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

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (43-30) meet the Portland Trail Blazers (33-39) Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Mavericks-Trail Blazers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Mavericks vs. Trail Blazers: Key injuries

Mavericks

  • PG Luka Doncic (ankle) questionable
  • PF Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) questionable
  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) questionable
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out
  • SG Courtney Lee (calf) out

Trail Blazers

  • C Hassan Whiteside (hip) questionable
  • SF Trevor Ariza (personal) out
  • PF Caleb Swanigan (personal) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles) out

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Mavericks vs. Trail Blazers: 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. ET.

Prediction

Mavericks 125, Trail Blazers 120

Moneyline (ML)

The Mavericks (+145) surprisingly upset the Utah Jazz, 122-114, Monday, without their two leading scorers in Doncic and Porzingis. It was Dallas’ second consecutive win after beating the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime Saturday. Dallas is 3-3 in their restart games.

The Trail Blazers (-175) eked out a 124-121 win over a Philadelphia 76ers team without their two leading scorers. PG Damian Lillard erupted for 51 points in a bounce-back effort after missing two free throws in the final minute of a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Portland is a half-game back of the Memphis Grizzlies for the 8-seed in the West with two games remaining.

Dallas beat Portland in two of the three meetings earlier this year with Doncic and Lillard playing spectacularly in all games. Luka averaged 30.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists and Lillard was putting up 36.3 points and 7.7 assists per game.

If Doncic plays I give him the edge because of the earlier head-to-head matchups and how Luka has looked so far in the bubble. Doncic is averaging a triple-double in his five restart games (33.4 points, 11.6 rebound and 11.6 assists per game) and is 4-3 in his career against Lillard and the Trail Blazers.

Let’s BET THE MAVERICKS (+145) to upset the desperate Trail Blazers. 

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

One of the criticisms of this young Mavericks is their inability to close out close games, and we know Lillard’s penchant for hitting game-winning shots and willing the Trail Blazers to victories.

I “like” Luka to get the better of Lillard in this point guard duel but it would be foolish to not put a bigger bet on the spread given how each team performs in close games. Dallas (+4, -110) has a 2-10 record in games decided by three points or less and Portland (-4, -110) is 7-3 in those situations.

Monitor the injury report up until tip-off, or until the teams confirm their starting lineups, before making a bet. Based on the intel we have now, the MAVERICKS +4 (-110) ARE THE PLAY.

Over/Under (O/U)

The “square” play most likely pays here so I’d LEAN to OVER 238.5 (-110). Both of these teams have explosive offenses and below-average efficient defenses so we should see a lot of points here. 

Mavericks-Trail Blazers have a combined Over/Under record of 86-59 this season and their last four meetings have all gone Over the total. Five of six bubble games for Portland have gone Over and four of six Dallas games have gone Over in the bubble. 

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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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New Orleans Pelicans (30-40) face the Sacramento Kings (29-41) Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Pelicans-Kings NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Pelicans vs. Kings: Key injuries

Pelicans

  • PF Zion Williamson (knee) out
  • F Brandon Ingram (knee) out
  • PG Jrue Holiday (elbow) out

Kings

  • SG Kent Bazemore (calf) questionable
  • PF Richaun Holmes (hip) out
  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out
  • PG De’Aaron Fox (shoulder) out

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML)

The Pelicans (+105) ruined JJ Redick’s 13-year playoff appearance streak after losing 122-113 to the San Antonio Spurs as 4-point favorites in their last game. The loss pushed New Orleans to 2-4 in the bubble, ending their playoff hopes.

The KINGS (-125) got trounced in their last game out, 129-112, by the Houston Rockets thanks in large part to being lapped, 70-35, in combined second- and third-quarter scoring. Like New Orleans, Sacramento has no shot at making the postseason and is 2-4 since the restart.

The NBA announced all teams eliminated from contention are to leave the bubble Aug. 14, so that’s probably a relief to the Pelicans and Kings, both of which didn’t look like they wanted to be there. I am sure both sides will try hard to prevent this but someone has to win this game.

