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Charlotte Hornets at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Charlotte Hornets at Brooklyn Nets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

In an action-packed Sunday, the Charlotte Hornets (2-0) visit the Brooklyn Nets (1-1). The game will tip at 4 p.m. ET and will be held at the Barclays Center. Below, we look at the Hornets at Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Nets, after visiting the Bucks and the Sixers, will finally be at home. After being down most of their last outing, SF Kevin Durant came back and covered the spread. The Nets are 1-1 against the spread.

PF LaMarcus Aldridge put up 23 with Durant leading their win over the Sixers. They’ll be heavy favorites at home against a LaMelo Ball-led Hornets.

The Hornets took down the Pacers and then the Cavaliers. They may be without PG Terry Rozier while the Nets will still not have PG Kyrie Irving as he’s out indefinitely.

Hornets at Nets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Nets -475 (bet $475 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +9.5 (-115) | Nets -9.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Hornets at Nets key injuries

Hornets

PG Terry Rozier (right ankle) questionable

Nets

PG Kyrie Irving (personal) out

Hornets at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 116, Hornets 112

Money line

PASS on the money line.

The Nets are good, and they should come out on top, but I’m staying away from any regular-season NBA team that’s -475 on a money line. The value just isn’t there.

Against the spread

BET to the HORNETS +9.5 (-115) as they’ve been solid so far this season. It gets a little juice as well, likely with the Terry Rozier questionable tag looming large over the Hornets offense.

Even without Rozier, Ball is still among the rising stars in the league. SF Miles Bridges has also been productive. With Kelly Oubre Jr. and PJ Washington helping give capable depth, the Hornets have an underrated roster, one that should be able to hang with Brooklyn’s veterans.

Having taken down a solid Pacers team and with a double-figure win over the Cavs, I’m not backing the Hornets to win, but I would back them not to lose by ten.

The Nets are good, but they struggled for most of their game with Philly and were blown out by the Bucks. They’re not quite as in sync as Brooklyn fans would’ve hoped for.

They should come out on top but not by double figures.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 233.5 (-110) as the better bet. Both teams like to score, but with Kevin Durant on one side of the court, Bridges likely won’t get 30 against the Nets.

233 is just too many points to back, especially with the Hornets having some young and inconsistent personnel on their bench. We’ve also seen streakiness from James Harden and Joe Harris.

While points should be scored, the Nets have yet to top 115. Their defense also held the Sixers to under 110. I’m expecting at least some defense to be played which should allow the Under to hit.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Golden State Warriors (2-0) head over to the state’s capital to play the Sacramento Kings (1-1) for a 9 p.m. ET at Golden 1 Center. Below, we look at the Warriors vs. Kings odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Golden State has beaten both L.A. basketball teams to open its season. First, the Warriors upset the Los Angeles Lakers 121-114 as 3.5-point home underdogs Tuesday then held off the Los Angeles Clippers at home Thursday 115-113 but failed to cover as 4-point favorites.

Sactown lost at home vs. the Utah Jazz 110-101 as a 6-point underdog Friday after beating the Portland Trail Blazers 124-121 as 6.5-point road underdogs Wednesday.

The Warriors won last season’s series vs. the Kings 2-1 but only covered once and, in fact, Sactown is 9-1 against the spread vs. Golden State in the last 10 meetings.

Warriors at Kings odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:18 a.m. ET.

Money line: Warriors -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Kings +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread (ATS): Warriors -3.5 (-108) | Kings +3.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Warriors at Kings key injuries

Warriors

SF Andre Iguodala (hip) questionable
SG Klay Thompson (Achilles) out
C James Wiseman (knee) out
SF Jonathan Kuminga (knee) out

Kings

None

Warriors at Kings odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kings 121, Warriors 116

Money line

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Kings (+125) because I think Sactown covers the spread, but the money line payout isn’t fat enough.

Another reason why I cannot get behind the Kings winning this game outright is how well Steph Curry plays against Sactown and De’Aaron Fox.

In their five all-time head-to-head meetings, Curry is 5-0 while averaging 33.2 points per game (PPG), 6.0 rebounds per game (RPG) and 5.8 assists per game (APG). Fox is averaging just 17.0 PPG on 39.2% shooting.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the KINGS +3.5 (-112) for a half unit because Sactown usually keeps it close with its Northern California neighbors.

