NBA money line against the spread ATS Over Under OU total – Page 294

Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Indiana Pacers (6-8) are in the “Big Apple” Monday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off with the New York Knicks (7-6) at Madison Square Garden. Below, we look at the Pacers vs. Knicks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Indiana has won three of its past four games including back-to-back victories at the Utah Jazz Thursday and against the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday. The Pacers are 8-6 ATS and 5-9 O/U and are tied with the 14th-ranked net rating (plus-0.2).

New York has lost three of four including the past two against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday and at the Charlotte Hornets Friday. The Knicks are 6-7 ATS and 6-7 O/U and also are tied with the 14th-ranked net rating (plus-0.2).

The Pacers crushed the Knicks 111-98 as 1-point home favorites earlier this year (Nov. 3).

The Knicks beat the Pacers 2-1 (overall and ATS) in their regular-season series last year. The Under went 2-1 in those three contests.

Pacers at Knicks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:25 p.m. ET.

Money line: Pacers +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Knicks -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pacers +3.5 (-107) | Knicks -3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Pacers at Knicks key injuries

Pacers

SG Chris Duarte (ankle) questionable
SF T.J. Warren (foot) out

Knicks

C Nerlens Noel (knee) questionable

Pacers at Knicks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 113, Pacers 108

Money line

“LEAN” to the KNICKS (-170) to bounce back in their second meeting of the season with the Pacers (+135) because there’s been a “sharp line move” towards New York. For instance, the Knicks opened as -135 money line favorite before the markets steamed them up to the current price.

Furthermore, the Knicks are a deeper team than the Pacers. New York’s bench averages the fourth-most points per game (PPG) and has the second-best plus/minus. While Indiana’s bench is 18th in plus/minus and averages the 21st-most PPG.

Also, in the first Pacers-Knicks meeting this season, New York had more points off of turnovers, second-chance points and paint points than Indiana.

However, Pacers big Myles Turner connected on 7-of-10 3-pointers and the Knicks shot just 20.8% from behind the arc as a team.

I expect Indiana’s 3-point shooting to regress a tad in this game and New York to have a better 3-point shooting night.

Against the spread

PASS since I’m paying -170 for New York’s money line to avoid having to lay it with the Knicks -3.5 (-115). On top of that, the Pacers are 4-1 ATS as a road underdog and the Knicks are 2-4 ATS as a home favorite.

Over/Under

BET the OVER 213.5 (-110) for a 1 unit as a “fade against the market”, which is betting the Under at a 90-plus-percent clip, according to Pregame.com.

The first Pacers-Knicks meeting went Under the total because of atrocious outside shooting by New York yet Monday’s meeting opened with a 217.5-point total. That tells me the oddsmakers were expecting a bounce-back shooting performance from the Knicks but the market has “recency bias”.

However, both offenses have a top-10 3-point shooting percentage and both defenses have a bottom-10 3-point shooting percentage.

Lastly, the bottom line is there’s been too much movement on this total considering the 3-point shooting head-to-head and the expectation these teams will play more halfcourt basketball.

The OVER 213.5 (-110) is my favorite play in this Pacers-Knicks game.

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

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Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (8-4) hosts the Denver Nuggets (9-4) Monday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off at American Airlines Center. Below, we look at the Nuggets vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Denver has won five straight games, three of which were against playoff teams from last season. The Nuggets hammered the Portland Trail Blazers last night 124-95 as 5.5-point home favorites. Denver is 7-6 ATS and 3-10 O/U with the fourth-best net rating (plus-5.6).

Dallas has won four of its past five games with the latest being a 123-109 victory at the San Antonio Spurs as 2.5-point road favorites.

The Mavs’ offense is all on Luka Doncic‘s shoulders. Doncic has the highest usage rate in the Association and the third-highest assist rate. Dallas is 4-8 ATS and 3-8-1 O/U with the 21st-ranked net rating (minus-1.8).

The Nuggets destroyed the Mavs 106-75 in their first meeting this season, Oct. 29. Denver outscored Dallas 50-22 in paint points and held the Mavs to just 29.5% field goal shooting.