Now that the season is lost, both teams are resting what they hope to be their future stars in a game I’d argue they should be used to practice basketball. For the Pelicans, we should see a lot of SG Josh Hart and PG Frank Jackson and the Kings will feature PG Yogi Ferrell and SF Corey Brewer. 

New Orleans will be missing more key pieces than Sacramento and it’s essentially a coinflip game. BET KINGS (-125). New to sports betting? A $125 bet on the Kings (-125) fetches a profit of $100 if Sacramento beats New Orleans.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I wouldn’t lay points with either side in this matchup, even if there was a gun to my head. Good thing for me, BetMGM agrees that there isn’t much of a difference between their awfulness so the spread is pretty much a non-factor. PASS ON THE SPREAD.

Over/Under (O/U)

Since Sacramento seems to be playing a lot more regular rotation guys, I lean UNDER 231.5 (-110). It makes sense to me that the Kings could get up big on the Pelicans and slow down the tempo.

Also, the Pelicans have gone Under the projected total in five of their six bubble games. I don’t “like” or “love” it, though, because the Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings and 9-1 in the last 10. 

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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Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat odds, picks and best bets

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

The Indiana Pacers (43-27) face the Miami Heat (43-27) Monday at 8 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Pacers-Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Pacers vs. Heat: Key injuries

Pacers

  • SF T.J. Warren (foot) questionable
  • PF Domantas Sabonis (foot) out
  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out

Heat

  • PG Goran Dragic (ankle) questionable
  • SF Jimmy Butler (foot) questionable
  • PG Kendrick Nunn (personal) out
  • SF KZ Okpala (personal) out

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Heat 117, Pacers 110

Moneyline (ML)

The Pacers (+145) have looked great in the bubble, winning four of five games, including their last game against the Los Angeles Lakers, 116-111. Indiana has tied Miami for the 4-seed in the East and would be matched up against them if the first round started today.

The Heat (-175) lost their last game to a peaking Phoenix Suns team, 119-112. Miami was without its two leading scorers in Butler and Dragic. Injuries and tough competition has led to the Heat going 2-3 in the bubble.

Indiana has had Miami’s number for several games but not this Heat team led by Butler. The Heat are 2-0 this season against the Pacers and match up nicely with them. Both are well-coached and deep teams.

We are going to PASS ON THE MONEYLINE because the Heat (-175) are too expensive and the Pacers (+145) don’t offer a big enough payout.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Something tells me that the Heat are going to come out hot and they have the depth to sustain a lead. Miami has looked great early in games—outscoring opponents in the first quarter in four of five games.

Getting Butler and Dragic back would be huge for the Heat -3.5 (-110), especially against a banged-up Indiana (+3.5, -110) team. The Pacers will be without defensive anchor Sabonis and Warren is listed as questionable.

TAKE THE HEAT -3.5 (-110). New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Heat -3.5 (-110) earns a $100 profit if Miami beats Indiana by four or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

I “LEAN” OVER 221.5 (-110) slightly because the Over is 7-2 in the last nine meetings and both teams cashed Over bets in their last games. I don’t “like” the Over because each team is above-average in defensive efficiency and bottom-10 in pace of play. Also, their combined Over/Under record against winning teams is 34-20.

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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Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (42-30) meet the Utah Jazz (43-27) Monday at 3 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Mavericks-Jazz NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Mavericks vs. Jazz: Key injuries

Mavericks

  • SG Seth Curry (leg) probable
  • PG Luka Doncic (ankle) out
  • PF Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) out
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out
  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out
  • SG Courtney Lee (calf) out

Jazz

  • SG Donovan Mitchell (leg) questionable
  • G Nigel Williams-Goss (ankle) out
  • G Juwan Morgan (knee) probable

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:55 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Jazz 120, Mavericks 108

Moneyline (ML)

The Mavericks (+200) held off the Milwaukee Bucks to pull out a 136-132 overtime win Saturday in one of the most entertaining games of the bubble.

Doncic went off in the game, putting up 36 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists against the Bucks. It was probably the single-best game any player has had since the NBA restart.