Also, Kings head coach Luke Walton previously worked on Warriors head coach Steve Kerr’s staff, which probably factors into Sactown covering two of three meetings with Golden State last season.

More importantly, this is a “Pros vs. Joe’s” game in the betting market. According to Pregame.com, more than three-fourths of the cash wagered is on the Kings, but nearly 85% of the bets placed are on the Warriors.

Typically, in sports betting, it’s wise to follow the money especially when it’s flowing in the opposite direction as the public.

However, this is more of a “LEAN” on the KINGS +3.5 (-112) because the Warriors have looked like an elite thus far.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 234.5 (-108) because it’s been hit by “sharp line movement” that has caused oddsmakers to move to the Warriors-Kings total up from the 231-point opener.

Furthermore, the Kings have played the third-highest rate of Overs at home since the start of 2019 at 38-29-1 O/U.

It’s only a “lean” because the Warriors have played the highest rate of Under on the road since 2019 at 28-41 O/U and we are getting the worst of the number.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Memphis Grizzlies (2-0) play their second straight game at the Staples Center Sunday when they meet the Los Angeles Lakers (0-2) for a 9:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Grizzlies vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Memphis upended the Los Angeles Clippers 120-114 Saturday in its first game at Staples Center. Every Grizzly in the Memphis’s starting 5 scored at least 17 points and Ja Morant had team-highs in points (28) and assists (8).

The Lakers got drubbed in their first two games and both were more lopsided affairs than the final score indicates. L.A. got rolled by the Phoenix Suns 115-105 as a 2-point home favorite Friday and was beaten 121-114 by the Golden State Warriors in its season-opener Tuesday.

L.A. won all three and covered two regular-season meetings with Memphis last season. The Grizzlies are 1-6 overall and 3-4 against the spread (ATS) versus the Lakers since drafting Morant in 2019.

Grizzlies at Lakers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Grizzlies +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Lakers -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies +4.5 (-102) | Lakers -4.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Grizzlies at Lakers key injuries

Grizzlies

SG Dillon Brooks (hand) doubtful

Lakers

SF Trevor Ariza (ankle) out
SG Wayne Ellington (hamstring) out
SF Talen Horton-Tucker (thumb) out
SG Kendrick Nunn (knee) out

Grizzlies at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Grizzlies 116, Lakers 106

Money line

Slight “LEAN” to the GRIZZLIES (+165) for a tiny wager only because I love Memphis getting points in this spot.

At best, the Lakers need time to incorporate their new pieces with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. At worst, this was a poorly built team that’s going to struggle to make the playoff play-in tournament.

I lean towards the latter because the Lakers failed to surround LeBron with 3-point specialists this offseason and this roster has a very low defensive ceiling as currently built. L.A. needs AD to become the best defensive player in the Association.

Maybe this is an overreaction but I don’t like what I’m seeing in “LaLa Land” especially after watching the Suns-Lakers game Friday.

AD and first-year Lakers big Dwight Howard got into a minor altercation on the bench Friday, Lakers’ returnee Rajon Rondo had a back-and-forth with a fan courtside and LeBron was chirping with Suns backup PG Cameron Payne.

This is all narrative and LeBron feeds off naysayers in the media. However, I’m buying stock in Memphis and there’s a solid chance a GRIZZLIES (+165) ticket cashes Sunday night.

Against the spread

Definitely BET GRIZZLIES +4.5 (-102) heavier than or instead of Memphis’s money line.

There’s no one on the Lakers that can stay in front of Morant. He’s going to get into the mid-range or to the basket and collapse L.A.’s defense all game long.

We also have “reverse line movement” (RLM) in the betting market, according to Pregame.com. More than 75% of the money wagered is on the Lakers at the time of publishing, but L.A. has been reduced from a 6.5-point favorite to the current price.

It makes sense that one of the most popular teams in American sports with LeBron would be heavily bet. What doesn’t make sense is why the sportsbooks are making the more popular side cheaper. Well, it kind of makes sense. The RLM tells me the House wants more pro-Lakers bets.

GRIZZLIES +4.5 (-102) is my favorite play in this game.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Under 224.5 (-108) because this Lakers offense is really disorganized thus far. LeBron and AD have looked awesome through two games but the Lakers essentially waved the white flag mid-way through the fourth quarter of both losses.

