Tag: NBA betting odds lines against the spread over-under picks

San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (29-36) and Philadelphia 76ers (39-27) tip-off Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Visa Athletic Center in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. We analyze the Spurs-76ers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Spurs vs. 76ers: Key Injuries

Spurs

  • SG Marco Belinelli (foot) questionable
  • PF Trey Lyles (appendix) out
  • C LaMarcus Aldridge (shoulder) out

76ers

  • PF Mike Scott (knee) out
  • SF Glenn Robinson III (hip) doubtful
  • SG Zhaire Smith (knee) out

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Spurs vs. 76ers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday at 4:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

76ers 124, Spurs 112

Moneyline (ML)

The 76ERS (-278) are heavy favorites in this inter-conference regular-season game in the bubble. They lost 127-121 to the Indiana Pacers in their opening game Saturday. The Spurs (+220) dropped the Sacramento Kings by a 129-120 count Friday and beat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-106 Sunday.

Playing the second half of the back-to-back and already missing a top contributor at both ends of the court in Aldridge, the Spurs will be hard-pressed to contain the likes of Sixers C Joel Embiid and PG Ben Simmons.

I’m OK eating the chalk here while backing the better team from the 2019-20 regular season against an opponent on the second half of a back-to-back. Sure, there aren’t the usual travel implications, but three games in four days after a break of more than four months will take a toll. Feel safe in backing Philadelphia.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the 76ers to win would return a profit of $3.60.

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Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The smarter play is to back the SIXERS -7 (-106) while they’re laying the points. The Spurs have won their two games by 9 and 2 points as they fight for the final available playoff spot in the Western Conference. They’ve beat two of the four teams closest to them in the standings.

The Sixers already have a postseason ticket booked in the Eastern Conference. While they’re in a safer spot through the remainder of these regular-season contests, they have just seven games remaining to climb as high as fourth in the conference.

That should be motivation enough against an inferior opponent after dropping a more pivotal game against the Pacers. Take Philly to win by at least 7-plus points.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams topped 240 combined points in their opening games of bubble play, but the Spurs and Grizzlies played to a total of just 214 Sunday afternoon.

Take the OVER 228.5 (-110) with the Sixers able to feast on a tired Spurs defense already missing a foundational piece in Aldridge.

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

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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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Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (47-18) meet up with the Miami Heat (42-24) at HP Field House in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for a 1:30 p.m. ET tip-off as the opening game on the NBA’s Monday schedule. We analyze the Raptors-Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Raptors vs. Heat: Key Injuries

Raptors

  • SG Patrick McCaw (knee) out
  • SF Oshae Brissett (knee) out

Heat

  • C Bam Adebayo (quadriceps) probable
  • PG Goran Dragic (back) probable

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Raptors vs. Heat: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday at 4 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 101, Heat 91

Moneyline (ML)

The RAPTORS (-139) are still offering appetizing value as moneyline favorites after dominating the Los Angeles Lakers to the tune of a 107-92 victory in their first game in the bubble. The Heat (+115) beat down on the Denver Nuggets 125-105 Saturday, but they’ll face a much tougher test on both the offensive and defensive ends.

The Heat won both games in the regular season by scores of 121-110 (in overtime) and 84-76. The second game came with the Raptors missing both PF Pascal Siakam and C Marc Gasol due to injuries.

Trust in the championship form we saw from the Raptors Saturday night, and back them to beat the Heat on a Florida afternoon.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Raptors to win would return a profit of $7.20.

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Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get better value on the “visitors” by backing the RAPTORS -2.5 (-110) to win by at least 3 points following their 15-point win over the Western Conference’s top-seeded Lakers.

The Heat (+2.5, -110) rolled through the Nuggets while putting up 69 points in the second half. The Raptors held the Lakers to just 48 second-half points while putting up 66 of their own.

Raptors SF OG Anunoby was up to the task of defending Lakers F LeBron James Saturday, and he’ll be able to do the same against Heat SF Jimmy Butler.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under was unlisted at the time of writing, but I’d be willing to take the Under on any projection as low as 205 total points. These opening games of the NBA restart have been very high scoring with teams seemingly leaving their defense in their home cities, but that’s not the game the Raptors play. They combined with the Lakers for just 199 points Saturday and will again control the pace.

