Tag: NBA betting picks

Who will win the NBA Western Conference? Bank on these best bets

Analyzing NBA odds around the NBA Western Conference with best bets to make around the Western Finals.

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The NBA restart is almost here and that means it’s time to look ahead to the NBA Conference Finals. Below, we make our best NBA bets for who will win the Western Conference.

2019-20 NBA Western Conference Finals picks

Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, July 22, at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Los Angeles Lakers (+125)

Not only are the Lakers the favorites to win the Western Conference, but they are also the favorites to win the 2019-2020 NBA Championship (+250). And it’s not hard to see why either, as both SF LeBron James and PF Anthony Davis were playing at MVP levels in the final month of the season.

As we have seen over the last decade, James can often will his team to victory despite having lesser talent around him. Luckily, he doesn’t have to shoulder the load as much due to Davis’ presence on the floor. Before the season was suspended, Davis was averaging 26.7 points per game and 9.4 rebounds. With his ability to impact both ends of the floor with his athleticism and intelligence, it will be hard for any team to stop both Davis and James at the same time.

For the Lakers to make it to the NBA Finals, they will need a few of their role players such as SG Danny Green and PF Kyle Kuzma to help on the offensive end. But with Davis and James playing like top-five players in the NBA, they are still a great bet to come out of the West at +125.

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Los Angeles Clippers (+175)

With the size, talent and depth of this roster, you can make a strong case that the Los Angeles Clippers should actually be favored over the Lakers to win the conference. The Clippers have the reigning Finals MVP in SF Kawhi Leonard coming off an extended break and he should be well-rested. The same can be said for SG Paul George, who battled injuries for most of the regular season.

The biggest thing that separates the Clippers from the Lakers is their depth. The Clippers have one of the best bench units in the NBA and have a ton of different players who can contribute in a big game. That can’t be said for the Lakers, who will be without PG Avery Bradley and PG Rajon Rondo.

There is no real disadvantage for the Clippers being the No. 2 seed in the conference rather than No. 1. Picking the Clippers to come out of the West does present some good value ahead of the league’s restart.

Also see:

Houston Rockets (+800)

After the top two teams in the conference, things drop off quite a bit. While teams like the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets were fantastic during the regular season, they just don’t have the same level of talent on the floor as the Lakers and the Clippers.

However, the one team in the Western Conference that does have the star power to match up with the LA teams are the Houston Rockets. Despite just being the No. 6 seed in the West, Houston has two MVP winners on their roster in SG James Harden and PG Russell Westbrook. Both players have a ton of playoff experience and won’t be afraid of the Lakers or Clippers.

While it’s unlikely Houston will be able to navigate their way through an incredibly difficult conference, don’t count them out due to their shooting. They can get hot at a moment’s notice and compete with any team in the league. It will be fascinating to see if their lack of size causes issues for them in the playoffs. Otherwise, they are a fantastic bet at +800 to win the Western Conference.

Get some action on NBA futures bets by signing up and betting at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at 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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Who will win the NBA Eastern Conference? Bank on these best bets

Analyzing NBA odds around the NBA Eastern Conference with best bets to make around the Eastern Finals.

The NBA restart is almost here and that means it’s time to look ahead to the NBA Conference Finals. Below, we make our best NBA bets for who will win the NBA Eastern Conference.

2019-20 NBA Eastern Finals picks

Odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, July 22, at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Milwaukee Bucks (-176) 

The favorites (by far) to come out of the Eastern Conference is the Milwaukee Bucks. After dominating the conference in the regular season, the Bucks will be the No. 1 seed when the playoffs begin. What makes the Bucks such a lock to win the Eastern Conference is their offense, which ranked No. 1 in the NBA before the season was suspended.

While the Bucks are a massive favorite, there just isn’t a ton of value here for NBA bettors. Instead, consider betting them to win the NBA Championship or look at pairing the Bucks with another Western Conference team in another futures bet.