However, there’s been sharp line movement towards the Over and the total is up from the 221-point opener. I’d rather just hammer the Memphis sides than play the total in this contest.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Memphis Grizzlies (1-0) stop by the Staples Center Saturday for a 10 p.m. ET tip-off against the Los Angeles Clippers (0-1). Below, we look at the Grizzlies vs. Clippers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Memphis opened its season Thursday with a 132-121 blowout of the Cleveland Cavaliers as a 7-point road favorite. Grizzlies guard Ja Morant scored 37 points on 58.6% field goal shooting with 6 boards and 6 assists.

L.A. lost a 115-113 nail-biter at the Golden State Warriors Thursday but covered as a 4-point road underdog. Clippers wing Paul George put up team-highs in points (29) and rebounds (11) and added 6 assists.

All three Grizzlies-Clippers meetings last season ended in double-digit margins with L.A. winning the season series 2-1 and the Under cashing in each game.

Grizzlies at Clippers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Grizzlies +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Clippers -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies +4.5 (-115) | Clippers -4.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Grizzlies at Clippers key injuries

Grizzlies

SG Dillon Brooks (hand) out

Clippers

C Serge Ibaka (back) out
SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) out

Grizzlies at Clippers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Grizzlies 120, Clippers 113

Money line

“SPRINKLE” a tiny wager on the GRIZZLIES (+145) because I “like” Memphis plus the points and see a little value in the underdog’s money line.

The Grizzlies have the personnel to match up against any lineup Clippers head coach Ty Lue can throw out there. Memphis has much better ball security and should dominate L.A. on the glass.

The Grizzlies were sixth in offensive turnover rate and seventh in defensive turnover rate last season while the Clippers ranked 14th in offensive turnover rate and 19th in defensive turnover rate.

Memphis picked up big Steven Adams during the offseason whose interior presence and toughness has improved his team’s rebounding each year of his career.

The Grizzlies have done a good job defending PG since he joined the Clippers. Two years ago, PG averaged 14.5 points per game (PPG) on 53.9% true shooting (.423/.313/1.000) and a minus-10 net rating in two games against Memphis. Last season, PG averaged 13 PPG on 50.7% true shooting (.391/.222/1.000) with a minus-3 net rating in two games against the Grizzlies.

Against the spread

Definitely BET the GRIZZLIES +4.5 (-115) heavier than or instead of Memphis’s money line based on the previous analysis. Furthermore, the Grizzlies have covered 54.9% of their road games since the start of 2019 (39-32-1 ATS) and 52.1% of their games as an underdog (49-45-1 ATS).

There’s a notable “line freeze” in the betting market. More than 80% of the cash is on the Clippers according to pregame.com at the time of writing, but the line hasn’t budged from the opener,

Every other game on the NBA slate has line movement. It’s suspicious whenever the House doesn’t move the line in response to such a lopsided betting market. It feels as though oddsmakers are comfortable with taking more pro-Clippers money.

GRIZZLIES +4.5 (-115) is my favorite bet in this game.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Over 226.5 (-110). What’s holding me back is we are also seeing a “line freeze” for the total of the Grizzlies-Clippers.

However, I think L.A. plays a lot of small ball to run Adams off the court and Memphis will keep pace with the Clippers. A faster pace equals more possession, which should mean more points.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (1-1) play the second of back-to-back road games when they face the Portland Trail Blazers (0-1) Saturday. Tip-off is 10 p.m. ET at Moda Center. Below, we look at the Suns vs. Trail Blazers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Suns lost their season opener at home 110-98 to the Denver Nuggets but bounced back with a 115-105 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on the road. PG Chris Paul made history in the win as he became the first player to ever reach 20,000 points and 10,000 assists in a career. Three Suns players had more than 20 points in the victory.

The Trail Blazers lost their season opener at home 124-121 to the Sacramento Kings. PG Damian Lillard scored 20 points but went 0-for-9 on three-point shots.

Suns at Trail Blazers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Suns +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Trail Blazers -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Suns +2.5 (-110) | Trail Blazers -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Suns at Trail Blazers key injuries

Suns

G Landry Shamet (foot) probable

Trail Blazers

SG Tony Snell (foot) out

Suns at Trail Blazers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Suns 120, Trail Blazers 118

Money line

The Suns found their rhythm Friday against the Lakers leading by as much as 32 points. They had three players score at least 20 points and held the Lakers to under 40% shooting.

