Tag: NBA betting tips

San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s San Antonio Spurs at Brooklyn Nets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (26-34) visit the Brooklyn Nets (27-34) Friday at Barclays Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Spurs-Nets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Spurs won at the Charlotte Hornets 104-103 Tuesday, a day after dropping a 116-111 decision at home to the Indiana Pacers. The Nets were blown out 118-79 on their home floor by the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, a day after stunning the Boston Celtics 129-120 in overtime on the road.

The Spurs took the first regular-season meeting, winning 118-105 at home Dec. 19.

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

Spurs at Nets: Key injuries

Spurs

  • PF LaMarcus Aldridge (shoulder) out
  • SG Marco Belinelli (illness) out
  • C Jakob Poeltl (knee) out

Nets

  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SG Garrett Temple (ankle) doubtful

Spurs 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 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 114, Spurs 106

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Nets are favored at -143, while the Spurs are +120 as road underdogs. Both teams are limping into this one, each going 4-6 across their last 10 games. Even worse, the Spurs are 6-11 in their last 17, while the Nets are 11-21 since Christmas. I’ll AVOID.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NETS (-2.5, –110) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They’re 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a loss and 7-1 ATS in their last eight Friday games. Not only will the Spurs be missing Aldridge (18.8 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game), but they’re 0-5 ATS in their last five games. I like my chances taking the home team, here.

New to sports betting? Every $1.10 wagered on the Nets spread will profit $1 if they win by 3 or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 222.5 (-115) with a small-unit play. The Under is 4-1 in the Nets’ last five home games, 6-2 in the Nets’ last eight games as a favorite and 6-2 in the Nets’ last eight games played on one day of rest. Plus, the Under is 4-2 in the last six head-to-head meetings.

Every $1.15 wagered on the Under will profit $1 if the two teams combine for 222 or fewer 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: 15-6. Strongest plays: 8-3.

Since Dec. 1: 52-31-2. Strongest plays: 29-12

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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Philadelphia 76ers at Sacramento Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Sacramento Kings sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Philadelphia 76ers (37-25) head over to Sactown on Thursday to play the Sacramento Kings (27-34) in the Golden 1 Center at 10 p.m. ET. We analyze the 76ers-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.

76ers at Kings: Key injuries

76ers

  • SG Josh Richardson (concussion) out
  • PG Ben Simmons (back) out
  • C Joel Embiid (shoulder) out

Kings

  • PG Cory Joseph (heel) probable
  • PG De’Aaron Fox (abdominal) probable
  • PF Richaun Holmes (shoulder) out
  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out

76ers 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 1:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Kings 120, Sixers 108

Moneyline (ML)

The 76ers (+170) enter the third game of their four-game west coast road trip against the Kings (-209) losing back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Clippers, 136-130, Sunday and the Los Angeles Lakers, 120-107, Tuesday. Sacramento comes in on a three-game winning streak, and winning six of its last seven games, including a 133-126 victory over the Washington Wizards on March 3. This is going to be the fourth straight game without franchise stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Their only win was at home against the New York Knicks, 115-106, Feb. 27.

Since the Kings are one of the five teams trying to run down the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoffs, this game is pivotal and there is no way they should snooze on a Philadelphia team down three starters. Sacramento should keep their momentum going and get an easy W over the injury-depleted 76ers. AVOID the moneyline because Kings (-209) is too chalky, and the 76ers (+170) isn’t a good enough payout.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

HAMMER THE KINGS -5.5 (-110) because of how bad the 76ers are on the road and their defensive freefall without Simmons and Embiid in the lineup. In the three games without their stars, Philadelphia is ranked 26th in opponents’ points per game and three-point percentage, and last in opponents’ field goal percentage and opponents’ points in the paint. 

Philadelphia is the worst road team, and road underdog, against the spread in the NBA. They are 8-22-2 ATS on the road and 4-11-1 ATS when they are an away dog. Also, the 76ers have the second-worst ATS record when playing on equal rest at 10-17-3.

Over/Under (O/U)

I slightly LEAN OVER 218.5. I described Philadelphia’s defensive struggles since Simmons and Embiid went down, but the Kings have been scoring more since the All-Star Break. Sacramento has increased their points per game from 107.9 to 114.9 per since the break. Furthermore, the combined Over/Under record of the officiating crew assigned to this game is 74-46.

