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

Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Orlando Magic (32-37) play the Philadelphia 76ers (41-27) Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Magic-76ers betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.

Magic vs. 76ers: Key injuries

Magic

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

76ers

  • PG Ben Simmons (knee) out
  • PF Mike Scott (knee) available
  • SF Glenn Robinson III (hip) out

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Magic vs. 76ers: 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

Magic 112, 76ers 106

Moneyline (ML)

Regardless of all the criticism received, the 76ers (-200) are 2-1 in the bubble and have won back-to-back games.

Philadelphia hasn’t covered the spread in any of those games, which is probably the source of some of the concern, but the Sixers are also going to be without All-Star Ben Simmons for the near future.

The MAGIC (+165) have lost consecutive games by double digits and are 1-2 thus far in the restart. Orlando never held a lead in Wednesday’s 109-99 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Orlando has beaten Philadelphia in both regular-season games this year and has won four out of their last five meetings. 

Each team has their fair share of injury issues, and Philadelphia has a reputation of playing better with C Joel Embiid and without Simmons, or vice versa, but this matchup bodes well for Orlando.

In nine head-to-head games, Magic C Nikola Vučević is 5-4 against Embiid, averaging 19.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game compared to Embiid’s 22.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.

Vučević is more efficient from the field, shooting .504 compared to Embiid’s .463 field-goal percentage. Vucevic also shoots .455 from three vs. Embiid’s .439.

I “LIKE” the MAGIC (+165). New to sports betting? A $50 bet on the Magic (+165) earns a profit of $82.50 if Orlando upsets Philadelphia.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since we “like” Orlando on the moneyline, we “LOVE” MAGIC +4.5 (-110) for insurance on our upset special.

Orlando has covered five of the last six games against the 76ers -4.5 (-110). Philadelphia is 2-5 ATS as a 3-4.5-point favorite this season and struggles against bad teams going 5-10-1 ATS versus sub-.500 teams away from Philadelphia. 

While the Orlando bubble isn’t exactly “home” for the Magic, it’s clear who the location favors heading into the game.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 222.5 for Friday’s Magic-76ers game. The Under cashed for the first time in 15 Magic games in their Wednesday loss to the Raptors.

The head-to-head Over/Under record is 1-4 O/U in the last five meetings. Let’s go with that trend and say that the missing players on each team affect the offense.

I am only “leaning” toward UNDER 222.5 (-110) because it could be “bombs away” from three for the backups. Obviously, if either team gets hot, the Over is going to cash.

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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Sacramento Kings vs. Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Sacramento Kings vs. Brooklyn Nets betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Sacramento Kings (29-39) face the Brooklyn Nets (32-36) Friday at 5:00 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Kings-Nets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Kings vs. Nets: Key injuries

Kings

  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out

Nets

  • C Jarrett Allen (ankle) questionable
  • SG Joe Harris (groin) questionable
  • SG Jamal Crawford (hamstring) out

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Kings 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 1:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Kings 130, Nets 122

Moneyline (ML)

The Kings (-223) clobbered the New Orleans Pelicans, 140-125, in their last game out. It was Sacramento’s first win of the restart (out of four games) and hopes of a playoff berth are fleeting. To the Kings’ credit, they’ve played hard in every game and have not mailed in the season.

Brooklyn’s injury report above looks a little light, but that’s because the Kyrie and KD’s were omitted.

The Nets (+180) have pretty much mailed in the season but somehow are 2-2 in the restart. They shocked bettors by upsetting the 18.5-point favorite Milwaukee Bucks, 119-116, on Tuesday. Brooklyn got blistered in their next game, 149-115, by the Boston Celtics. 

I “love” Sacramento in this game but, as a rule, I do not bet -150 or higher favorites in regular-season basketball. Especially on a team as inconsistent as the Kings. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Kings -5 (-110) are 4-12 against the spread in the last 16 meetings, but it’s hard to take a lot from recent trends between these two sides because the Nets +5 (-110) are playing backups and G-League players. For what it’s worth, The Kings are 7-2-1 ATS on the second game of a back-to-back.