The Blazers lost all three games to the Suns last season. Lillard will hit more threes than in the season opener but this promises to be a down-to-the-wire game.

However, I LEAN SUNS (+115).

Against the spread

The Suns were 12-5 overall and 10-7 ATS on the second night of a back-to-back last year while going 9-5 ATS with a rest disadvantage – the scenario they’re in tonight.

They are now 1-0 ATS as underdogs this year and went 12-9 ATS as an underdog last season.

Portland was only 16-23 ATS last season at home.

Take the SUNS +2.5 (-110).

Over/Under

All three games between the Suns and the Trail Blazers last season had totals of at least 232 points. The Suns’ two games this year have stayed Under the projected totals but Suns-Blazers games almost always have the promise of high-scoring, competitive games.

Take OVER 231.5 (-110).

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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New Orleans Pelicans at Minnesota Timberwolves odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Minnesota Timberwolves odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New Orleans Pelicans (0-2) continue to seek their first win of the season as they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) Saturday for the first of back-to-back games in Minneapolis. They tip off at 8 p.m. ET at Target Center. Below, we look at the Pelicans vs. Timberwolves odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Pelicans have kicked off the season poorly. They are still waiting for PF Zion Williamson to recover from foot surgery. Through two games, they are 25th in scoring and 26th in scoring defense. They have a net rating of -18.0, which is ahead of only three teams in the league. They are on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Timberwolves are rested. They played Wednesday and defeated the Houston Rockets 124-106. It was a three-man show in the win as C Karl-Anthony Towns had 30 points and 10 boards, F Anthony Edwards scored 29 points and PG D’Angelo Russell added 22 points and seven assists in the season-opening win. No one else scored in double figures.

Pelicans at Timberwolves odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:08 a.m. ET.

Money line: Pelicans +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Timberwolves -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +6.5 (-102) | Timberwolves -6.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Pelicans at Timberwolves key injuries

Pelicans

SG Josh Hart (quad) out

Timberwolves

None

Pelicans at Timberwolves odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Timberwolves 121, Pelicans 111

Money line

The Pelicans have a more balanced group, but they are not the same without Williamson. The Wolves have a great trio of Towns, Russell and Edwards, and scoring points on any given night should not be a problem.

However, PASS on the money line as you won’t make much money on the Timberwolves (-320).

Against the spread

The Pelicans failed to cover the spread in their first two games, while the Wolves covered in their season opener.

With a healthy Timberwolves squad against the Pelicans, who are missing their star, I like TIMBERWOLVES -6.5 (-122).

Over/Under

The Pelicans’ season opener stayed Under the projected total, but their next game went Over.

The Wolves’ season opener finished 2 points Under the projected total.

The Pelicans had the second-highest Over percentage in the league last season at 57.8 percent.

Take OVER 228.5 (-108).

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Detroit Pistons (0-1) take the short trip south to visit the Chicago Bulls (2-0) at the United Center Saturday. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Pistons vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The revamped Chicago Bulls have been terrific so far this season, crushing the New Orleans Pelicans Friday and downing the Pistons to kick off the season Wednesday.

The additions of PG Lonzo Ball and SG Alex Caruso have helped create a true contender. SG Zach LaVine, C Nikola Vucevic, and SG DeMar DeRozan bring the star power.

The Pistons led at times in their season opener against Chicago and get another crack at the Bulls. Detroit drafted G Cade Cunningham first overall but he’s yet to see the floor as he deals with an ankle injury.

Detroit is led by SF Jerami Grant who put up 24 points in the two teams’ first matchup.

Pistons at Bulls odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Pistons +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | Bulls -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pistons +8.5 (-110) | Bulls -8.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Pistons at Bulls key injuries

Pistons

SG Cade Cunningham (Competition Reconditioning) out

Bulls

No injuries affecting gambling odds.

Pistons at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 108, Pistons 102

Money line

PASS on the money line.

I would prefer to “lean” the Pistons after playing a solid game against the Bulls to open the season. However, I’m not confident enough that they can string together competent offensive possessions. Grant should lead again after bringing the only real threat in the opener, but it’s unlikely to be enough.