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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Toronto Raptors at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Raptors at Warriors sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Golden State Warriors (14-48) kick off a four-game homestand Thursday night, returning home after a 116-100 win over the Denver Nuggets. They host the Toronto Raptors (43-18), playing the third game of a five-game road trip. Tipoff is Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center in San Francisco.

We analyze the Raptors-Warriors 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 Warriors: Key injuries

Raptors:

  • C Marc Gasol (hamstring) questionable
  • C Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out
  • F Serge Ibaka (knee) questionable
  • G Fred VanVleet (shoulder) questionable

Warriors

  • G Ky Bowman (ankle) out
  • F Draymond Green (knee) questionable
  • C Kevon Looney (hip) out
  • F Alen Smailagic (quad) out
  • G Klay Thompson (knee) out

Raptors at Warriors: 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 Thursday at 10:45 a.m, ET.

Prediction

Raptors 115, Warriors 100

Moneyline (ML)

As expected, the Raptors (-334) are heavy favorites. They are the second-best team in the East, while the Warriors (+260) have the fewest home wins (seven) in the entire league. They have lost nine straight at home. Toronto has 20 road wins this year.

The pick is obvious. Take the Raptors (-334) to win, even though you won’t win a ton. New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Toronto returns a profit of $2.99.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The spread is -7.5 in favor of Toronto. They bounced back from three straight ATS losses with a win and a cover against the Suns on Tuesday, while Golden State has covered two of their last three games. Before that, though, they lost and failed to cover the previous four games.

The Warriors can be tougher at home, going 12-19 ATS at Chase Center. Toronto is 15-14 ATS on the road and 8-7 ATS as a road favorite. With the Warriors still shorthanded, Toronto should be able to roll to a fairly easy win.

Take the RAPTORS at -7.5 (-121).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is sent at 225.5 points. Warriors games have gone Under in five of their last six games. After hitting the Over in their last two games, Toronto’s previous five all went Under. The Warriors’ home games go Under more often than not with a 13-18 O/U record. The Raptors are 15-13-1 O/U on the road.

With a short bench for the Warriors, they will struggle to keep up. They probably won’t score more than about 100 on the night. Take the UNDER (-115).

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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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.

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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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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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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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.

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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Toronto Raptors at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Toronto Raptors at Phoenix Suns sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (42-18) hope to end a three-game losing streak on the road Tuesday night. They take on the Phoenix Suns (24-37), who also have lost three in a row. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. ET at Talking Stick Resort Arena. We analyze the Raptors-Suns 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 Suns: Key injuries

Raptors

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

Suns

  • SF Kelly Oubre (knee) out
  • PF Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
  • PF Cam Johnson (back, hip) probable

Raptors at Suns: 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 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 112, Suns 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Raptors (-189) are perhaps not as heavy favorites in this game as they should be, as they enter Tuesday with nearly twice as many wins as the Suns (+155) on the season. They are excellent on the road this season at 19-9, while the Suns have won only 11 games at home all season, fewer than they have on the road.

Phoenix has lost the first three games of their six-game homestand and hasn’t won at home since before the All-Star break. The Raptors are 12-5 this season after a loss and two of those losses have come in their last two games. Phoenix is 17-19 after a loss.

The Suns almost look like they are giving up, since the loss of Oubre for the rest of the season. Taking the RAPTORS (-189) in this game is a slam dunk.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Toronto returns a profit of $5.30.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The RAPTORS (-4.5, -106) come in favored by two possessions. The line is surprisingly small, considering the success of the two teams this season. The Raptors already beat the Suns by 17 points in Toronto. Both teams have lost three in a row and ailed to cover in all three. The Suns have covered the spread in only two of their last nine games and three of their last 14. They are one of the league’s worst teams against the spread at home, going only 11-20 ATS this season at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Toronto is an even 14-14 ATS on the road.

Until the Suns show more than they have the last three games, don’t bet on them. Take the Raptors to win by at least 5 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 224.5 points. Suns games have split the last four games against the projected total, but they have hit the Under in six of eight games overall. They are 16-15 against the O/U at home this season. Five of Toronto’s last six games have gone Under.

The two teams combined for 219 points in their last matchup. Take the UNDER 224.5 (+100) 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.

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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