Looking to place an NBA futures bet? Place your legal sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet Now!

Boston Celtics (+650)

The team with the next best odds to come out of the Eastern Conference is the Boston Celtics. While they are currently 9.5 games back of the Bucks in the conference, they are still the No. 3 seed. In fact, they are only three games back of the Raptors, who currently own the No. 2 spot.

With the amount of talent and depth the Celtics have on their roster, don’t be surprised if they at least make it to the conference finals, assuming they don’t have to go through the Bucks first. Boston does lack some size up front, but given all of the guards and forwards they have on their roster, they have the chance to out-shoot a team like the Bucks on any given night. At +650, the Celtics aren’t a bad bet to make ahead of the NBA restart.

Also see:

Philadelphia 76ers (+900)

If there is one team in the Eastern Conference that has a chance to upset the Bucks, look no further than the Philadelphia 76ers. Not only do they have the size to match up with Milwaukee, but they are also the one team that could present some problems on defense for the Bucks. If Philadelphia gets the chance to play Milwaukee, look for them to feed C Joel Embiid on the block and use his size to win in the post.

While they are just the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference right now, they present a ton of value at +900. Don’t be surprised if the 76ers get hot and make a run within the conference over the next few months.

Get some action on NBA futures bets by signing up and betting at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at 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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Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Denver Nuggets (43-21) visit the Big D on Wednesday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off against the Dallas Mavericks (39-27) at the American Airlines Center. We analyze the Nuggets-Mavericks odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

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

Mavericks at Nuggets: Key injuries

Mavericks

  • PF Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out
  • SG Seth Curry (ankle) out
  • SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (illness) probable
  • C Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) probable
  • PG Jalen Brunson (shoulder) out
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

Nuggets

  •  C Bol Bol (foot) out

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Nuggets 122, Mavericks 104

Moneyline (ML)

These teams have played twice already this season and each game has been decided by a possession with the Nuggets the most recent meeting, 107-106, Jan. 8. The Mavericks were without defensive anchor, Kristaps Porzingis, and Nikola Jokic took advantage to the tune of 33 points on 12-of-20 shooting. That’s a bad sign for Dallas with Porzingis out again Wednesday. In their first meeting Oct. 29, Dallas had nine players score double figures (none more than 14) en route to a 109-106 victory in Denver.

The Nuggets are far healthier at the moment — no one from the Nuggets’ regular rotation is out — and beside the injuries above, the Mavericks have seen Luka Doncic miss games recently. Denver gives up the fourth-fewest points per game to point guards and Doncic has scored 21.5 PPG in four career games against the Nuggets. Doncic has needed to work for his 20+ points, shooting just .392 from the field and .200 from 3-point land against Denver.

I LIKE the NUGGETS -143.

New to sports betting? Bet $143 on the Nuggets -143 and earn a $100 profit if they beat the Mavericks.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since I like the Nuggets on the moneyline, I’ll LEAN toward the NUGGETS -2.5 (-110). It should be an either-or situation in terms of which bet to play; I don’t think you should bet both the moneyline and spread.

Anywho, somehow Dallas is worse ATS at home versus winning teams (3-9) then Denver is on the road against winning teams (5-7-1). The Mavericks lost straight up and against the spread in both games they were home dogs in but the Nuggets is only 7-10-1 ATS as a road favorite this season. The standout trend for me in the Mavericks-Nuggets matchup is Denver’s 6-3 ATS record when laying 1-2.5 points and Dallas’ 1-5 ATS mark when getting that many points. 

Over/Under (O/U)

Denver likes to slow the game down and play through their All-Star big man, Jokic. The Nuggets are ranked 29th in pace of play, which is the main reason their offense is ranked just 20th in points per game. However, they are seventh in offensive rating and sixth in field-goal percentage, and I think they’ll execute against the Mavericks, pushing the game OVER 220.5 (-106).