At -450 everyone should stay away from the Bulls money line.

Against the spread

BET on the PISTONS +8.5 (-110) as the best value in this game.

The Pistons covered for just about the entire game at home in their opener and lost the spread for those backing Detroit in the last minute of action. It was a painful beat as the Pistons ended as 5.5 underdogs and lost by 6.

I’m all over them getting 8.5 points, especially considering their offensive potency. While Grant is the only consistent threat, G Saddiq Bey can come alive and C Isaiah Stewart should have a greater impact.

With veterans on the bench as well, the more well-rested Detroit should be electric from the start. Chicago is 2-0 against the spread and Detroit is 0-1.

The Pistons held the Bulls to just 14 points in the first quarter in the opener. Detroit should look to improve offensively after scoring just 88 and hopefully tame Chicago’s offense.

Over/Under

“LEAN” on the UNDER 213.5 (-108). The Under is getting a little juice here as it’s almost too low for an NBA game.

However, the Bulls, with Ball, DeRozan, and Vucevic, aren’t an elite shooting side, averaging under 11 threes per game. The Pistons showed little offensively as well, often relying solely on Grant to get the job done.

While Chicago has a ton of talent, scoring against a lengthy Pistons team is not easy. Also, Chicago just put up 128 against New Orleans, a team missing superstar F Zion Williamson, which might have helped boost this total a bit.

Expect the Bulls’ halfcourt offense to come out on top with both teams playing a slower style. They should look to flash their depth as well which could keep players like LaVine with fewer minutes.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Atlanta Hawks (1-0) travel to face the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Hawks vs. Cavaliers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Hawks rolled up a 113-87 win over the visiting Dallas Mavericks in their regular-season opener Thursday, easily covering the 2.5-point number with the Under (225) never in question.

The Cavaliers have dropped a pair of games to start the season, both by 11 points. That includes a 123-112 loss in the home opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. The Over is 2-0 so far for the Cavs.

Hawks at Cavaliers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:02 a.m. ET.

Money line: Hawks -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Cavaliers +265 (bet $100 to win $265)
Against the spread (ATS): Hawks -7.5 (-107) | Cavaliers +7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Hawks at Cavaliers key injuries

Hawks

SF Danilo Gallinari (shoulder) questionable

Cavaliers

Nothing that affects the gambling odds.

Hawks at Cavaliers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hawks 126, Cavaliers 110

Money line

The Hawks (-350) will cost you three and a half times your potential return, and that’s too risky for a road team, even against a Cavaliers (+265) team playing the second end of a back-to-back.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

The HAWKS -7.5 (-107) are worth a look, as the Cavaliers +7.5 (-115) have dropped each of their first two games by exactly 11 points.

Cleveland will be playing with the quick turnaround, and even for a young team early in the season, that’s a difficult obstacle to overcome. Bank on the road team.

Over/Under

The OVER 222.5 (-110) is the play, as the Cavaliers have really struggled defensively across the first two games. And that’s playing with regular rest. With a quick turnaround in less than 24 hours against a tough team, the Cleveland D is going to get bludgeoned yet again.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Brooklyn Nets at Philadelphia 76ers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Brooklyn Nets at Philadelphia 76ers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (0-1) travel to the “City of Brotherly Love” Friday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off with the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Below, we look at the Nets vs. 76ers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Brooklyn lost in the NBA’s season opener 127-104 Thursday at the Milwaukee Bucks as 1.5-point road underdogs. The Nets got boat raced despite outshooting the Bucks 53.1-37.8 percent from three-point land and outscoring them 22-2 in points off of turnovers.

Philly rolled a Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans 117-97 Wednesday as 3.5-point road favorites. The Sixers outshot the Pelicans from everywhere on the floor and had four players score at least 20 points.

The 76ers won two of three regular-season meetings with the Nets last year but only covered the spread once and Kevin Durant didn’t play in any of those games.

Nets at 76ers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nets -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | 76ers +122 (bet $100 to win $122)
Against the spread (ATS): Nets -3.5 (-107) | 76ers +3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Nets at 76ers key injuries

Nets

PG Kyrie Irving (personal) out

76ers

C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable
G Shake Milton (ankle) out
PG Ben Simmons (personal) out

Nets at 76ers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 119, Nets 113

Money line

Slight “LEAN” to the 76ERS (+122) because there’s more value in Philly plus the points than the money line.