Unfortunately for Dallas, Doncic is listed as “out” on the injury report for Monday. In the 13 games Doncic has missed, Dallas has a 6-7 record straight up and against the spread.

The Jazz (-250) dropped a double-overtime heartbreaker to the Denver Nuggets, 134-132, in their last outing. It was PG Jamal Murray’s bubble debut and he messed around and almost had a triple-double with a 23-point, 12-rebound, 8-assist stat line.

Utah has been struggling thus far in the restart and has a 2-4 record in their five bubble games.

Since Doncic is out, Mavericks (+200) is a no-go and, regardless of injuries, the Jazz (-250) is too expensive to play. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Don’t overthink this one and just BET JAZZ -6.5 (-106). I know it’s tough to back a Utah side that’s struggled as much as it has during the restart, especially laying a touchdown to a quality Dallas opponent.

BetMGM knows Utah is struggling and still priced the Jazz as six-point favorites. They almost pulled out their last games against Dallas and starters C Rudy Gobert, SG Donovan Mitchell and PG Mike Conley all played well.

Dallas has struggled as well, going 2-3 and both of its wins came in overtime. Again, you read above how well Doncic had to play for the Mavericks to win and he will miss the game against Utah. The Jazz have beaten the Mavericks in both meetings this season. Once with Luka, once without.

New to sports betting? A $106 bet on Jazz -6.5 (-106) earns a $100 profit if Utah beats Dallas by eight or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

Despite the absence of Doncic, OVER 221.5 (-115) is the play on the total. The Over is 9-3 in the last 12 Jazz-Mavericks meetings and 4-0 in the last four Utah games. The total was 1-1 in Jazz-Mavericks games earlier this season and surprisingly the one Over was in the game without Doncic.

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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Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (43-26) will take on the Phoenix Suns (31-39) Monday at the HP Field House for a 2:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Thunder-Suns betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.

Thunder vs. Suns: Key injuries

Thunder:

  • C Steven Adams (leg) questionable
  • C Nerlens Noel (ankle) questionable
  • PG Dennis Schroder (personal) out

Suns:

  • C Aaron Baynes (knee) questionable
  • SF Kelly Oubre (knee) doubtful
  • PG Elie Okobo (ankle) questionable

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Thunder 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 9 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Suns 114, Thunder 108

Moneyline (ML)

The SUNS (-223) open this contest as modest favorites over the Thunder. Phoenix has been red hot since the NBA restart, winning all five of their games in Orlando. With the Suns needing to win their next two games to stay alive in the Western Conference playoff hunt, expect them to play with more urgency than the Thunder, who have already clinched a spot. While the odds aren’t great, take the SUNS to win this contest on Monday.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The SUNS (-5.5) open this game as two-basket favorites over the Thunder on Monday afternoon. Not only has Phoenix won all five of their games in the NBA bubble, but they have also covered the spread in each contest, as well. Oklahoma City has fared well against the spread, too, covering in five of their last seven games. Expect this to be a close contest, but for the Suns to ultimately cover the 5.5 point spread over the Thunder.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 224.5 points, which feels about right. During the regular season, these are two offenses that have ranked outside the top-10 in scoring, but Phoenix has scored at least 114 points in every game in the NBA restart. The Thunder’s offense has been up-and-down all season long, but they have had their moments of scoring outbursts in the league’s bubble.

Given the importance of this game for the Suns, expect the effort on the defensive end to be high, allowing 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.

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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Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings odds, picks and best bets

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

The Houston Rockets (43-25) meet the Sacramento Kings (29-40) Sunday at 8 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Rockets-Kings NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Rockets vs. Kings: Key injuries

Rockets

  • PG Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) out
  • SG Eric Gordon (ankle) outSF Bruno Caboclo (ankle) out

Kings

  • PF Richaun Holmes (hip) out
  • SG Kent Bazemore (calf) questionable
  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out

Get some action on this game or any other NBA matchup with a bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 133, Kings 117

Moneyline (ML)

The Rockets (-223) beat up on the Los Angeles Lakers without F LeBron James, 113-97, Thursday to move to 3-1 in their restart games. SG James Harden was brilliant, putting up 39 points, eight boards and 12 assists.