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

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Pelicans at Kings sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Sacramento Kings (28-36) continue their four-game homestand Wednesday night. They host the New Orleans Pelicans (28-36), playing the second game of a four-game road trip. Tipoff is at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center.

We analyze the Pelicans-Kings odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

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

Pelicans at Kings: Key injuries

Pelicans

  • G Nickeil Alexander-Walker (wrist) out
  • F Darius Miller (achilles) out
  • G J.J. Redick (hamstring) out
  • SG Kenrich Williams (back) probable

Kings

  • F Jabari Parker (illness) probable
  • F Marvin Bagley III (foot) out
  • G Justin James (knee) out

Pelicans at Kings: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Pelicans 122, Kings 118

Moneyline (ML)

Both teams have identical records but the Pelicans enter the game as favorites at -121, although the Kings are even money at +100. The Kings have won seven of their last 10 overall, while New Orleans has gone 5-5. Sacramento is 14-17 at home this season, while the Pelicans are 15-17 on the road. New Orleans has been money as road favorites. They are 7-1 this season when favored on the road. The Kings are 8-9 as home dogs.

Take the Pelicans to win this game at -121.

New to sports betting? A $1.21 wager on the Pelicans returns a profit of $10.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Pelicans are slight favorites at -1.5 (-110). They have been solid on the road overall going 17-13-2 ATS away from home. That improves to 7-1 ATS as road favorites. The Kings are 12-17-2 ATS overall at home but 8-7-2 ATS as home dogs. They are 7-2-1 ATS over their last 10 games. The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last three games.

New Orleans’ ATS record as road favorites is too good to ignore. Take the Pelicans -1.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 233.5 points Wednesday night. The two teams played earlier this season and combined for 232 points in a win by the Pelicans. Sacramento’s games have gone Over in four straight games. New Orleans’ games have gone Under in their last two games and in five of eight. But the Kings are 17-14 O/U at home and the Pelicans are 18-14 O/U on the road. Expect a lot of points and hit the OVER 233.5 (-106) in this game.

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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Charlotte Hornets at Miami Heat odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Charlotte Hornets at Miami Heat sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (22-42) visit the Miami Heat (41-23) Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Hornets-Heat odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Hornets lost at the Atlanta Hawks 143-138 in double overtime Monday and have dropped four of their last five. The Heat are 5-1 in their last six after a 100-89 win at the Washington Wizards Sunday.

Wednesday will be the second of four Charlotte-Miami games this season. The Heat covered as 10.5-point favorites in the first contest, cruising to a 117-100 home victory – the O/U was 212.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Hornets at Heat: Key injuries or suspensions

Hornets

  • G Malik Monk (suspension) out

Heat

  • F Jimmy Butler (toe) questionable
  • F Jae Crowder (concussion) probable
  • F Udonis Haslem (illness) questionable
  • G Tyler Herro (ankle) questionable
  • C Meyers Leonard (ankle) out
  • G Kendrick Nunn (illness) questionable

Hornets at Heat: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Heat 114, Hornets 107

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. While Miami (-556) owns the league’s third-best home record at 27-4, the price is way too high. Every $5.66 wagered on the Heat moneyline profits only $1 if they win. That’s too much chalk to risk. Charlotte (+400) offers a tempting 4-to-1 payoff if it wins, but Miami is just too good at home. I’ll PASS and focus on the spread and total below.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The HORNETS (+10.5, –115) are worth a small play – even if Butler dresses for the Heat (-10.5, -106). Miami is an impressive 17-9-1 as a home favorite, but Charlotte is on a hot streak ATS, going 6-0-1 in its last seven – the push coming in its last game, the OT loss at Atlanta. I’m only going small because the Hornets are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 versus the Heat and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six in Miami.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on the Hornets’ spread will profit $1 if they win outright (unlikely) or don’t lose by 10 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 211.5 (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY as long as Butler plays. The Heat are 6-1 O/U in their last seven at home, 19-7 O/U in their last 26 at home and 7-1 O/U in their last eight games as a favorite. The O/U is also 13-6 in the last 19 head-to-head meetings in South Beach.