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

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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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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (54-12) will take on the Houston Rockets (41-24) Sunday at the ESPN Wide Wolrd of Sports Arena in Reunion, Fla., for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Bucks-Rockets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Bucks vs. Rockets: Key injuries

Bucks

  • PG Eric Bledsoe (conditioning) out
  • SF Pat Connaughton (conditioning) out

Rockets

  • SG Eric Gordon (ankle) out
  • SF Bruno Caboclo (ankle) out

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Bucks vs. Rockets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at noon ET.

Prediction

Bucks 120, Rockets 115

Moneyline (ML)

The BUCKS (-189) are sizable favorites over the Rockets (+155). Milwaukee was impressive in their first game in the NBA bubble, beating the Celtics 119-112 Friday. They will face a tough Rockets team Sunday night. Houston scored 153 points in an overtime win against the Dallas Mavericks Friday.

While the Rockets certainly have enough offensive firepower to win any game, the Bucks have the NBA’s best record for a reason. They have the defenders to play against any offense. Expect this to be a close game throughout, but for the No. 1-seeded Bucks to ultimately win this game.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BUCKS -4.5 (-110) are two-basket favorites over the Rockets. While Houston has won their last two games, they actually struggled quite a bit against the spread this season. The Rockets are just 30-34-1 ATS during the 2019-2020 NBA season and they have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games.

Milwaukee, on the other hand, has been fantastic against the spread despite being favorites in nearly every contest. They are an impressive 37-29 ATS. Considering this spread is fairly low, expect the Bucks to cover the 4.5 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this interconference matchup is set at 243.5 points. Both sides are averaging 118.7 points per game and excel in all phases of offensive production. The Bucks also possess one of the league’s best defense and have the size and length to potentially slow down the Rockets.

While you should expect a ton of points to be scored in this contest, look for the UNDER 243.5 (-110) to hit as the Bucks will likely try to slow down the pace. Don’t be surprised if both teams score more than 115 points, but expect the under to ultimately hit.

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

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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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Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (40-28) meet the Phoenix Suns (27-39) Sunday for a 9 p.m. ET tip-off at Visa Athletic Center in Reunion, Fla. We analyze the Mavericks-Suns NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Mavericks vs. Suns: Key Injuries

Mavericks

  • SG Courtney Lee (calf) out
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

Suns

  • SF Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) out

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Mavericks vs. Suns: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Suns 124, Mavericks 115

Moneyline (ML)

The Mavericks (-238) blew a double-digit second-half lead in their 153-149 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets Friday.

C Kristaps Porzingis and PG Luka Doncic balled with Porzingis putting up 39 points and 16 rebounds, while Doncic had a 28-point triple-double. Rockets Gs James Harden and Russell Westbrook thrashed them on the defensive end. They combined for 80 points, 20 rebounds and 16 assists.

In their first game, the SUNS (+195) whooped an injury-riddled Washington Wizards team, 125-112. Phoenix also had nice showings from their center-guard combo in their win. C Deandre Ayton scored 24 points and added 12 boards, and SG Devin Booker had a game-high 27 points.

This ain’t NBA Jam but the Suns’ center-guard combo should keep up with the Mavericks’ top duo. Ayton and Booker outscored Porzingis and Doncic, 62-30, in the second Mavericks-Suns game this season (a 133-104 Phoenix win). The Suns didn’t have Ayton in their first game against Dallas this year.

My favorite thing about this matchup for the Suns is how well and often they shoot from the charity stripe. Also, Dallas got into foul trouble in their first game of the restart against the Rockets. They sent Houston to the line 39 times Friday. Doncic fouled out in overtime and Porzingis finished with five fouls.

We LIKE SUNS (+195) to pull off the upset. New to sports betting? A $100 bet on the Suns (+195) earns a $195 profit if Phoenix wins outright.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Much of the rationale for my against the spread handicap is above in the moneyline handicap. The Mavericks -6 (-110) are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 meetings with the Suns.

Since we like Phoenix on the moneyline, we LOVE SUNS +6 (-110). Bet double your money on the ATS line as the moneyline for insurance. New to sports betting? A $220 bet on the Suns +6 (-110) earns a $200 profit if the Suns win or lose by five or fewer points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The 235.5-point total (Over: -110, Under: -110) in Mavericks-Suns is the second-highest of Sunday’s NBA slate. It’s that high because the Over is 5-2 in their last seven meetings, including the last three games consecutively, and Dallas has the third-highest percentage of Overs this season.

