Tag: NBA betting picks

New Orleans Pelicans at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Dallas Mavericks sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The New Orleans Pelicans (26-35) visit the Big D on Wednesday for a 9:30 p.m. ET tip-off against the Dallas Mavericks (37-25) in the American Airlines Center. We analyze the Pelicans-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.

Pelicans at Mavericks: Key injuries

Pelicans

  • SG Kenrich Williams (back) out
  • SG J.J. Redick (hamstring) out
  • SF Darius Miller (Achilles) out

Mavericks

  • PG J.J. Barea (ankle) questionable
  • SG Seth Curry (back) questionable
  • C Willie Cauley-Stein (personal) questionable
  • PG Jalen Brunson (shoulder) out
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

Pelicans 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 Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Mavericks 123, Pelicans 119

Moneyline (ML)

The Pelicans are the second half of a back-to-back, losing 139-134 at home Tuesday to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Given the Pelicans’ playoff hopes, the loss to the crummy Timberwolves is an epic disappointment. The Mavericks took their own frustrating loss on the road to the Chicago Bulls, 109-107 on Monday to wrap up a four-game road trip. Since the Pelicans are in the midst of a five-team battle for the final Western Conference playoff spot this is a much more important game for them. So could the Pelicans win? Yes. Will I bet them? No. The Pelicans’ moneyline price (+195) isn’t good enough and laying $239 to earn a $100 profit if the Mavericks win is no bueno. 

PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.

New to sports betting? A $100 wager on the Pelicans to win straight up would return a profit of $195.  

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Mavericks -5.5 (-115) have blown out the Pelicans +5.5 (-106) in each of their last two meetings and are 3-0 against the Pelicans this season. Dallas beat New Orleans, 130-84, in their last game all the way back on Dec. 7. This meeting will be a little different though because the Mavericks will have to figure out a way to deal with rookie phenom Zion Williamson. Plus the Mavericks are just 12-17-1 ATS at home and the Pelicans are 15-13-2 on the road. Also, the Pelicans do oddly well when playing on zero rest. New Orleans is 5-3 straight up and 6-2 ATS with no days off. 

TAKE PELICANS +5.5 (-106).

Over/Under (O/U)

It’s tough not seeing this game go OVER 238.5 (-110). The Mavericks have the second-highest percentage of Overs in the NBA and the Pelicans have the eighth. The Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings but the previous two Pelicans-Mavericks games went Under. However, that’s not the Mavericks’ fault since they scored 134 and 118, but because New Orleans failed to hit triple digits in those games. In the past 10 games, the Pelicans lead the NBA in points per game and Dallas is the third-highest scoring team this year.

I slightly LEAN OVER 238.5 (-110).

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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Memphis Grizzlies at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Memphis Grizzlies at Brooklyn Nets sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Brooklyn Nets (27-33) host the Memphis Grizzlies (30-31) on the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Barclays Center. We analyze the Grizzlies-Nets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

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

Grizzlies at Nets: Key injuries

Grizzles

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

Nets

  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out

Grizzlies at Nets: 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

Nets 117, Grizzlies 108

Moneyline (ML)

The Grizzlies (+100) are coming off their best performance of the season, trouncing the Atlanta Hawks by 39 points (127-88) Monday. The NETS -121 rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics on the road Monday, 129-120, in overtime. Memphis beat Brooklyn 134-133 in an overtime thriller Oct. 27. Both teams are vying for playoff seeding or berths and are coming into the game recently snapping losing streaks. 

I LIKE NETS -121 because they do a good job defending what the Grizzlies do well and they should be able to hit 3’s against a poor Grizzlies 3-point defense. The Grizzlies are first in points in the paint, fourth in fast-break points and ninth in second-chance points. However, the Nets are around the league average in defending most of those categories and they have the size to make interior scoring difficult for the Grizzlies. 

Brooklyn only has the 25th ranked 3-point percentage, but attempts the fifth most 3’s per game. Memphis is ranked 21st in opponent’s 3-point attempts per game and is 23rd in opponent’s 3-point percentage. I.e. the Nets should be able to get a lot of good looks, and if they are going down this will be an easy winner.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Stick with our moneyline bet and PASS on the spread. But, the following ATS trends support my ML handicap. The Nets -1.5 (-110) are 16-13 ATS at home and 5-1 ATS in their last six home games. The Grizzlies +1.5 (-110) are 14-15-1 ATS on the road and 11-13-1 ATS as a road dog, losing by an average of 5.4 points per game. 

