Tag: NBA betting picks

Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (39-26) visit the San Antonio Spurs (26-36) Tuesday at AT&T Center for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Mavericks-Spurs odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Both teams lost Sunday. The Mavericks dropped a 112-109 decision at home to the Indiana Pacers, while the Spurs fell 132-129 in overtime at the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Mavs are in seventh in the Western Conference, while the Spurs are five games out of the final playoff spot.

The Mavs eye a 4-0 sweep vs. the Spurs after taking the first three regular-season matchups. Dallas won two at home, covering a 5-point spread in a 117-110 win Nov. 18 and failing to cover an 8-point spread with a 102-98 win Dec. 26. The Mavs covered as 4-point favorites in San Antonio 109-103 Feb. 26. Only the first game in Dallas played to the Over.

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

Mavericks at Spurs: Key injuries

Mavericks

  • PG Jalen Brunson (shoulder) out
  • C Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) out
  • SG Seth Curry (ankle) out
  • SG Luka Doncic (wrist) questionable
  • SF Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) questionable
  • SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (illness) out
  • C Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

Spurs

  • PF LaMarcus Aldridge (shoulder) doubtful
  • PG Dejounte Murray (calf) out
  • C Jakob Poeltl (knee) out
  • SG Lonnie Walker IV (shin) questionable

Mavericks at Spurs: 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 12:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Mavericks 119, Spurs 112

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Dallas (-167) is dealing with numerous injuries, but the main one is Doncic, who leads the Mavs with 28.5 points per game. If he plays, the Mavs are a lock to win. If he sits, this could go either way, but I’m PASSING on a moneyline play either way.

New to sports betting? Every $1.67 wagered on the Mavs’ ML would profit $1 if they win, while every $1 wagered on the Spurs ML (+140) would profit $1.40 if the Spurs prevail.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

If Doncic plays, the MAVERICKS (-3.5, –115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. The Mavs are 13-3 against the spread in their last 16 trips to San Antonio. Plus, the Spurs are currently on an 0-7 ATS run versus anyone.

Want more? Dallas is 20-9-2 ATS on the road this season and 12-4-1 ATS as a road dog.

Every $1.10 wagered on the Mavericks’ spread will profit $1 if they win by 4 or more points, but make sure Doncic is in the lineup!

Over/Under (O/U)

Because of all the injuries, the OVER 227.5 (-110) is only a small-unit play. The Mavericks rank third in scoring at 116.5 PPG and own the NBA’s second-best O/U record at 40-25. The Spurs are the No. 1 Over team at 38-23-1.

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: 17-8. Strongest plays: 10-3.

Since Dec. 1: 54-33-2. Strongest plays: 31-12.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 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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Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (19-45) visit the Chicago Bulls (21-43) Tuesday at United Center for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Cavaliers-Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Cavaliers at Bulls: Key Injuries

Cavaliers

  • PG Dante Exum (ankle) out
  • PG Darius Garland (groin) out
  • SG Kevin Porter Jr. (concussion) out
  • C Tristan Thompson (eye) out
  • SF Dylan Windler (leg) out

Bulls

  • PG Ryan Arcidiacono (Achilles) questionable
  • PG Kris Dunn (knee) out
  • PF Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) out
  • C Luke Kornet (foot) out
  • SG Zach LaVine (quadriceps) out
  • SG Max Strus (knee) out

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

Cavaliers at Bulls: 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

Cavaliers 102, Bulls 97

Moneyline (ML)

The CAVALIERS (+135) are last in the Eastern Conference, but they’ve won back-to-back games over the Denver Nuggets (104-102) and San Antonio Spurs (132-129) over the weekend. The Bulls (-162) have dropped three in a row and remain a walking injury ward.

The Bulls lead the head-to-head season series 2-1, winning 118-116 and 118-106 in January, but the Cavs opened the season series with a 117-111 win in late October. The Cavs have had three different leading scorers and three different leading rebounds across their last three games. The Bulls sorely miss LaVine’s scoring upside and haven’t had a player record 10 or more rebounds in eight straight games. Back the CAVS (+135) at plus-money, despite their 8-20 road record.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Cavaliers to win returns a profit of $13.50.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get some insurance on our ML pick by backing the CAVALIERS (+3.5, -110) on the spread, where they’ll need to stay within 3 points in a loss or win outright. Cleveland is 29-33-2 ATS overall but 15-13 on the road, while Chicago is 28-35-1 ATS overall and just 14-19 at home.