Dallas is the top-ranked team in offensive efficiency and Phoenix has the 19th-ranked defensive rating in the NBA. I am backing the Phoenix side because I think they’ll score a bunch on Dallas.

OVER 235.5 (-110) is the play on the total.

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 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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Sacramento Kings vs. Orlando Magic odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Sacramento Kings vs. Orlando Magic betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Sacramento Kings (28-37) face the Orlando Magic (31-35) Sunday at the HP Field House in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for a 6 p.m. ET tip-off . We analyze the Kings-Magic NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Kings vs. Magic: Key Injuries

Kings

  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out
  • C Alex Len (conditioning) questionable

Magic

  • SF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out
  • SF Wes Iwundu (concussion) questionable

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Kings vs. Magic: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Kings 115, Magic 110

Moneyline (ML)

The Kings (+115) lost their first game in the restart against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, 129-120. San Antonio got hot from deep—making 11 of 25 threes—and SG DeMar DeRozan was masterful with a 27-point performance on 10 of 13 shooting.

PG De’Aaron Fox impressed against the Spurs on Friday, scoring 39 points and adding six assists. Also, he typically has his way against the Magic. Fox is 3-1 in four career games and shoots .588% from the field with a 115 offensive rating and 100 defensive rating.

The Magic (-139) looked shaky at the beginning of their first restart game against a depleted Brooklyn Nets team on Friday. But Orlando gained control of the game in the second quarter and cruised to a 128-120 victory.

The Spurs were able to exploit an edge over the Kings that the Magic won’t have. San Antonio has the sixth-highest 3-point percentage in the NBA and got hot against Sacramento, but Orlando is 25th in 3-point shooting.

Orlando did beat Sacramento in a close game 114-112 in their first meeting this season. But the Kings won the previous five games against the Magic. Plus, the Kings have made things difficult in the past for the Magic’s best player — C Nikola Vučević — who averages just 12.7 points per game in his 10 career starts against Sacramento.

I LIKE the KINGS (+115) to pull off an upset because this game is more of a must-win and their recent success against the Magic.

New to sports betting? Bet $50 on the Kings (+115) and earn a profit of $57.50 if Sacramento beats Orlando.

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Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Let’s double our bet size and TAKE KINGS +2.5 (-110). The handicap says Kings-Magic should be close and the 2.5-point cushion could yield a profit.

As stated above, the only time Orlando beat Sacramento was by two points so the Kings’ +2.5 could come into play. Additionally, Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings and 10-4 ATS when getting 1-2.5 points.

New to sports betting? Bet $110 on the Kings +2.5 (-110) to fetch a profit of $100 if the Kings lose by two or less or win outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

Since Vučević hasn’t been his usual self vs. Sacramento and both offenses are bottom-10 in points per game, I lean toward the Under 227.5 (-110). I won’t fully endorse an Under bet though because Kings and Magic have a combined Over/Under record of 65-62-4.

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 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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Portland Trail Blazers vs. Boston Celtics odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Portland Trail Blazers vs. Boston Celtics sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (30-37) will take on the Boston Celtics (43-22) Sunday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena in Reunion, Fla., for a 3:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Blazers-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Trail Blazers vs. Celtics: Key injuries

Trail Blazers:

  • PG Jaylen Adams (back) questionable
  • PF Caleb Swanigan (personal) out
  • SF Trevor Ariza (personal) out
  • SF Rodney Hood (Achilles) out

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Trail Blazers vs. Celtics: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Trail Blazers 117, Celtics 115

Moneyline (ML)

The Celtics (-189) open this contest as slight “home” favorites over the TRAIL BLAZERS (+155). Boston is coming off a tough 119-112 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Trail Blazers had an impressive 140-135 overtime win over the Memphis Grizzlies Friday.

With the Blazers needing this game more to reach the playoffs, expect them to play with more urgency than the Celtics. This should be a close game throughout but bet on PG Damien Lillard and the Trail Blazers as underdogs in this one.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Trail Blazers to win would return a profit of $15.50.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Celtics (-4, -110 open this contest as two-basket favorites over the TRAIL BLAZERS +4 (-110). Boston has struggled mightily against the spread, covering just once in their last six games dating back to March.