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 223.5 (-110) is the best play on the total, but only a lean for me since I don’t like playing totals. The Over is 14-3 in the last 17 head-to-head meetings in Brooklyn and 4-0 in the last four games. Furthermore, the Over is 6-1 in Grizzlies last seven vs. a team with a losing record and 4-1 in Nets last five overall.

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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Washington Wizards at Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Washington Wizards at Portland Trail Blazers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and bets.

The Washington Wizards (22-38) visit Moda Center at the Rose Quarter Wednesday to take on the Portland Trail Blazers (27-35). Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. We analyze the Wizards-Trail Blazers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Wizards at Trail Blazers: Key injuries

Wizards

  • PG John Wall (Achilles) out

Trail Blazers

  • PG Damian Lillard (groin) probable
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • PF Jusuf Nurkc (leg) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out

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

Wizards at Trail Blazers: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:45 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Trail Blazers 120, Wizards 114

Moneyline (ML)

The Trail Blazers (-334) are significant home favorites over the Wizards (+260). The biggest reason for this large line is the expected return of Lilliard, who had missed several weeks with a groin injury. While this game might be closer than the line suggests, PASS on this chalky moneyline in favor of the point spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Trail Blazers (-7.5, -110) are three-basket favorites over the WIZARDS (+7.5, -110). While their overall record might not show it, the Wizards have been very competitive of late, covering in four of their last five contests. The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, have failed to cover in six of their previous eight games, but those were all without Lillard in the lineup. Expect the Trail Blazers to win, but for the Wizards to keep this close and ultimately cover the spread in Portland.

Over/Under (O/U)

The point total for this Wednesday contest is set at 239.5 points, which feels about right considering how well each team has played on offense this season. Both the Wizards and Trail Blazers rank inside the top-10 in scoring offense, and both rank in the bottom-five in terms of scoring defense. The 239.5 points is still a lot for a Blazers team with a bunch of injuries and a rusty Lillard. Expect a ton of scoring, but for the UNDER 239.5 (+100) to hit in Portland.

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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Utah Jazz at New York Knicks odds, picks and best bets

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

The Utah Jazz (38-22) travel to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks (19-42) Wednesday. Tip-off for this game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Jazz-Knicks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Jazz at Knicks: Key injuries

Knicks

  • SF Reggie Bullock (illness) probable
  • SF Kevin Knox (leg) questionable
  • C Mitchell Robinson (hamstring) questionable
  • PG Dennis Smith (concussion) out

Jazz

  • PG Nigel Williams-Goss (quadriceps) out

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

Jazz at Knicks: 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. E.T.

Prediction

Jazz 113, Knicks 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Jazz (-358) are big road favorites over the Knicks (+275). While Utah is currently in a bit of a slump, losing four of its last six games, the Knicks have lost six of their last eight. Both sides aren’t playing well, but don’t be afraid to take the Jazz here despite the big line. Utah is just a much better team and should be able to defeat the Knicks, even on the road.

PASS on the moneyline bet, however, as there just isn’t enough value with a $10 bet on the Jazz to win returning a profit of just $2.80.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Jazz (-8.5, -106) are nearly double-digit favorites over the KNICKS (+8.5, -115) despite failing to cover in four of their last five games. Utah has struggled to find its rhythm but will look to bounce back against New York with PG Mike Conley now coming off the bench. Given their recent struggles, I like the Knicks to hang around and eventually cover this spread as they have covered in seven of their last 10 home games.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set 218.5 points, which feels about right considering how bad the Knicks have been on offense this season. They have the third-worst scoring offense in the NBA, averaging just over 105 points per game. I still like the OVER 218.5 (-115) to hit here as the Knicks have struggled to stop anyone on the other end of the court this season. Don’t expect a high-scoring game, but expect this game to finish in the 220-point range.