Both teams last played Sunday and Cleveland is 17-13 ATS when playing on equal rest as its opposition. Chicago is a league-worst 15-26-1 ATS in those situations.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 215.5 (-110). The Bulls have been struggling to generate offense without LaVine and have been held below 110 points in four straight games.

The Cavs played to a point total of 261 while going to overtime Sunday against the Spurs, but they totaled just 206 points in the first half of their back-to-back against the Nuggets Saturday.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 207-186

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren 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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Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors odds and matchup, with NBA betting tips, picks and predictions.

The Los Angeles Clippers (43-20) travel to meet the Golden State Warriors (15-49) at Chase Center in San Francisco at 10:30 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Clippers-Warriors sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Clippers at Warriors: Key Injuries

Clippers

  • No major injuries to report

Warriors

  • PG Ky Bowman (ankle) probable
  • PG Steph Curry (flu) questionable
  • PF Draymond Green (knee) out
  • PF Kevon Looney (hip) out
  • PF Alen Smailagic (quadriceps) out
  • SG Klay Thompson (knee) out

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

Clippers at Warriors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Tuesday at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Clippers 125, Warriors 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Clippers (-770) are heavy, heavy chalk in this one. New to sports betting? You’d have to wager $770 to win $100; that juice isn’t worth the squeeze…

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CLIPPERS (-10.5, -121) have connected in seven of their past nine road games against the Warriors (+10.5, +100). L.A. has also covered four straight as a road favorite while hitting in five of the past seven against the spread. The Dubs are 4-1 ATS in the past five overall, but just 2-6 ATS in the past eight at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U was off the board at time of publishing. The Clippers have seen the under hit in five of the past six road games, and six of the past eight overall. The over is 8-2 in the past 10 meetings in Oakland/San Francisco, and 14-5 in the past 19 meetings overall. The Warriors allow 114.8 PPG, 23rd 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 @JoeWilliamsVI 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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Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Orlando Magic (29-35) tangle with the Memphis Grizzlies (32-32) at FedExForum at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Magic-Grizzlies sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Magic at Grizzlies: Key Injuries

Magic

  • SF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out
  • SG Evan Fournier (elbow) out
  • PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out

Grizzlies

  • SG Grayson Allen (hip) out
  • PF Brandon Clarke (quadriceps) out
  • PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
  • SF Justise Winslow (back) out

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

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Magic 112, Grizzlies 107

Moneyline (ML)

The MAGIC (+125) are the value play in this one. These teams met back on Nov. 8 with Orlando winning by a 118-86 score. The Grizzlies (-150) look for revenge, but both teams have been hot lately, and the better value is taking Orlando at plus-money.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Magic returns a profit of $12.50 if they win. A $10 bet on the Grizzlies returns a profit of $6.70.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAGIC (+2.5, -106) give you a little bit of insurance if you’re feeling the Grizzlies (-2.5, -115) are going to win by a narrow margin. Orlando has covered in six straight games, and seven of the past eight games overall. The Magic are also 4-0 in their past four games as an underdog. The Grizzlies are also hot against the number, going 6-1 ATS in their past seven at home, but remember the November meeting.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total (220.5) is a risky play in this one, as the trends are skewed heavily in opposite directions. For instance, the Over is 12-3-1 in Orlando’s past 16, and 5-0 in its past five as an underdog while going 11-0-1 in the past 12 following a cover. The Under is 11-0 in the past 11 home games for Memphis, while going 6-0 in its past six overall and 5-1 in the past six as a favorite. The best course of action is to AVOID.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI 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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Milwaukee Bucks at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Denver Nuggets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Denver Nuggets (42-21) play host to the Eastern Conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks (53-11) Monday night. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. ET at Pepsi Center. We analyze the Bucks-Nuggets 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.

Bucks at Nuggets: Key injuries

Bucks

  • PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) out

Nuggets

  • C Bol Bol (foot) out

Bucks 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 at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 109, Nuggets 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Bucks (+180) won’t have Giannis Monday night, which does change things a bit. Had he been available, Milwaukee likely would’ve been favored; however, the Bucks will still come away with a win over the Nuggets (-222) on the road.

Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton will help carry the load offensively after scoring 67 combined points Sunday night. Defense is where Milwaukee could struggle, especially against Nuggets C Nikola Jokic.

The Bucks are 25-8 on the road this season, and will add another one to the win column tonight. Take the BUCKS (+180) at plus-money to upset Denver.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucks returns a profit of $18.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Nuggets are 5.5-point favorites in this matchup, making this just the eighth time Milwaukee has been an underdog all season – and the third time in the last eight games. Both teams are only 1-4 against the spread in their last five contests, so neither has done well covering the spread.

If we’re going with the BUCKS (+5.5, -110) to win straight up, of course, we’re taking them to cover, too. They’ll need to win outright or stay within 5 points in a loss.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under is 221.5 Monday night, though these teams rank on opposite ends of the spectrum offensively. Milwaukee is No. 1 in scoring, while Denver is only 20th. The Nuggets defense is eighth in the NBA, which is where they have most of their success. Milwaukee is sixth.

Antetokounmpo’s absence hurts the Bucks on both ends of the court, which will keep this game under the projected total. Bet the UNDER 221.5 (-106), though it’ll be pretty close.

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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Toronto Raptors at Utah Jazz odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Toronto Raptors at Utah Jazz sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (45-18) will take on the Utah Jazz (41-22) at Vivint Smart Home Arena Monday night. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Raptors-Jazz sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Raptors at Jazz: Key injuries

Raptors

  • PG Fred VanVleet (shoulder) questionable
  • C Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out

Jazz

  • PG Nigel Williams-Goss (quadriceps) out

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

Raptors at Jazz: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Jazz 115, Raptors 109

Moneyline (ML)

The JAZZ (-189) are home favorites over the streaking Raptors (+155) on Monday night. Toronto has won 16 of its last 20 games dating back to Jan. 12, and the Raptors have been incredible on the road this season at 22-9.

The Jazz have played well of late, as well, winning five straight games. With a home record of 21-9 this season, expect Utah to get another win Monday.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The JAZZ (-4.5, -110) will need to win by at least 5 points to cover the spread Monday, and they should. Utah’s record against the spread hasn’t been great of late, as the Jazz have failed to cover in seven of their last nine games. Toronto is in the same boat as they have covered just once in their last six games. With this relatively small spread, look for the Jazz to win and cover against the Raptors as they are playing much better basketball over the last two weeks.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Monday night contest is set at 223.5, which feels high considering these are two of the best defensive clubs in the NBA. Both squads are allowing 108 or fewer points per game this season. This could be a slower-paced game. Take the UNDER 223.5 (-106) in Utah as these two teams could struggle to get to 110 points against one another.

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

Follow @Marcus_Mosher 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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Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (22-41) visit the Atlanta Hawks (19-46) Monday at State Farm Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Hornets-Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Hornets at Hawks: Key Injuries

Hornets

  • SG Malik Monk (suspension) out

Hawks

  • SG Deandre’ Bembry (abdominal) questionable
  • C Clint Capela (heel) out
  • PF John Collins (thigh) probable
  • SG Kevin Huerter (groin) probable
  • SF De’Andre Hunter (knee) questionable
  • C Skal Labissiere (knee) out
  • PG Jeff Teague (flu) questionable

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

Hornets 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 9 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Hornets 118, Hawks 110

Moneyline (ML)

Two bottom-six teams in the Eastern Conference clash Monday at State Farm Arena. The HORNETS (+150) carry higher odds than they should possess against the heavily-favored Hawks (-182). The Hornets are 12-20 on the road for the season and 5-5 across their last 10 games, while the Hawks are just 13-19 on home court and 4-6 across their last 10 games overall.

Take the value given out by the books and back the healthier Hornets in what should be a toss-up game. Charlotte is coming off a 108-99 win over the Houston Rockets Saturday and recently beat the Toronto Raptors 99-96, as well. The Hawks have dropped three straight, including a 118-101 setback against the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday. The Hornets have been the better team all season, though the Hawks picked up a 122-107 win in the only head-to-head meeting to date. Still, never lay -182 odds on a last-place team.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Hornets to win returns a profit of $15.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The moneyline is a better and more profitable play for the visitors, but the HORNETS (+4.5, -115) should also be backed on the spread with 4 points of insurance in the event of a loss. Charlotte is 33-30 ATS overall and 17-15 ATS on the road. Atlanta is 29-35-1 ATS overall but 19-12-1 on home court. They’re 4-2-1 ATS in just seven games as a home favorite.