He is averaging 33.8 points (on .529 shooting) with 7.5 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game in the bubble. Harden has scored 34 or more points, including a 50-point game, in five of his last six games against Sacramento.

The Kings (+180) lost outright as 5.5-point favorites to the Brooklyn Nets, 119-106, Friday. Sacramento is 1-4 in five games following the restart, making it the current 13-seed, and teetering on the brink of playoff elimination. 

Houston is 8-2 in its last 10 games against Sacramento and should have no problem beating the Kings straight up. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE because of a personal rule to not pay more than -150 for a favorite in regular-season basketball. 

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This line is sort of a sweet spot for the ROCKETS -5.5 (-110) who have a 9-3 against the spread record when laying 5-7 points to a team. The Kings +5.5 (-110) are 3-6-1 ATS when getting 5-7 points. Plus, Houston is 5-1 ATS in the last six head-to-head meetings. 

Trends say Sacramento is usually a “live dog” in these situations but, for me, where Houston has the edge is based on what it’s forced to do because of injuries. Without Westbrook and Gordon, Harden will be on the ball more. As we discussed earlier, Harden kills the Kings. So much so that I say we BET ROCKETS -5.5 (-110). 

New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Rockets -5.5 (-110) earns a profit of $100 if Houston beats Sacramento by 6 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The 235.5 total is the highest projected Rockets-Kings total in their last five meetings. Bettors taking the Over are counting on a lot of role players’ shots to go down for Houston and another Kings player besides PG De’Aaron Fox to step up for Sacramento.

This might be a surprise for people but Houston has the most Unders in the NBA and has a 29-39 Over/Under record on the season. Rockets games have gone Under their projected totals in three of the last four and Sacramento games have gone Under in two out of three.

I “LEAN” UNDER 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.

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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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers (42-27) face the Portland Trail Blazers (32-39) Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the 76ers-Trail Blazers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

76ers vs. Trail Blazers: Key injuries

76ers

  • PG Ben Simmons (knee) out
  • SG Glenn Robinson III (hip) questionable

Trail Blazers

  • C Hassan Whiteside (hip) out
  • PF Caleb Swanigan (personal) out
  • SF Trevor Ariza (personal) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles) out

Get some action on this game or any other NBA matchup with a bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

76ers 123, Trail Blazers 120

Moneyline (ML)

The 76ers (+125) are without All-Star PG Ben Simmons for the remainder of the season but the next man up thing should play a role in the next few  Philadelphia games.

PG Shake Milton doesn’t need to have a better game than PG Damian Lillard, he just needs to play good defense and hit a couple of threes. “Logo Lillard” could light him up today, but I bet Milton and SG Josh Richardson have heard the media noise about Simmons’ injury and its effect on Philadelphia’s title chances.

Lillard caught a bunch of grief for missing two free throws in the final minute of a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in Portland’s last game, which helped incite a public and social media spat between him and SF Paul George. Sunday, “Dame D.O.L.L.A.” will want his game to speak, so expect an inspired effort from the star guard.

Sixers C Joel Embiid is a trash talker himself and doesn’t want to be put on blast because of someone else’s beef. Everyone in the media, including Shaq and Charles Barkley is going to come down on Embiid if he doesn’t step up with Simmons out.

One more thing, 72% of the Vegas money and 87% of the bets placed (at the time of publishing) are on the Trail Blazers (-150). I am not sure what BetMGM’s handle is on 76ers-Trail Blazers but I’d guess it’s pretty similar and does anyone think 72% of people beat sportsbooks?