The Nets won the first meeting back in November, 116-97. Brooklyn’s Joe Harris and G Spencer Dinwiddie combined for 45 points, and the Kings were without PG De’Aaron Fox (its leader in scoring and assists) and SF Bogdan Bogdanović (their second-leading scorer).

If the Kings can continue their hot shooting from Thursday’s win against the Pelicans, they should roll an injury-riddled Nets team. BET KINGS -5 (-110).

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Kings -5 (-110) yields a $9.09 profit if Sacramento beats Brooklyn by six or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total of 232.5 seems a little low, and that has me nervous. Both teams’ defense has been abysmal in the restart. Brooklyn has allowed 503 points in its last four games (most in the bubble) and Sacramento has allowed 500 points in its last four games (second-most in the bubble).

Also, and this is just a hunch, I feel like there are more fouls being called during these crowdless games. Maybe it’s because refs can hear a lot more contact with no audience? With that being said, the refs assigned to this game have a 77-68 Over/Under record, and Kings’ opponents have gone to the charity stripe more than anyone else in the restart.

BET OVER 232.5 (-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 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 vs. Memphis Grizzlies odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (42-25) meet the Memphis Grizzlies (32-37) Friday at 4 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Thunder-Grizzlies betting odds and lines, with NBA picks and best bets.

Thunder vs. Grizzlies: Key injuries

Thunder

  • SG Terrance Ferguson (leg) out
  • SG Dennis Schroder (personal) out
  • PF Mike Muscala (concussion) out

Grizzlies

  • PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
  • PG Tyus Jones (knee) out
  • SF Justise Winslow (hip) out

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Thunder vs. Grizzlies: 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

Thunder 112, Grizzlies 99

Moneyline (ML)

The Thunder (-189) hammered the Los Angeles Lakers, 105-86, in their last game. Their defense forced the Lakers into an off night where they shot 35% from the field and 14% from three. Oklahoma City has won two of three games in the restart and is seeded sixth in the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies (+155) are in freefall during the restart losing all four of their games. Miraculously, Memphis is still a half-game in front of the Portland Trail Blazers for the 8-seed in the West.

The season series is tied 1-1, but the game the Thunder lost they were without their second-leading scorer, SF Danilo Gallinari. Gallinari has scored 20-plus points in the last three games he has played against Memphis.

Despite the absence of Schroder, a Sixth Man of the Year Award favorite, the Thunder are the healthier side, plus PG Chris Paul and company are playing their best hoops as we draw closer to the postseason.

We are going PASS THE MONEYLINE in favor of the Oklahoma City spread and because the payout for betting Memphis to pull an upset is too small.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This game opened with Oklahoma City favored by 3.5 points but has been steamed up to THUNDER -4.5 (-110). Obviously, we want to get our action in ASAP to get the best possible price but I’d pay for the Thunder at -6.5 if need be.

The recent trends suggest Memphis is the play—the Grizzlies are 4-0 against the spread in the last four meetings but the Thunder are the best ATS team in 2020. Oklahoma City is 42-25 ATS on the year. 

The Thunder bludgeon bad teams—they are 24-14 ATS against sub-.500 teams—while the Grizzlies struggle against winning teams and have a 10-15-1 ATS record vs. teams above-.500.

BET THUNDER -4.5 (-110). New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Thunder -4.5 (-110) earns a $100 profit if Oklahoma City wins by six or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

It should be pretty easy for the eighth-most efficient defense of the Thunder to stop the 20th-ranked Grizzlies offense, especially when that offense is missing the second-leading scorer and leading three-point shooter in Jackson.

I only lean UNDER 222.5 (-110) because the Thunder are 18-12 O/U when they are favorites and they have the second-best free-throw attempt rate in the NBA. They can get to the line all day against a Grizzlies team that sends opponents to the line at the sixth-highest rate in the league.

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. Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (31-38) meet the Denver Nuggets (45-23) Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Nuggets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets: Key injuries

Trail Blazers

  • SF Trevor Ariza (personal) out
  • PF Caleb Swanigan (personal) out

Nuggets

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

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Trail Blazers 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 2:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Trail Blazers 122, Nugget 114

Moneyline (ML)

The Nuggets (+145) are dinged up but playing tough. Denver is 2-1 in the NBA restart, winning back-to-back games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

Their second-year wunderkind, SF Michael Porter Jr., has been fabulous for them—averaging 26 points and 9.3 rebounds in the Nuggets’ three games since the restart.