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

Johnny’s record since Feb. 1: 18-9. Strongest plays: 10-4.

Since Dec. 1: 55-34-2. Strongest plays: 31-13.

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New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Knicks (20-45) visit the Atlanta Hawks (20-46) Wednesday at State Farm Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Knicks-Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Knicks at Hawks: Key Injuries

Knicks

  • PF Kenny Wooten (thumb) out

Hawks

  • SG DeAndre’ Bembry (abdominal) out
  • C Clint Capela (heel) out
  • PF John Collins (ankle) probable
  • SF Treveon Graham (personal) questionable
  • SG Kevin Huerter (groin) probable
  • C Skal Labissiere (knee) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Knicks at Hawks: 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

Hawks 124, Knicks 117

Moneyline (ML)

The Knicks (+155) are coming off a 122-115 loss at the Washington Wizards Tuesday, dropping them to 3-3 across their last six games. The HAWKS (-189) beat the Charlotte Hornets 143-138 in double overtime Monday to improve to 5-5 across their last 10 outings. The Hawks are 14-19 at home, while the Knicks are just 9-23 on the road.

The season series is split 1-1 coming into Wednesday. The Knicks won 143-120 on home court Dec. 17, and the Hawks took care of business at home Feb. 9 with a 140-135 win in double overtime. Atlanta has been strong with a rest advantage this season. It’s 8-5 straight up with the advantage over its opposition while winning by an average of 1.2 points per game.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Hawks to win returns a profit of $5.30.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get better value on the hosts by backing the HAWKS (-4.5, -110) to win by at least 5 points on home court. Atlanta is just 29-35-2 ATS overall but a very strong 19-12-2 at home. New York is 34-30-1 ATS overall but just 16-15-1 on the road. Again, the rest advantage is key for the Hawks, as they’re 9-3-1 in such situations and cover by an average of 4.8 PPG.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 232.5 (-110) in this clash of Eastern Conference bottom feeders. Both meetings so far this season crushed Wednesday’s projected total, and while the second meeting went to double overtime, there were still 232 points scored in regulation. The two teams combine to score 216.8 PPG, but they allow a combined 231.5 PPG.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 208-188

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Knicks at Washington Wizards odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s New York Knicks at Washington Wizards sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The New York Knicks (20-44) visit the nation’s capital Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off against the Washington Wizards (23-40) at Capital One Arena. We analyze the Knicks-Wizards odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

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

Knicks at Wizards: Key injuries

Knicks

  • C Mitchell Robinson (illness) questionable
  • PG Dennis Smith Jr. (concussion) probable

Wizards

  • SF Isaac Bonga (groin) questionable
  • C Anzejs Pasecniks (neck) questionable
  • SG Jerome Robinson (Achilles) questionable
  • PG Ish Smith (hamstring) out
  • PG John Wall (Achilles) out

Knicks at Wizards: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 3 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Wizards 109, Knicks 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Wizards (-189) hold a 2-1 season-series lead over the Knicks (+155). Washington pasted New York in Madison Square Garden last month 114-96, thanks to a typical 30-point performance from Bradley Beal. The shooting guard had a streak of 21 consecutive 26-point games snapped Sunday in a 100-89 loss to the Miami Heat. In the Knicks’ previous game, they made easy work of an injury-depleted Detroit Pistons 96-84. The victory wrapped up a 3-2 homestead for the Knick. The Wizards are just 6-6 straight up as a home favorite, so their -189 moneyline is out the window, but can the Knicks pull off an upset? Sure, but the Knicks have only five wins in 26 games as a road dog and the +155 isn’t juicy enough to lean, like or love. PASS on the moneyline.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since both teams stink, we are partially betting for one team and partially against another. The Wizards -4.5 (-106) can score points but are the lowest-ranked defensive rating team in the NBA and give up the most points per game. Also, they are just 2-3 against the spread in their last five games.