We’re rolling with the House and taking a motivated 76ERS (+125) to upset the Trail Blazers. New to sports betting? A $50 bet on the 76ers (+125) returns a $62.50 profit Philadelphia beats Portland.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Portland and Lillard have a flair for the dramatic and this game should come down to the wire. Let’s be smart, buy a half-point and take 76ERS +3 (-121) on an alternate spread. The Trail Blazers are 2-5-1 against the spread this season when laying 3-4.5 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

I’ll lean toward OVER 229.5 (-110) because I don’t handicap totals as well. There’s a lot of firepower in this matchup and 76ers-Trail Blazers should put up some points Sunday.

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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Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics odds, picks and best bets

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

The Orlando Magic (32-38) meet the Boston Celtics (46-23) Sunday at 5 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Magic-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Magic vs. Celtics: Key injuries

Magic

  • SF Jonathan Issac (knee) out
  • PF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) out
  • PG Michael Carter-Williams (foot) out
  • SF Evan Fournier (illness) out

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Magic 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 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Celtics 121, Magic 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Celtics (-400) delivered one of the biggest whoopings of the bubble in their last game when they beat the Toronto Raptors, 122-100. The Celtics still need a lot of help if they are going to run down the Raptors for the 2-seed.

The regular season trend of Orlando beating up on bad teams and losing to good teams has continued in the restart. After winning their first two games against sub-.500 teams, the Magic (+310) have lost three consecutive games, all to above-.500 teams.

Orlando has struggled against Boston this season, losing both games by double-digits.

PG Kemba Walker’s minute-restriction got raised to 32 minutes and now Boston is the healthiest they’ve been all season. Also, Orlando is banged up at forward, which is a position they’ll need to defend Boston’s All-Star-caliber wings.

Walker missed one of the previous Magic-Celtics meetings this season but in the other, he lit up Orlando for 37 points on 12-for-23 shooting from the field and 6-for-12 from three-point land.

There’s no reason for the Celtics to have a snoozer and should beat an inferior Magic squad. As a rule, I don’t bet favorites of -150 or lower, and I don’t think the payout is big enough to back the dog here. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE. 

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Orlando has trouble beating good teams and covering against them. The Magic +9 (-110) are 9-18-2 against the spread vs. winning teams this season and 15-21-2 as underdogs. The CELTICS -9 (-110) take care of business against bad teams as they are 18-13-2 ATS versus sub-.500 teams and 25-20-4 ATS as a favorite.

Also, the Magic’s best player—C Nikola Vučević—has been mostly ineffective against the Celtics in his career. Vučević has scored 20-plus points in only two of 23 career starts versus Boston. Vučević’s team was 7-18 in those games.

BET THE CELTICS -9 (-110). New to sports betting? A $110 on the Celtics -9 (-110) returns a $100 profit if Boston beats Orlando by 10 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total of 220.5 is the lowest of any game on Sunday’s NBA slate. I am going to take the bait and bet OVER 220.5 (-110).

Prior to their last two games, which went Under the total, the Over cashed in 15 straight Magic games. Boston’s last game went Under by only a half-point and they have an Over/Under record of 3-1-1 in the restart. Furthermore, the Celtics have a 26-22-1 O/U record as favorites and the Magic are 19-17-2 O/U.

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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Milwaukee Buck vs. Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Milwaukee Buck vs. Dallas Mavericks betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (55-14) face the Dallas Mavericks (41-30) Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Bucks-Mavericks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Bucks vs. Mavericks: Key injuries

Bucks

  • None

Mavericks

  • PG Jalen Brunson (shoulder) out 
  • SG Seth Curry (leg) probable
  • SG Courtney Lee (calf) out 
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out
  • PF Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) questionable 
  • C Willie Cauley-Stein (personal) out 

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:05 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 122, Mavericks 120

Moneyline (ML)

The Bucks (-209) rallied from a 23-point deficit to beat the Miami Heat 130-116 Thursday, covering a 9.5-point spread and locking up the No. 1 seed in the East. Milwaukee had lost the previous two games and are now 2-2 in the restart.

The Mavericks (+170) have lost three of four games in the bubble including their last game against the Los Angeles Clippers, 126-111. Dallas won its first meeting with Milwaukee this season 120-116, despite All-Star PG Luka Doncic sitting out, and Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo going off for 48 points and 14 rebounds. 