Nuggets at Mavericks odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: Nuggets +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Mavericks -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets +4.5 (-105) | Mavericks -4.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 208.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Nuggets at Mavericks key injuries

Nuggets

SG Will Barton (back) doubtful
SF Michael Porter Jr. (back) out

Mavericks

PF Maxi Kleber (oblique) out

Nuggets at Mavericks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 104, Mavericks 99

Money line

Slight “LEAN” to the NUGGETS (+160) for a tiny wager because I “like” Denver getting points in this spot and will “sprinkle” on the underdog’s money line. Furthermore, the Mavs have gotten stomped in the few times they’ve played a good team this season.

According to CleaningTheGlass.com, which removes garbage time from its stat tracking, Dallas has an NBA-worst minus-24.3 net points per 100 possessions vs. teams in the top-10 of net efficiency.

That said, Denver’s spread is a much wiser wager so if it’s either or go with the Nuggets plus the points.

Against the spread

Definitely BET the NUGGETS +4.5 (-105) heavier than or instead of Denver’s money line. Each team has only played three games vs. opponents in the top-10 of net efficiency.

But, Denver has a plus-10.7 spread differential (ranked second) in those games and Dallas has a minus-15.3 spread differential (ranked 29th), according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

Also, more than 85% of the cash wagered is on the Mavericks (according to Pregame.com), which has steamed them up from a 4-point favorite on the opener to the current number. Typically, a contrarian mindset is a profitable foundation for successfully betting on sports.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 208.5 (-112) because more money is on the Under whereas more bets have been placed on the Over (according to Pregame.com). Generally, it’s wise to follow the money in sports betting especially when it’s flowing in the opposite direction as the public.

Also, the Mavs just don’t score easy buckets. Dallas scores the fourth-fewest points off of turnovers, second-chance points and fastbreak points per game and the second-fewest paint points per game.

However, I can only “LEAN” to the UNDER 208.5 (-112) because the probable absence of Barton hurts Denver’s defense more so than its offense. CleaningTheGlass.com grades Barton in the 97th percentile of on/off rating for wings.

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

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Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (9-4) travel to Staples Center Monday to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (8-6). Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bulls at Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

With both teams expecting to miss All-Star-caliber players, the Chicago Bulls will enter this game led by SG Zach LaVine and the league’s top fourth-quarter scorer in PF DeMar DeRozan.

The Bulls have cooled off since their ultra-hot start and are now 6-4 in their last 10, starting the season off with an impressive four-game win streak. They most recently snapped the Los Angeles Clippers’ 7-game winning streak and will stay in L.A. for their matchup with the LeBron James-less Lakers.

Not having PF James didn’t matter against the San Antonio Spurs as C Anthony Davis put up 34 points. Davis and PG Russell Westbrook are the Lakers’ two leaders when James is sidelined.

After a slow start, the Lakers have won three of their last four.

Bulls at Lakers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:32 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Lakers -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls -1.5 (-102) | Lakers +1.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Bulls at Lakers key injuries

Bulls

Injury report not yet submitted
C Nikola Vucevic (health and safety protocols) expected to be out

Lakers

Injury report not yet submitted
PF LeBron James (abdomen) expected to be out

Bulls at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 109, Lakers 105

Money line

PASS with a “lean” to the Bulls (-112).

At one point, I’d rather go with a spread option, because getting the Bulls at a marginally better price is too tempting. There hasn’t been a one-point difference to end a game since Nov. 6, more than 60 NBA games ago.

Against the spread

BET on the BULLS -1.5 (-102). This game really shouldn’t be a two-point game.

While Chicago hasn’t played as well as when the season started, it is still the more competent side. LaVine and DeRozan are legitimate stars. The Bulls rank 13th in offensive rating and fifth in defensive.

The Lakers are 23rd and 12th, respectively. The Lakers also have the fourth-worst turnover rate and the 14th-worst true-shooting percentage, both significantly lower than Chicago.

The Lakers are 1-2 against teams with top-10 rated defenses (beating the Cleveland Cavaliers and losing to the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns).

The Lakers are .500 over their last six with two losses to sub-.500 teams. They just can’t be trusted. For that reason, I’m backing the Bulls and expecting them to win by more than one.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 216.5 (-107) as the better value on the total. While there are at least four stars on the court in this game, Westbrook and LaVine have both proven to be sporadic at times.