While it’s tough to come to too many conclusions based on games months ago, it’s just been a while since they played great basketball. If the moneyline is too bold of a bet for you, consider taking the Blazers with the points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this interconference matchup is set at 230.5 points. Both of these teams rank inside the top-12 in offense, but the difference here could be the Trail Blazers’ poor defense. On the season, they are allowing 115.6 points per game, fifth-most in the NBA.

Look for this to be a fast-paced game with a lot of scoring, and for the OVER 230.5 (-110) to ultimately hit in Orlando.

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 on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Wizards (24-41) will take on the Brooklyn Nets (30-35) Sunday at the HP Field House in Kissimmee, Fla., for a 2:00 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Wizards-Nets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Also see: What threw Nets off most in loss to Magic

Wizards vs. Nets: Key injuries

Wizards:

  • PG John Wall (Achilles) out
  • SG Bradley Beal (shoulder) out
  • PF Davis Bertans (personal) out
  • PG Gary Payton II (COVID-19) out
  • SF Garrison Mathews (ankle) out

Nets:

  • SG Jamal Crawford (conditioning) questionable
  • SF Taurean Prince (COVID-19) out
  • PG Spencer Dinwiddie (COVID-19) out
  • C DeAndre Jordan (COVID-19) out
  • PF Nicolas Claxton (shoulder) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out

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Wizards vs. Nets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 118, Wizards 112

Moneyline (ML)

The NETS (-162) are moneyline “home” favorites against the Wizards (+135). This will be the second contest in Orlando for both teams after each side lost by double-digits Friday night.

These are arguably the two worst teams in the NBA bubble right now, so it’s hard to have a lot of confidence betting either side. If you are going to bet the moneyline in this game, take the NETS (-162) considering they have a significantly better defense than the Wizards.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NETS -3.5 (-106) open this contest as two-basket favorites over the Wizards (+3.5, -115). This game will feature two of the most depleted rosters in the NBA as both sides have several players out for the rest of the season.

Several young players playing prominent roles for each side could mean a pretty sloppy game. Tthe Nets have the better roster available in Orlando and should be able to win this game by 4 or more points over the Wizards.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under for this Eastern Conference matchup is set 235.5 points. The Wizards have the worst defense in the NBA, allowing 119.7 points per contest. The Nets give up nearly 111.7 points per game.

With both sides playing several new and young players, expect a clunky offensive game. There will be a ton of scoring, but look for the UNDER 235.5 (-110) to hit in Orlando.

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 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s San Antonino Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (28-36) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (32-34) Sunday at VISA Athletic Center for a 4 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Spurs-Grizzlies NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Spurs at Grizzlies: Key Injuries

Spurs

  • G Marco Belinelli (foot) doubtful
  • G Bryn Forbes (quadriceps) out

Grizzlies

  • G Tyus Jones (knee) out
  • F Justise Winslow (hip) out

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Spurs 130, Grizzlies 122

Moneyline (ML)

The Grizzlies (-167) are favored, although they are coming off a 140-135 OT loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, while the SPURS (-140) are coming off a win over the Sacramento Kings. The Spurs are not the elite team they had been for the last 20 years, but they almost always can be counted on late in the season. At +140, they make a nice underdog bet. Take the SPURS +140.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Spurs will earn a $14 profit if they win.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Grizzlies (-3.5, -110) have covered 52% of their games this season, while the Spurs (+3.5, 110) actually have the third-worst ATS record in the league, covering the spread 41% of the time. However, San Antonio is 19-18 ATS as the underdog. Memphis, though, is 13-7 ATS when favored. But if you like the Spurs to win outright, you have to take them here. Go SPURS +3.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 235.5. San Antonio games have gone Over the total nearly 62% of the time this season, the highest rate in the league. Scoring has been up since the reopening. It will continue. Take the OVER 235.5 (-110).

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

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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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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New Orleans Pelicans (28-37) meet the Los Angeles Clippers (44-21) Saturday for a 6 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Pelicans-Clippers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Pelicans vs. Clippers: Key Injuries

Clippers

  • PF Montrezl Harrell (personal) out
  • SG Lou Williams (isolating) out

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Pelicans vs. Clippers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Clippers 122, Pelicans 119

Moneyline (ML)

Both teams are coming off 2-point losses on the opening night of the NBA restart. The Clippers (-227) lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, 103-101, and the Pelicans (+185) lost to the Utah Jazz, 106-104.