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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Oklahoma City Thunder at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Oklahoma City Thunder at Detroit Pistons sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (37-24) are coming off a 15-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday and take on the Detroit Pistons (20-42) Wednesday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. We analyze the Thunder-Pistons 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.

Thunder at Pistons: Key injuries

Thunder

  • SF Darius Bazley (knee) out
  • SG Andre Roberson (knee) out

Pistons

  • SF Bruce Brown (knee) doubtful
  • SF Sekou Doumbouya (leg) probable
  • PF Blake Griffin (knee) out
  • SG Luke Kennard (knee) out
  • PG Brandon Knight (quad) questionable
  • C Thon Maker (foot) probable
  • PG Derrick Rose (ankle) out
  • C Christian Wood (foot) probable

Thunder at Pistons: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Thunder 115, Pistons 89

Moneyline (ML)

The playoff-bound Thunder (-304) are heavily favored on the road against the Pistons (+240). They are coming off two blowout losses to two of the best teams in the league in the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers. Before those two losses, they had won five in a row and nine of 11. The Pistons have won only one game in their last 10 games and three of their last 14. Previous to a win over the Phoenix Suns Friday, they had lost seven straight. They are only 11-20 at home, while the Thunder are 17-11 on the road.

There isn’t any value, but it is as close to a sure thing as there is. Take the THUNDER (-304) to win outright.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Oklahoma City returns a profit of only $3.29.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The THUNDER (-7.5, -106) are favored on the road. They have failed to cover the spread in any of their last four games, while the Pistons (+7.5, -115) have covered in three of their last four. Detroit is only 11-19 ATS at home and the Thunder are a league-best 21-7 ATS on the road. Coming off two losses to great teams, Oklahoma City will take things out on the shorthanded Pistons.

Take the Thunder to win by at least 8 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 210.5 points for Wednesday night. Detroit is missing some of its top scorers and Oklahoma City is mostly healthy. Three of Detroit’s last four games have hit the Under. The Thunder’s last two losses have gone Under the projected total. They will put up points, but things point toward the Pistons not holding up their end of the bargain. Only one team will be scoring lots. Take the UNDER 210.5 (+100).

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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Orlando Magic at Miami Heat odds, picks and best bets

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

The Orlando Magic (27-34) visit the Miami Heat (39-22) Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Magic-Heat odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Magic have lost two in a row, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers at home Monday by a 130-107 score. The Heat own a three-game win streak, recently making a statement by beating the Milwaukee Bucks 105-89 as a 5-point home dog – it was just Milwaukee’s ninth loss of the season.

This is the final game of the season series, which the Heat lead 2-1. They dropped a 105-85 affair at the Magic Jan. 3 before winning 113-92 at home Jan. 27 and 102-89 on the road Feb. 1.

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

Magic at Heat: Key injuries

Magic

  • PF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out
  • PF Gary Clark (knee) questionable
  • PF Aaron Gordon (knee) questionable
  • PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out

Heat

  • C Meyers Leonard (ankle) out
  • SG Tyler Herro (ankle) out

Magic 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 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Heat 107, Magic 96

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. The Heat (-304) are one of the league’s best home teams, going 26-4, but the price is way too high. Every $3.04 wagered on the Heat ML profits only $1 if they win. The Magic (+240) offer a 2.4-to-1 payoff if they win, but Miami is just too good on its home floor this season. PASS and focus on the spread and total.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

A slight lean to the HEAT (-7.5, –106) – even if Gordon plays for the Magic (+7.5, -115). With their impressive straight-up home record, it’s no surprise the Heat are the league’s best home team ATS at 20-9-1. They’re also 17-8-1 ATS as a home favorite. The Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last seven trips to South Beach, otherwise, they’re just above .500 ATS on the road overall at 16-13-1 this season.

New to sports betting? Every $1.06 wagered on the Heat’s spread will profit $1 if they win by 8 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 218.5 (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Orlando has played to eight Overs in a row – allowing an average of 120.3 points per game – and coach Steve Clifford isn’t happy. He stressed “defense” at Tuesday’s practice, and I’m banking on the players to respond.

For the season, the Magic rank third in points allowed at 106.9 PPG, so they obviously can do it. Plus, the Under is 4-0 in the last four head-to-head meetings AND eight of the last 10 games haven’t reached 207 points.