Both teams last played Saturday and Charlotte is 18-15 ATS when playing on equal rest as its opposition. Atlanta is just 14-22 ATS in those situations and loses by an average of 9.7 points per game.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 223.5 (-115) with the injury-riddled Hawks struggling mightily on defense of late and likely to allow the Hornets to provide the bulk of the scoring. Atlanta has given up at least 117 points in seven straight games. The Hornets haven’t scored more than 112 points in any of their last nine games, but they’ll receive a dramatic boost Monday.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 206-184

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren 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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Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Sacramento Kings (28-35) host the Toronto Raptors (44-18) in the second game of a back-to-back on Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for around 9 p.m. ET at Golden 1 Center. We analyze the Raptors-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.

Raptors at Kings: Key injuries

Raptors

  • PG Fred VanVleet (shoulder) questionable
  • C Marc Gasol (hamstring) questionable
  • PF Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out

Kings

  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out

Raptors 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 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 116, Kings 113

Moneyline (ML)

The Raptors (-250) spoiled Stephen Curry’s comeback game for the Golden State Warriors by beating them 121-113 Thursday. Tonight’s game in Sacramento is their fourth game of a five-game Western Conference road trip. The Kings (+200) picked up a huge 123-111 win Saturday at the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Sacramento kept close and covered in their first game against the Raptors Nov. 6, losing 124-120. Each team was close to full health in the first one but Toronto could be without two starters that played in that game (Gasol and VanVleet) while the Kings got breakout C Richaun Holmes back last night against the Trail Blazers. He had 10 point sand eight boards in 19 minutes in his first game back and should be reclaiming the starting center position from Harry Giles within a few games. 

If anything, I’d say bet the Kings (+200) who have won seven of nine games but the Raptors are 15-1 straight up as a road favorite with a 7.4-point average margin of victory. Plus, Toronto’s non-conference record (14-8) is much better than Sacramento’s (8-15). Officially I say PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The trends line up nicely for Sacramento versus Toronto. The Raptors are 6-13 against the spread in the last 19 meetings in Sacramento and 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall. Also, Toronto doesn’t take advantage of having a rest advantage on their opponent as they are 3-11 ATS in such situations.

Furthermore, the Kings are 7-2 ATS, with an 8-point ATS margin per game, on the second game of back-to-backs. Sacramento is 4-0 ATS in their last four games as a home underdog and 5-0 ATS in their last five games playing on zero days.

I LIKE KINGS +5.5 (+100) at home. New to sports betting? Bet $100 on Kings +5.5 to earn a $100 profit if they win or lose by fewer than six points.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams have played to more Overs than Unders this season—Toronto has a 33-28-1 Over/Under record and Sacramento is 33-30 O/U—and both have increased their scoring after the All-Star break. Sacramento went from 107.9 points per game to 115 PPG and Toronto went from 112.9 PPG to 114.3 PPG. Additionally, they’ve each gone Over the projected total in their last three games entering Sunday’s contest.

I am nervous about the Kings’ ability to score on tired legs—they are playing a fourth game in six nights—so it’s only a slight lean on OVER 226.5 (-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 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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Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Detroit Pistons (20-44) are in the Big Apple Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off against the New York Knicks (19-44) at Madison Square Garden. We analyze the Pistons-Knicks 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.

Pistons at Knicks: Key injuries

Pistons

  • PG Brandon Knight (hamstring) questionable
  • PG Derrick Rose (ankle) out
  • SG Luke Kennard (knee) out
  • PF Blake Griffin (knee) out
  • SG Bruce Brown (thumb) available

Knicks

  • PG Frank Ntilikina (ankle) probable
  • PG Dennis Smith Jr. (concussion) questionable

Pistons at Knicks: 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 3:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Knicks 112, Pistons 104

Moneyline (ML)

Both teams have been pretty dreadful recently. The Knicks (-250) have lost back-to-back games and eight of their past 10, while the Pistons (+200) are on a three-game losing streak and have dropped nine of their past 10 games. New York eked out a 95-92 win in their last meeting in Detroit Feb. 8, but the Pistons smoked them 122-102 back on Nov. 6.