The Pelicans defense could not guard the Clippers at all this year:  Los Angeles has scored 131.3 points per game in their three meetings this season. New Orleans is 1-2 against the Clippers; however, the only win came with LA missing SF Kawhi Leonard and PG Pat Beverley.

Motivation should be at a season-high for New Orleans. The Pelicans cannot afford to lose many more games if they have any hope of earning a playoff berth. Also, they are at their healthiest because the COVID-19 shutdown and Los Angeles will be without two key contributors (Harrell and Williams).

But, the payout isn’t big enough to back the Pelicans as dogs and I’m not spending that much on a Clippers moneyline when they are missing players. Plus, New Orleans is in a must-win spot. Those odds have an implied win probability of 37%. PASS on the moneyline.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

New Orleans was without F Zion Williamson in all of the regular-season meetings and sans SF Brandon Ingram in the third game, which the Pelicans covered. In fact, the Pelicans are 6-2 against the spread in the last eight meetings.

Speaking of missing players, the absences of Harrell and Lou-Will are major for Los Angeles. Against the Pelicans this season, Harrell averages 25.3 points per game and Williams averages 30.9 PPG.

It’s a must-win for the Pelicans and plus-five points is a lot when your opponent is without their third- and fourth-leading scorer. BET PELICANS +5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

These squads have gotten buckets in their recent meetings. The Over is 4-1 in the last five Pelicans-Clippers games. Leonard will have his way with whoever New Orleans throws at him and SG Paul George looked locked-in Thursday.

We’ll get more than 15 minutes of Zion tonight and PG Lonzo Ball can’t play any worse than he did Thursday night (four points on 2-for-13 shooting). Their recent trend of high-scoring games should continue, so I lean OVER 232.5 (-110). It’s only a lean because of the Clippers’ awesome defense and their missing firepower.

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 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Utah Jazz (42-23) play the Oklahoma City Thunder (40-24) Saturday in the Orlando bubble at 3:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Jazz-Thunder NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Jazz vs. Thunder: Key Injuries

Jazz

  • SF Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist) out

Thunder

  • SG Terrance Ferguson (leg) questionable

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Jazz vs. Thunder: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:25 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Thunder 107, Jazz 101

Moneyline (ML)

The Jazz beat the New Orleans Pelicans outright as 2.5-point dogs, 106-104, on the opening night of the NBA’s restart. Utah was slept on heading into their game against New Orleans mostly because of the hype around Pelicans SF Zion Williamson and alleged team turmoil relating to Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell‘s previous bouts with COVID-19. Utah pulled out a tough win and Jazz bettors took advantage of a bad line.

Again we have a situation where the market has steamed up the Jazz’s opponents. The Thunder (-125) opened a slight dog but Oklahoma City backers pushed them to a favorite. That market movement makes a lot more sense. Oklahoma City has beaten the Jazz (+105) in two of their three previous meetings this season (covering all three) and has won five out of six games against Utah.

An edge I’d really like to see the Thunder exploit is getting to the free-throw line. There have been eight games played so far in the NBA’s restart and in seven of those games there was a free throw attempt differential. The team that attempted more free throws won six of those seven games.

Oklahoma City ranks first in free-throw attempts per field goals attempted and second in opponent free-throw attempts per field goals attempted. The Thunder shot more free throws than the Jazz in each of their three games this season.

TAKE THE THUNDER (-125) on the moneyline.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Let’s just stick with the moneyline wager. Utah played in a single-possession game Thursday against the Pelicans and this game, with two evenly matched teams, should go down to the wire, too.

Though it’s not a huge risk, I’d rather lay the extra juice on the ML than take the Thunder (-1.5, -110). PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

Because both teams play a more methodical style of basketball (each team ranks bottom-10 in pace in the NBA) and are above-average defensively, this game probably goes Under 215.5 (-110). Also, the Under is 20-8 in the last 28 head-to-head meetings.

I lean Under in Jazz-Thunder but I’m PASSING on the total because of the offensive eruption we saw in Friday’s NBA restart games. All six of the Friday games went Over the total.

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