The Blazers (-176) are such heavy favorites entering Thursday’s game because they’re the much healthier side. C Jusuf Nurkic is back from injury and looking good in the restart—averaging 22 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

Don’t forget he was dumped by the Nuggets in 2017 for C Nikola Jokic, so the revenge game has me loving the Blazers and shopping Nurkic player props.

Denver is 3-0 against Portland this season but hasn’t been as banged up, and the Trail Blazers haven’t been this healthy all season. Portland is motivated to make the playoffs so they are the better pick, but I do not bet over -150 favorites in regular-season NBA games. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE. 

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Trail Blazers -4 (-110) don’t have a big number to cover and have the offensive prowess to cover it. They’ve only scored 100 on the Nuggets (+4, -110) once this season in three games but see the part about each teams’ injury report above.

Don’t worry that the Trail Blazers are 4-12-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings. Denver has pulled out gritty wins in the restart but is allowing 126 points per game over the past three games.

This sounds square but the Trail Blazers will outscore the Nuggets by more than four points. I LOVE TRAIL BLAZERS -4 (-110). New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Blazers earns a $100 profit if Portland beats Denver by five or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

Since the handicaps above favor Portland, and so does BetMGM, we’ll say this game plays OVER 231.5 (-110). Finally a friendly trend, the Over is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.

I’m only leaning toward the Over because I don’t love playing totals but the Trail Blazers-Nuggets Over trend will continue Thursday.

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 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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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Clippers (45-22) face the Dallas Mavericks (41-29) Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Clippers-Mavericks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Clippers vs. Mavericks: Key injuries

Clippers

  • PG Pat Beverley (calf) out
  • PF Montrezl Harrell (personal) out

Mavericks

  • SG Seth Curry (leg) doubtful
  • C Willie Cauley-Stein (personal) out
  • SG Courtney Lee (calf) out
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

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Clippers 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 2:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Clippers 112, Mavericks 104

Moneyline (ML)

The Clippers (-189) dropped their last game to the Phoenix Suns, 117-115, thanks to a game-winning shot by SG Devin Booker. The loss puts Los Angeles at 1-2 since the restart. They lost opening night to the Los Angeles Lakers and crushed the New Orleans Pelicans by 23 points.

Not playing at peak form might incentivize the Clippers’ stars to take this game a little more seriously than recent performances from other NBA Finals contenders. Also, the Denver Nuggets still have a shot at running down Los Angeles for the 2-seed.

The Mavericks (+155) struggled in their last game against the Sacramento Kings but ended up pulling out an overtime win, 114-110. G Luka Doncic had one of the better games of the entire NBA restart, filling the box score with 34 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists.

Let me caveat this by saying, IF we get a fully locked in Clippers team then this is a great matchup for them. 

Los Angeles is 2-0, straight up and against the spread, so far this season against Dallas; however, there’s no way I’m paying that much for a Clippers moneyline regardless of how much I like the matchup. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.  

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Looking ahead, these teams would be pitted against each other in a 2-versus 7-seed series in the playoffs. The Clippers -4.5 (-110) are 4-1 ATS in the last five games against Dallas. Los Angeles has the fourth-best against the spread winning percentage in the NBA (37-30 ATS). 

Even with Beverely out, the Clippers have so many bodies they can throw at Doncic to make his day difficult. He could end up getting two quarters against SF Marcus Morris and then a second-half against SF Kawhi Leonard and SG Paul George. Despite Luka’s brilliance, I cannot think of a bigger nightmare for a second-year player.

BET THE CLIPPERS -4.5 (-110). New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Clippers -4.5 (-110) yields a profit of $100 if the Clippers win by five or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both Clippers-Mavericks games earlier this season went Under the projected total because Los Angeles played their tempo in its wins. They have elite defensive wings who make life uncomfortable for Luka.

Yes, the Mavericks are the most efficient offense in the NBA, but the Clippers are ranked fourth in defensive efficiency and their 2019-20 shows Los Angeles’ defense smothers Dallas’ offense.