Curry was a key contributor in that win, scoring 26 points off the bench, and it’s looking like he’s available for Saturday’s game. Dallas will need all hands on deck to beat Milwaukee.

Aside from Thursday’s blowout loss to the Clippers, all of the Mavericks’ games have been decided by a possession or two. But winning close games has been an issue for Dallas all season. It is 2-10 in games decided by three or fewer points and Milwaukee has an NBA-high +2.5 fourth-quarter margin.

I think Dallas loses another close game but Milwaukee (-209) is too expensive to take it straight up. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.

Also see:

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

In a game as high-scoring as basketball, it’s tough taking the points with a team you think will lose, but that’s what we got going on here. The shooting and floor spacing Curry will add to the Mavericks offense will help them score vs. the Bucks.

Dallas has a 4-1-1 ATS record when getting 5-7 points. Milwaukee is 4-4 ATS when laying that many points. The Bucks are 1-7-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. TAKE MAVERICKS +5.5 (-110).

New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Mavericks +5.5 (-110) will earn a $100 profit if Dallas wins or loses by 5 or fewer points. 

Over/Under (O/U)

Dallas needs to get buckets if it is going to hang with Milwaukee. Fortunately for the Mavericks, they score the third-most points per game and have the most efficient offense in the NBA.

The Bucks have the most efficient defense despite giving up the most 3-point attempts in the league. The Mavericks have the 10th ranked 3-point shooting team in the NBA so it wouldn’t be wise to let them shoot.

The Over is 25-11 in the last 36 meetings and this game will go OVER 236.5 (-110). 

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. Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Utah Jazz (43-26) meet the Denver Nuggets (45-24) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Jazz-Nuggets betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.

Jazz vs. Nuggets: Key injuries

Jazz

  • SF Royce O’Neal (calf) probable
  • SG Donovan Mitchell (leg) questionable
  • SF Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist) out

Nuggets

  • SG Will Barton (knee) out
  • SG Gary Harris (hip) out
  • SG Jamal Murray (hamstring) questionable

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Nuggets 117, Jazz 105

Moneyline (ML)

The Nuggets (-125) have been a little banged up in this NBA restart and are 2-2 in their four games in the bubble. Denver lost its last game, 125-115, to the Portland Trail Blazers because PG Damian Lillard lit them up for 45 points.

C Nikola Jokic struggled to score, only putting up eight points, but did add 13 assists. SF Michael Porter Jr. continued his impressive play with a 27-point and 13-rebound effort.

The Jazz (+105) lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 119-111, Friday but were without four of five starters. Utah is now 2-3 in their five restart games and it appears just trying to get to the postseason fully healthy.

Both have nagging injury problems to deal with but the Jazz’s are more worrisome since their second-leading scorer in Bogdanovic is out for the season.

Jokic had maybe his best game ever in the last meeting with the Jazz, putting up a triple-double with 30 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Nuggets’ injuries allowed Porter Jr. to flourish. 

TAKE THE NUGGETS (-125). New to sports betting? A $125 bet on the Nuggets (-125) returns a $100 profit if Denver beats the Jazz.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since this is pretty much a coinflip game, we are going to stick with the moneyline and PASS ON THE SPREAD. But, I’ll provide a little more info to back up my moneyline handicap.

The Nuggets have won, and covered, both of their games against the Jazz this season. Denver is 13-8 when playing with a rest advantage and Utah is 8-9 when playing with a rest disadvantage.

The Jazz don’t bounce-back well from losses, as they are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight-up loss. Granted they aren’t playing in the Mile High City but the Jazz are 1-6 ATS when playing the Nuggets away from home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The 220.5 total looks high for a game pitting two slower-paced teams against one another. Utah ranks 20th in Pace and Denver is second-to-last in Pace. The Under is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings, including both 2019-20 Jazz-Nuggets games going Under the total.

Ultimately, I’m PASSING on an Over/Under play because all four of Denver’s restart games have gone Over and the past three Jazz games have gone Over as well.

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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