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: 13-4. Strongest plays: 7-2.

Since Nov. 1: 61-38-4. Strongest plays: 34-15.

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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Chicago Bulls at Minnesota Timberwolves odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Chicago Bulls at Minnesota Timberwolves sports betting odds, picks and best bets

The Chicago Bulls (21-40) head to the Twin Cities to battle the Minnesota Timberwolves (18-42) at Target Center at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday. We analyze the Bulls-Timberwolves sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Bulls at Timberwolves: Key Injuries

Bulls

  • PG Kris Dunn (knee) out
  • SF Chandler Hutchinson (shoulder) out
  • PF Luke Kornet (ankle) out
  • PG Zach LaVine (quadriceps) out
  • PF Lauri Markkanen (pelvis) questionable
  • PG Max Strus (knee) out

Timberwolves

  • C Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) out
  • SG Eric Turner (undisclosed) out

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

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

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

Prediction

Timberwolves 122, Bulls 113

Moneyline (ML)

The Timberwolves (-162) are favored to take down the Bulls (+135), but this is a little higher than I’d like to risk. Usually my limit is -170 to -180 max. AVOID, and look to the line.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The TIMBERWOLVES (-3.5, -106) are a bit of a risky play, as they’re just 5-15-1 against the spread in the past 21 as a favorite. They’re also 1-5-1 ATS in the past seven in the second end of a home-and-home. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Bulls (+3.5, -115) are 2-7 ATS in their past nine meetings with the Wolves, and 0-5 ATS in the past five trips to the Twin Cities.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 229.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit play, as neither of these pay very much attention to defense. The Over has hit in five of the past six meetings, while going 4-1 in the past five battles at Target Center. The Over is also 11-3 in the past 14 overall for Chicago, and 10-2 in their past 12 as a ‘dog while going a perfect 7-0 in their past seven on the road. The Over is also 6-1 in the past seven for the T’Wolves, too.

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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Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Indiana Pacers (37-24) visit the Milwaukee Bucks (52-9) Wednesday for the fourth and final meeting of the regular season between the two Central Division rivals. Tip-off at Fiserv Forum is set for 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Pacers-Bucks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Pacers at Bucks: Key Injuries

Pacers

  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out
  • SG Victor Oladipo (knee) questionable

Bucks

  • PG George Hill (groin) probable
  • SG Kyle Korver (back) out

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

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 110, Pacers 104

Moneyline (ML)

The Bucks (-667) lead the head-to-head season series 2-1. They claimed victories by scores of 102-83 (Nov. 16) and 117-89 (Dec. 22), but the Pacers (+475) earned a 118-111 win Feb. 12 to give themselves a chance for the series split. Indiana enters this game as the hotter team, having won four straight games, including a 116-111 win over the San Antonio Spurs Monday. The Bucks fell 105-89 on the road at the Miami Heat Monday to snap a six-game winning streak.

The value is high on the visitors Wednesday, but we’ll PASS on a moneyline bet as the Pacers take their pedestrian 16-14 road record into Fiserv Forum to play a Bucks team with a 27-3 home record. The Bucks are 8-0 straight up following a loss this season, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bucks to win returns a profit of $1.70.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Back the PACERS (+11.5, -115) against a lopsided spread. Both of their losses to the Bucks this season came by at least 19 points, but they won the last meeting by seven points and they’re entering play on a four-game streak.

The Pacers are 17-12-1 ATS on the road and the Bucks are 18-12 ATS at home. Indiana ranks third in the NBA with a 23-14-1 ATS record when playing on equal rest as its opposition. Milwaukee is just 16-13 ATS in those situations.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 222.5 (-115) in Pacers-Bucks. The two games this season went 1-2 Over/Under against Wednesday’s projected total with the most recent meeting going over the number. The familiarity between the two rivals at this point in the season will help to limit the offense.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 205-179

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 Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Los Angeles Clippers (41-19) visit the Sooner State Tuesday to play the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-23) at 8 p.m. ET at Chesapeake Energy Arena. We analyze the Clippers-Thunder 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.