It’s rare that I play a total but I LIKE UNDER 230.5 (-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 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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Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Miami Heat (43-23) meet the Milwaukee Bucks (54-14) Thursday at 4:00 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Heat-Bucks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Heat vs. Bucks: Key injuries

Heat

  • SG Jimmy Butler (foot) out
  • PG Goran Dragic (ankle) questionable
  • PF Meyers Leonard (ankle) questionable

Bucks

  • SG Wesley Matthews (calf) questionable

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:00 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Heat 125, Bucks 115

Moneyline (ML)

The Heat (+285) enters Thursday’s game upsetting the Boston Celtics, 112-106, without All-Star Jimmy Butler. They have looked like a team with something to prove in the NBA restart.

Miami’s first three games were against playoff teams—the Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, and Celtics. The Heat won two of those games and played down to the wire with the Raptors and was unlucky in not covering the 2.5-point closing line spread.

The Bucks (-371) put up an absolute stinker in their last game against the Brooklyn Nets by losing 119-116, despite being an 18.5-point favorite.

F Giannis Antetokounmpo and SG Khris Middleton didn’t play in the second half, and the Bucks appear merely to be looking forward to the playoffs.

The Heat has beaten Milwaukee in both meetings earlier this season, and one of them was without Butler. Miami is 7-3 straight-up in its last 10 games against the Bucks. Giannis and Middleton can play in this game, give full effort, and still lose. I am not sure how much of them we’ll see.

Handicapping these games feels similar to handicapping Week 17 games in the NFL. To put it simply, we are BETTING THE HEAT (+285) because they seem to care more.

New to sports betting? A $100 bet on the Heat (+285) yields a profit of $285 if Miami beats the Bucks outright.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

If Giannis and Middleton don’t play big minutes for the Bucks -8.5 (-110) then the Heat +8.5 (-110) will roll. Even if Butler and Dragic don’t play, people will find out how deep and well-coached Miami is.

The main factor in my handicap is motivation but, regardless the Heat is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 games against the Bucks. I LOVE THE HEAT +8.5 (-110). 

New to sports betting? A $110 bet on the Heat +8.5 (-110) earns a $100 profit if Miami wins or loses by eight or fewer points.

Over/Under (O/U)

BetMGM’s total was not available at publishing time, but I’d BET THE OVER regardless. These guys are going to chuck the rock in this game.

Don’t be scared off by the recent Over/Under trends (2-8 O/U record in the last 10 meetings). Miami has the second-highest percentage of Overs in the NBA (60.6%, per TeamRankings.com), and the Bucks are the league’s leading scorers (118.6 ppg).

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 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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Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (31-35) meet the Boston Celtics (44-23) Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. ET in the NBA’s Orlando bubble. We analyze the Nets-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Nets vs. Celtics: Key injuries

Nets

  • SG Joe Harris (back) probable
  • SG Jamal Crawford (hamstring) out
  • SF Caris LeVert (thigh)
  • C DeAndre Jordan (illness) out
  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out

Celtics

  • PG Kemba Walker (rest) out

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Nets 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 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Celtics 116, Nets 102

Moneyline (ML)

The Nets (+310) pulled off one of the biggest NBA regular-season shockers ever in their last game Tuesday when they beat the Milwaukee Bucks 119-116. Brooklyn was sitting every preseason starter, and even some of their backups, and was an 18.5-point dog at tip-off.

The Celtics (-400) come into Wednesday’s game following a disappointing loss themselves to the Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat. Boston came into the restart with hopes of running down the Toronto Raptors for the 2-seed in the East, but at the moment, they need to win out and Toronto to start taking L’s.

Brooklyn has won and covered two out of three games against Boston this season, but that came with a completely different Nets side. If the Nets hadn’t pulled off that miraculous upset win over the Bucks and the Celtics weren’t coming off a tough loss, maybe we could expect Brooklyn to catch Boston snoozing.

However, the Nets’ win over the Bucks hurt the payout of their moneyline, and no way I am betting $400 to make $100 on a Celtics outright win when their motivation is a question mark.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

How do you handicap a team that’s mostly playing G-League players and backups? The Celtics -8.5 (-110) rank as the far superior team, and the only reason they may not win and cover this game is simply because they’re basically done with the regular season.