There’s no way anyone should lay -250 on the Knicks even against a Detroit team without three starters due to injury—(including two former All-Stars in Rose and Griffin)—and traded away another former All-Star in Andre Drummond. Also, the Pistons are just 5-20 straight up as a road dog leading me to PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Betting either New York or Detroit here is like deciding between the lesser of two evils. The Knicks (-5.5, -115) are a quality team against the spread, going 33-29-1 so far this year. There has been only one game in which New York was favored by more than five points and that was Nov. 18 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They won 123-105 and covered the 5.5-point spread. with ease

The Pistons (+5.5, -106) are 2-4-1 against the spread when getting 5-7 points. Detroit is 10-14-1 ATS, with a minus-8.3 margin of victory, when they are a road dog and New York is 4-4 ATS as a home favorite. At the moment, New York is a half-game less crappy than Detroit so BET THE KNICKS -5.5 (-115). 

Over/Under (O/U)

Nowadays in the NBA bad basketball is chucking prayers from behind the arc. It used to be slow, ugly, defensive games that would end something like 85-80. In their recent demonstrations of bad basketball, six of the Knicks’ last seven games have gone Over the projected total and the Pistons have a 3-1 Over/Under record in their previous four outings.

Look for one of these two teams to come out firing threes, the other team trying to match them from deep and the game going OVER 210.5 (-110) due to worse defense more than good offense. 

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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Indiana Pacers at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Indiana Pacers at Dallas Mavericks sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Indiana Pacers (38-25) heads to Texas Sunday to play the Dallas Mavericks (39-25) at the American Airlines Center at 7:00 p.m. ET. We analyze the Pacers-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.

Pacers at Mavericks: Key injuries

Pacers

  • PG Malcolm Brogdon (hip) out
  • SG Victor Oladipo (leg) questionable
  • SF T.J. Warren (leg) questionable
  • SF Doug McDermott (foot) doubtful
  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out

Mavericks

  • SG Seth Curry (ankle) out
  • PF Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) questionable
  • SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) questionable
  • PG Jalen Brunson (shoulder) out
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

Pacers at Mavericks: 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 Sunday at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Mavericks 124, Pacers 101

Moneyline (ML)

The Mavericks (-223) trampled the Memphis Grizzlies, 121-96, on Friday. Kristaps Porzingis continued his hot play against Memphis, scoring 26 points and grabbing 11 boards — his fifth straight double-double. The Pacers (+180) bounced back from Wednesday’s 119-100 loss at Milwaukee by beating the Chicago Bulls, 108-102, at home two nights later. Sunday’s game will conclude a five-game road trip for the Pacers. Dallas prevailed in the first meeting of these two clubs, 112-103 at Indiana Feb. 3. And that was despite Luka Doncic sitting out for Dallas and Oladipo playing in his third game back from injury that cost him more than a calendar year.

Given the Pacers’ injury issues, my recommendation is to PASS on the moneyline here. The plus-money line for the playoff-bound Pacers is juicy but they could be without three starters. Betting heavy favorites such as the Mavericks is a bad ROI for the more enthusiastic gambler.

New to sports betting? A $100 bet on the Mavericks to win outright would return a profit of $44.84 if successful. Betting $100 on the Pacers to win outright would return a $180 profit if successful.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Don’t overthink this one and bet MAVERICKS -5.5 (-106). If the Pacers were fully healthy we’d definitely be looking to play them here since there are many favorable Indiana trends. Trends that aren’t so Pacers-friendly:  Indiana is 1-5 ATS in their last six games against Dallas and 1-4 ATS in its last five games as an underdog. 

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams have shown a propensity to send their games Over the projected total, albeit for different reasons. The Pacers have an O/U record of 33-29-1 this season and I get the feeling that’s mostly due to the public’s perception of Indiana being a slower-paced, defensive team. The Mavericks’ O/U record is 39-25 and that’s because they are one of the better offensive teams in the NBA. They are ranked first in offensive rating, third in points per game and second in 3-pointers attempted per game. Also, the Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Dallas and their combined O/U record in non-conference games is 29-19 this season.

BET OVER 217.5.

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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