Clippers at Thunder: Key injuries

Thunder

  • SF Darius Bazley (knee) out
  • SG Andre Roberson (knee) out

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

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Clippers 119, Thunder 110

Moneyline (ML)

If you haven’t noticed, the Thunder (+155) have been a little off their game lately and the Clippers (-189) have been balling now that everyone is healthy. Oklahoma City has won two of its last three games but played unnecessarily tight games with the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings, losing both against the spread. Their most recent game was a 47-point stomping at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks Friday.

The season series is split 1-1 but Clippers SF Kawhi Leonard didn’t play in either of the two meetings. The Thunder picked up a 118-112 W in the last meeting, keyed by a revenge performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who scored 32 points in the victory. Call me crazy, but I think Leonard’s presence in this game will end up having an influence on the outcome. The Clippers’ moneyline is on the fringe of a price I’d play but my official recommendation is to PASS in favor of a bet on the spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Spoiler alert: I don’t really have any ATS trends to sell my bet. The Thunder have the second-best ATS record in the NBA and trend better in most situations than the Clippers. I am mostly going off the eye test and how impressive the Clippers have looked recently. Both teams have a 4-1 record since returning from the All-Star break, except the Clippers have a plus-12.6 average margin of victory and the Thunder have a minus-0.4 margin of victory.

Granted the Thunder numbers are skewed because of the whooping they took from the Bucks. Los Angeles is the more balanced team—ranked higher in offensive and defensive rating than Oklahoma City—and with the season winding down, the Clippers will begin to round into playoff form.

I LOVE CLIPPERS -4.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Three of the past four Clippers-Thunder meetings have gone Under the projected total but their last game went Over. The 226.5 projected total feels like a good line that I don’t see much edge betting either side.

Both teams have the same Over/Under record of 28-31-1 and both are above-average defensively. I slightly lean OVER 226.5 (-121) because the Clippers have scored 124 or more points in three of their last four games and the added vig to the Over is BetMGM pricing against incoming Over wagers.

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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Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Brooklyn Nets (26-33) stop by the TD Garden Tuesday to play the Boston Celtics (41-18) at 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Nets-Celtics odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

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

Nets at Celtics: Key injuries

Nets

  • SG Caris LeVert (hand) probable
  • SG Garrett Temple (shoulder) questionable
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out

Celtics

  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) probable
  • C Robert Williams III (hip) probable
  • SF Jayson Tatum (illness) questionable
  • PG Marcus Smart (illness) questionable

Nets at Celtics: 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

Nets 113, Celtics 107

Moneyline (ML)

Brooklyn beating Boston isn’t out of the question — the Nets are 3-2 in their last five games against the Celtics (-278). Plus, Tatum and Smart were both held out of Boston’s practice Monday due to an illness and their game-time statuses are still undetermined. Monitor the injury report up until the lineups are confirmed because if the Celtics are without their leading scorer and defensive anchor, the value is on the Nets. The Nets’ Walker is scheduled to return from a five-game hiatus but the Celtics, as a team, didn’t really step up to replace his offense. Tatum did. During Walker’s absence, Tatum averaged 34.0 points per game on 50.9% field-goal shooting, including 50.0% behind the arc. However, the bench averaged an NBA-low 13 PPG over those five games, which was 6.6 PPG behind the second-to-last team in bench scoring (the Portland Trail Blazers). Walker will be on a minutes restriction in his first game back and if Tatum and/or Smart sit, the Celtics will turn to bad bench players. Bet the NETS (+220).

New to sports betting? Bet $50 on the Nets +220 to earn a profit of $110 if Brooklyn upsets Boston. 

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since we’re sprinkling on the Nets ML, we are definitely hammering NETS +6.5 (-110). Ignore the fact that the Celtics have covered six straight games and the Nets are 2-4 ATS in their last six games. This is a situational play through and through, the only positive trend I have (or need) is that the Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with the Celtics.

Over/Under (O/U)

The first two meetings of the season went Over, albeit, the totals were lower than tonight’s 219.5. I have a slight lean toward OVER 219.5 (-110) for the following reasons. First, the combined O/U record of the officiating crew assigned to this game is 79-56. Second, the Over is 4-0 in the Celtics last four games as a favorite. Third, the Over is 10-2 in the Nets last 12 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600. Because of the injury woes of both clubs, I do not love betting the total here.

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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