However, Joel Embiid dominated Brooklyn last season and the Nets didn’t bring in any defensive bigs this offseason. Embiid averaged 30.7 points per game on .469/.400/.867 shooting with 11.7 rebounds per game in the three Nets-76ers games last year.

If Embiid has similar success Friday, and he should, then Philly’s three-point specialists should have some wide-open looks. Also, it feels like the Sixers are more in sync than the Nets.

Both teams are dealing with off-the-court issues but I get the sense that Philly is rallying in spite of the Simmons drama whereas Brooklyn is still trying to sort itself out without Kyrie.

Against the spread

BET 1 unit on the 76ers +3.5 (-115) based on the analysis above and because Philly has performed well in this spot over recent seasons.

For example, the Sixers are 6-0-1 ATS with a plus-8.1-point spread differential as a home underdog since the beginning of 2019. Also, Philly has the best home ATS record in the Association over that span.

Furthermore, Philly is one of the rowdiest sports cities in America and I’m expecting the Sixers fans to take out their frustration with Ben Simmons on the Nets Friday night.

Embiid will feed off the crowd and Philly’s home-court advantage will help the 76ers +3.5 (-115) cash.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Over 225.5 (-110) because both teams have All-NBA-caliber talent and role players that can knock down open jumpers.

That said, we’re seeing heavy “reverse line movement” in the betting markets. According to Pregame.com, most of the action is on the Over but the total has been lowered from the 229.5-point opener to the current number.

I don’t have to figure out why sportsbooks are making the more popular side cheaper. Instead, I can just PASS ON THE TOTAL.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

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San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (1-0) are in “Mile High City” Friday to play the Denver Nuggets (1-0) at Ball Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Spurs vs. Nuggets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

San Antonio crushed the Orlando Magic 123-97 Thursday. The Spurs outshot the Magic 50.0-40.7 percent from the field and had way better ball security. San Antonio threw 32 assists to 8 turnovers while Orlando had just 17 assists with 16 turnovers.

Denver rallied back from a 7-point first-half deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 110-98 Thursday. Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic put up 27 points on 13-of-22 shooting with 13 rebounds vs. the Suns.

The Nuggets have beaten the Spurs in five of their last six meetings, including two of three last season but are just 3-3 against the spread in those games.

Spurs at Nuggets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Spurs +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Nuggets -380 (bet $380 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Spurs +7.5 (-108) | Nuggets -7.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Spurs at Nuggets key injuries

Spurs

Nothing affecting gambling odds.

Nuggets

PG Jamal Murray (knee) out

Spurs at Nuggets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 121, Spurs 117

Money line

PASS with a slight “lean” toward the Spurs (+270) because I “like” San Antonio plus the points and generally sprinkle on the underdog’s money line when taking them to cover.

However, the Nuggets are 5-1 overall vs. the Spurs in their last six meetings and Jokic balled vs. San Antonio last season. In three Spurs-Nuggets meetings last year, Jokic averaged 28.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game.

Since Jokic is by far the best player on the court and the Nuggets are playing in their home opener, I’ll just bet the Spurs to cover the spread.

Against the spread

BET the SPURS +7.5 (-108) for 1 unit because this is a “Pros vs. Joe’s” game in the betting market and I don’t trust Denver’s defense.

For instance, according to Pregame.com, more than three-fourths of the cash wagered is on San Antonio but nearly 60 percent of the bets placed are on the Nuggets at the time of publishing. It’s can profitable in sports betting to follow the money when it’s counter to the public.

Also, the Spurs have a lot of three-point shooters on the roster and the Nuggets have ranked 19th or worse in opponent 3-point volume in each of the past four seasons (according to CleaningTheGlass.com).

If Denver doesn’t run San Antonio off the 3-point line then the SPURS +7.5 (-110) is cashing and they can steal the game outright.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 220.5 (-110) for a half unit because I’m much more confident in San Antonio covering than the total in this contest.

But, the Over has cashed in four of the past five Spurs-Nuggets meetings. Plus there’s been sharp line movement towards the Over since the total has been bet up from the 219-point opener.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

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