) out
  • PF Paul Millsap (knee) out
  • PF Mason Plumlee (foot) out
  • PG Jamal Murray (ankle) out

Jazz at Nuggets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Jazz 105, Nuggets 96

Moneyline (ML)

The matchup to pay attention to in Jazz-Nuggets is between the two all-star centers. Jazz C Rudy Gobert is the back-to-back defending Defensive Player of the Year and is guarding ultra-versatile Nuggets C Nikola Jokić who strains defenses with his passing ability and court vision. Gobert has gotten the better of Jokić thus far in their careers:

[protected-iframe id=”ed291b7d293a7e693a862448eee574a1-159279292-75965725″ info=”https://widgets.sports-reference.com/wg.fcgi?css=1&site=bbr&url=%2Fplay-index%2Fh2h_finder.cgi%3Frequest%3D1%26player_id1_select%3DRudy%2BGobert%26player_id1%3Dgoberru01%26idx%3Dplayers%26player_id2_select%3DNikola%2BJoki%25C4%2587%26player_id2%3Djokicni01%26idx%3Dplayers&div=div_stats” ]

Another major reason the Jazz have the edge over the Nuggets is the injury report. Denver will be missing two bigs, and aside from Gobert, Utah has good defensive bigs backing him up in Ed Davis and Tony Bradley. Plus the absence of Murray could be huge for a Nuggets team needing someone in the backcourt to mitigate the damage Donovan Mitchell can cause. Murray has scored 20-plus points in his last two games against Utah, but Mitchell has scored 30-plus in his last two games overall and 46 points in the previous Jazz-Nuggets game, which was last season.

BET JAZZ (+100) on the moneyline. New to sports betting? Bet $100 on the Jazz to earn a profit of $100 if they win.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since we are playing the Jazz on the moneyline at even money, we’re going to PASS on a line wager in this game. Since this game is essentially a coin flip, here’s an ATS trend that might win you over in picking the Jazz outright—Utah is 16-7 ATS in the last 23 meetings.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 217.5 (-125) is the right bet if you’re playing the total in the Jazz-Nuggets game. This game should be a high-intensity affair with these teams tied for the third seed in the Western Conference, and it’s a primetime game. Furthermore, both teams don’t give up a lot points—combined they are giving up 212.7 points per game and each plays a slowed-down tempo. Denver is second to last in Pace of play and Utah is ranked 18th. Also, the Under is 14-2 in the last 16 meetings in Denver.

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

Follow @Geoffery_Clark 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]