Where the KNICKS +4.5 (-115) have a decided edge is in the rebounding matchup. New York has the ninth-best defensive-rebounding percentage and best offensive-rebounding percentage in the NBA, while Washington is 28th in defensive-rebounding percentage and 20th in offensive-rebounding percentage. Additionally, New York has covered four of its previous five games.

I like the KNICKS +4.5 (-115) because they’ll be able to trade buckets with the Wizards and gobble up loose boards.

Over/Under (O/U)

If we like the Knicks plus the points, then the UNDER 227.5 (+100) correlates with that pick. New York has one of the higher Under percentages in the NBA (29-34-1) and plays at a snail’s pace — ranked 24th in Pace of Play. The Under is 7-1 in the last eight Knicks-Wizards meetings and the Under has cashed in the last three games.

Since I generally don’t play totals, I only lean toward the UNDER.

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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Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (19-44) will take on the Houston Rockets (39-24) Tuesday night at Toyota Center. The opening tip is at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Timberwolves-Rockets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

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

Timberwolves at Rockets: Key injuries

Timberwolves

  • C Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) out
  • SF Kelan Martin (ankle) out

Rockets

  • SG Eric Gordon (knee) questionable
  • SG Ben McLemore (illness) questionable

Timberwolves at Rockets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 120, Timberwolves 110

Moneyline (ML)

The Rockets (-909) have been favored by at least eight points in three of their last four games, yet they’ve lost all of them. They’ve dropped four straight overall, including two losses by at least 15 points. The Timberwolves (+600) remain one of the league’s worst teams, but they’re 2-2 in their last four games and are a respectable 11-20 on the road (compared to 8-24 at home).

The Rockets are clearly the favorites in this one, but their recent play makes me hesitant to touch the moneyline. I’d PASS on both teams.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Rockets returns a profit of $1.11.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Timberwolves are 12.5-point underdogs in this matchup, which comes as no surprise; however, the line is inflated in relation to how the Rockets have been playing. Houston is 0-4-1 ATS in its last five games and 0-4 straight up in its last four.

The Timberwolves are 3-2 ATS in their last five road games and 12.5 points is a lot for a struggling Houston team to be laying. I’m taking the TIMBERWOLVES (+12.5, -110) to cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under is an eye-popping 246.5 points, by far the highest total of the night. It’s hard to imagine these teams getting to that number, but they both rank in the top 10 in scoring. The total has gone Over in six of the last nine games between these teams, but I’m just not confident the offenses will click enough – especially with Gordon questionable and Towns out.

Bet the UNDER 246.5 (-110) in this one and hope the Rockets’ issues continue.

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

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Indiana Pacers (39-25) host the Boston Celtics (42-21) Tuesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Pacers-Celtics odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

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

Celtics at Pacers: Key injuries

Celtics

  • SG Jaylen Brown (hamstring) out
  • C Robert Williams III (back) probable

Pacers

  • SF Doug McDermott (toe) doubtful
  • PG Malcolm Brogdon (quadriceps) out
  • SG Victor Oladipo (knee) questionable
  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out

Celtics at Pacers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Pacers 107, Celtics 102

Moneyline (ML)

The PACERS (+125) have been on a roll since the All-Star break, going 7-2, including an impressive road victory over the Dallas Mavericks in their last game, Sunday. The Celtics (-154) have been on the struggle bus since the break with a 4-5 record and dropping a few games in heartbreaking fashion. Two of Boston’s losses came in overtime and in their last game, against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they gave up a double-digit lead to lose at home, 105-104. Indiana picked up a 122-117 victory against Boston in the first head-to-head meeting, despite a 44-point effort from Celtics PG Kemba Walker.