The best trends I can find to support a Boston bet are (1) its against the spread record when favored 7.5-9.5 points, and (2) Brooklyn’s ATS record when getting that many points. In those situations, the Celtics are 7-3 ATS, while the Nets are 1-6.

Here’s why this could still be used despite the missing Nets players: BetMGM/bookmakers don’t have any emotion when setting a price. They are trying to get the most action and win the most money. Regardless of what we think of Brooklyn’s backups, BetMGM projects this game to have an 8-to-9-point margin.

BET CELTICS -8.5 (-110).

New to sports betting a $10 bet on the Celtics -8.5 (-110) would yield a profit of $9.09.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Celtics-Nets total is set at 225.5. Through three games in the restart, Boston’s Over/Under record is 2-0-1, and Brooklyn has a 2-1 O/U record.

I lean Under 225.5 (-110) because the Nets backups put up 119 points in Tuesday’s game and are due for some regression. Also, Boston is the fifth-most defensively efficient team in the NBA. It’s only a lRyaean, however, because I’m shook after Brooklyn sunk 21 threes in its win over the Bucks — the most efficient defense in the NBA.

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 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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Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Memphis Grizzlies (32-36) face the Utah Jazz (42-25) Wednesday, at 2:30 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. We analyze the Grizzlies-Jazz NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Grizzlies vs. Jazz: Key injuries

Grizzlies

  • SF Justise Winslow (hip) out
  • PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
  • PG Tyus Jones (knee) out

Jazz

  • SF Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist) out
  • PG Nigel Williams-Goss (ankle) 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!

Grizzlies 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 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Jazz 105, Grizzlies 102

Moneyline (ML)

For as bad as the Grizzlies (+180) have looked they are still in control of their own destiny when it relates to the Western Conference playoffs.

Memphis has lost all three of its games since the restart and all to teams with a worse record, chasing them for the 8-seed in the West. The remaining opponents for the Grizzlies have all clinched a playoff berth. 

The Jazz (-223) handled business opening night of the restart, beating the New Orleans Pelicans, but have lost back-to-back games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers.

It’s unclear what exactly Utah is playing for other than getting the team back into a rhythm since they’ve also clinched a playoff berth and there is no home-court advantage to be earned. 

Utah is 2-1 in the season series and covered the spread in both wins. The loss of Jackson (Memphis’ second-leading scorer and leading three-point shooter) is catastrophic for the Grizzlies.

His absence and the Grizzlies ripping defeat out of the jaws of victory in their first three games of the restart makes the Memphis moneyline a no-go.

As far as the Jazz’s moneyline, from here on out I will remind people of the Brooklyn Nets beating the Milwaukee Bucks on Aug. 5 outright as an 18.5-point dog as the quintessential reason why you DO NOT PLAY HEAVY FAVORITES IN REGULAR SEASON NBA GAMES.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Even though I keep picking Memphis and they keep losing, the GRIZZLIES +5.5 (-110) is the play.

The Grizzlies are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Utah, which obviously provided a bigger home-court advantage than some decals and injected digital crowd noise in the bubble will give them. The Jazz are 2-13-2 ATS in their last 17 games as a favorite.

Furthermore, the Jazz are still tinkering with their offensive scheme since the loss of Bogdanovic (their second-leading scorer and leading three-point shooter). Without Bogdanovic, the Jazz will be easier to guard, thus making Memphis plus the points more valuable.

Over/Under (O/U)

Like I’ve already stated, both teams are without their second-leading scorers and leading three-point shooters. There should be less floor spacing and that’ll help both defenses. Utah has a very good defense whereas Memphis is more below-average. Given the must-win spot, plus a spotty current Jazz offense, I LIKE OVER 223.5 (-110).

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Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Boston Celtics (44-22) face the Miami Heat (42-25) Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. We analyze the Celtics-Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Celtics vs. Heat: Key injuries

Heat

  • PF Meyers Leonard (ankle) questionable

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Celtics 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Celtics 114, Heat 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Celtics (-167) have split the first two games of their restart, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks, 119-112, then beating the Portland Trail Blazers, 128-124. Boston was fortunate to escape with a win in their game against Portland after blowing a 24-point lead.