The reason why the Celtics could lose despite an impressive Walker performance is it appears Jayson Tatum is Boston’s most impactful player—as he goes, the Celtics go. Tatum averages 23.4 points per game this year and when he scores 24 or more points the Celtics are 28-5 this season; however, Tatum hasn’t scored more than 22 points in nine career games against the Pacers and he scored only 16 points in the first Celtics-Pacers game. Indiana is second in the NBA (behind Boston) in opposing small forwards points per game and given its previous success against Tatum, I like PACERS (+125).

New to sports betting? Bet $100 on the Pacers (+125) to earn a profit of $125 if they beat the Celtics.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Generally, I’d stick with the moneyline wager here and not bother taking just 3.5 points however they could come into play in this game. Boston (-3.5, -106) has been great against the spread this season both overall (38-23-2 ATS) and on the road (20-10-1) but not very good in games projected to be close.

The PACERS (+3.5, -115) are the play with a little insurance in the event of a loss. Each team has narrow point differentials since the All-Star break. Indiana is outscoring opponents 106.8-105.6 and Boston’s nine post-All-Star games have an average outcome of 112.3-110.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over has cashed in six of the last eight Celtics-Pacers games because they are generally lower projected totals from bookmakers. Rightfully so, these teams both rank in the top-10 in opponent PPG, field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage, defensive rating and opponent effective FG%. The first meeting went well Over but that included a 29-point performance from Brogdon (who won’t be playing) and a healthy Brown, who’s a great two-way player. Expect this game to be lower scoring and the UNDER 214.5 (-110) to cash.

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

Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Suns at Blazers sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Portland Trail Blazers (28-37) get a rematch against the Phoenix Suns (26-38). After losing 127-117 to them in Phoenix last week, they host them at the Moda Center Tuesday night. Tip-off is at 10 p.m. ET.

We analyze the Suns-Blazers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

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

Suns at Blazers: Key injuries

Suns

  • F Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
  • F Cam Johnson (mononucleosis) out
  • F Kelly Oubre (knee) out
  • C Deandre Ayton (ankle) questionable

Blazers

  • F Zach Collins (shoulder) out
  • F Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out

Suns at Blazers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Tuesday at 12:25 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blazers 119, Suns 116

Moneyline (ML)

The Suns (+155) have won two straight, beating Portland and the Milwaukee Bucks to close out a six-game homestand. They have been better on the road (13-16) than at home and have beaten Portland in two of three matchups this season, including in their only other game in Portland, a 122-116 win. The Blazers (-189) are 17-14 overall at home but lost their last game against the Sacramento Kings to kick off a six-game homestand. They have been solid as a home favorite against the money line all season, going 15-6 straight up when favored at home, while the Suns are 9-12 as road dogs.

While Phoenix has found some offensive rhythm with C Aron Baynes in the starting lineup while Ayton is out, they have not been consistent enough to make them a solid bet. Take the BLAZERS at -189.

New to sports betting? A $189 wager on Portland returns a profit of $100.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Blazers are favored at home tonight at -4.5 (-110). Neither team has been a good bet recently to cover. Portland has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last 11 games. The Suns have failed to cover in six of their last 10 although they have won and covered in two straight games in which they were underdogs. Phoenix is 16-13 ATS on the road and 12-9 ATS as road dogs. Portland is 12-17-2 ATS at home and 10-10-1 as home favorites against the spread.

Expect the Suns to keep it close enough for a competitive game. Take the SUNS at +4.5 (-110). 

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for Tuesday’s matchup is set at 232.5 points. The two teams combined for 244 in Phoenix last week and 238 and 221 in their previous games. They have gone Over in two of three games they have played each other. Suns games have gone Over in three in a row and in four of the last five games. Blazers games have also gone over in four of the last five games. The Blazers are 19-12 O/U at home. Expect this game to go OVER (-106) 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 @senorjessroot and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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