The Heat (+135) are looking to bounce back after a 107-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors Monday. Miami looked impressive in its first game of the restart, trampling the Denver Nuggets, 125-105.

Boston has won and covered its three last games versus Miami. The Celtics weren’t fully healthy in either game against the Heat this season. They were without F Gordon Hayward in their 112-93 win on Dec. 9 and without F Jayson Tatum in their 109-101 victory on Jan. 28.

I like Celtics in this spot but I am PASSING ON THE MONEYLINE because of poor value. Obviously, there’s a world where the Heat win, but I cannot talk myself into Miami winning this game 43% of the time (their calculated win probability based on the moneyline).

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Both teams are having a great season and performing above expectations against the betting market, but Boston is just slightly better in a lot of key trends. 

The CELTICS -3.5 (-110) have a 38-24-4 against the spread record on the season (second-best in the NBA). The Heat are 34-31-2 ATS. Boston has a stronger ATS record (20-10-1) against winning teams than Miami (13-12-1). 

The Heat +3.5 (-110) are 9-12-1 ATS as an underdog this season. They are also 3-6-2 ATS in the second game of a back-to-back. Miami is a much stronger home ATS team (20-11-1) then they are away from home (13-19-1). 

In this case, the neutral location is a much bigger problem for the Heat than it is for the Celtics. I LOVE THE CELTICS -3.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

My handicap is so close to the projected total that I don’t see an edge in betting it either way. It opened at 223.5 but now sits at 219.5 because the market is betting it down. Since the market is confident in the Under, that’s where I lean. Also, the Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings. 

The reason why I am PASSING ON THE TOTAL is that both offenses are elite and if one gets hot early this could easily turn into a shootout. Miami is No. 1 in the NBA in three-point percentage and free-throw attempt rate. Boston is actually rated higher in offensive efficiency.

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 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. Indiana Pacers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Orlando Magic (32-35) meet the Indiana Pacers (41-26) Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET in the Orlando bubble. We analyze the Magic-Pacers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Magic vs. Pacers: Key injuries

Magic

  • F Jonathan Issac (knee) out
  • F Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out

Pacers

  • SG Victor Oladipo (knee) probable
  • PF Domantas Sabonis (foot) out
  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out
  • C Goga Bitadze (knee) out

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Magic vs. Pacers: 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

Magic 115, Pacers 110

Moneyline (ML)

The MAGIC (-120) come into Tuesday’s game winners of two straight, both double-digit wins, including a 128-118 win over the Brooklyn Nets and a 132-116 blowout victory of the Sacramento Kings.

Orlando is in the midst of a five-game winning streak that started before the COVID-19 shutdown. Over the past five games, the Magic lead the NBA in points per game, field-goal percentage and margin of victory.

The Pacers (+100) also have won their first two restart games. Their wins came against the Philadelphia 76ers, 127-121, and the Washington Wizards, 111-100.

Indiana has been powered by F T.J. Warren,who has been one of the stories of the NBA bubble. Warren put up a career-high 53 points against the 76ers and 34 points on the Wizards. 

Sabonis not being in the lineup could be too much for Indiana to overcome. He is an elite defender who’s first on the team in rebounds per game and second in points per game. In the first two Magic-Pacers games this season, Sabonis averaged 23 PPG, 12.5 RPG and 5.5 assists per game. 

The Pacers are 2-0 against the Magic this season, but both wins happened in November. This version of Orlando is playing its best basketball of the season and is the much healthier side. 

BET MAGIC (-120) on the moneyline.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

We are going to PASS ON THE SPREAD and stick with the moneyline wager. Since the spread is only 1.5 points, we can use some against the spread trends to back up our moneyline handicap.

Orlando has covered 11 of its last 12 overall games and is 4-1 ATS in its last five games against the Pacers. In games where the Magic were listed as either 1-2.5-point favorites or 1-2.5-point underdogs, Orlando is 11-4 ATS. 

Over/Under (O/U)

The Magic have cashed Over tickets in 14 straight games. The Pacers have a 4-1 Over/Under record in their last five games. Four consecutive Magic-Pacers games, and seven of 10, have gone Over the projected total. These teams have a combined 71-59-4 Over/Under record.

All the trends have me BETTING OVER 225.5 (-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 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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