Both teams have a better rated defense than offense. While the Lakers do rank third in pace, as noted, they also rank bottom five in turnover rate. The Bulls are 15th in pace.

The Bulls have the sixth-highest opponents’ turnover percentage. With PG Lonzo Ball and SG Alex Caruso taking on the Lakers’ Westbrook and SG Malik Monk, the advantage, especially defensively, goes to Chicago.

For those reasons combined, I favor the Under.

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

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Miami Heat at Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Miami Heat at Oklahoma City Thunder odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Miami Heat (8-5) travel to Paycom Center Monday to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (5-7). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Heat at Thunder odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Thunder have come on strong of late and are 5-5 over their last 10 games. Led by star G Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City has improved on both ends of the court and it’s playing .500 ball at Paycom — a positive for a youthful roster.

The Thunder get a tough test with the Heat, who have title aspirations, although there’s a chance G Jimmy Butler — who sat in the Heat’s victory over the Utah Jazz Saturday — again doesn’t play.

All eyes will be on third-year G Tyler Herro who has been annihilating teams if Butler is unable to suit up. Herro torched the Jazz with 27 points and is averaging 21.5 per game.

Heat at Thunder odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:35 a.m. ET.

Money line: Heat -520 (bet $520 to win $100) | Thunder +370 (bet $100 to win $370)
Against the spread (ATS): Heat -8.5 (-122) | Thunder +8.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 210.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Heat at Thunder key injuries

Heat

C Bam Adebayo (knee) probable
G Jimmy Butler (ankle) questionable
G Victor Oladipo (knee) out

Thunder

Not submitted yet but none expected that will affect gambling odds

Heat at Thunder odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Heat 104, Thunder 98

Money line

PASS on the money line. No NBA regular-season game is worth a -520 price tag.

I really wouldn’t hate a small sprinkle on the Thunder money line as the Heat could be short-handed without Butler and OKC will be at home, but personally, I’d rather take the points.

Against the spread

BET on the THUNDER +8.5 (-102).

I would even consider altering it down to 7.5 for plus-money value as this should be a good matchup for a Thunder team that’s been much better at home. SGA, G Lu Dort and rookie Josh Giddey all have either length or grit.

They’ll be able to contain Herro and G Kyle Lowry. SGA’s 6-foot-11 wingspan should help him defend against the smaller Lowry and Herro.

The Thunder have the league’s fifth-worst net rating, but it’s actually a plus-5.3 over their last three games.

OKC is surging and starting to figure it out, and while Miami is the superior team, with Butler questionable, I’m taking this to at least be a competitive game, especially with how the Thunder are playing at home.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 210.5 (-110) as the better side of the total.

Both teams rank under 100 in pace (only nine teams top 100). They rank 17th (Miami) and 28th (OKC) in true shooting percentage, a stat that incorporates three-point shooting as well.

Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in threes made as well which typically coincides with how well a team can consistently score high amounts.

The Thunder have missed 100 points in three of their last five. Put it all together, and the Under feels like the better play. Given a total that’s on the lower side, I’d be hesitant to put too much on it.

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

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Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Orlando Magic (3-10) travel to State Farm Arena Monday to take on the Atlanta Hawks (5-9). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Magic vs. Hawks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

While it is far too soon to say a team is in desperation mode, the Hawks need to figure it out now. They’re 2-8 in their last ten games and couldn’t down the Denver Nuggets two games back despite 56 from F John Collins and All-Star G Trae Young combined.

Having made it to the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago, the Hawks have been drastically disappointing to kick off the season.

While the Magic’s record isn’t even close to .500, they actually have played reasonably well. Led by G Cole Anthony, F Mo Bamba and rookie F Franz Wagner, Orlando ranks 27th in offensive rating and 26th in defensive rating, so they’re clearly still one of the weaker sides given their youth.

The Magic enter Monday as big-time road underdogs.

Magic at Hawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.

Money line: Magic +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Hawks -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Magic +10.5 (-110) | Hawks -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Magic at Hawks key injuries

Magic

G Markelle Fultz (knee) out
G Jalen Suggs (ankle) questionable
F Jonathan Isaac (knee) out

Hawks

F De’Andre Hunter (wrist) out

Magic at Hawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hawks 112, Magic 100

Money line

PASS on the money line as you’ll never catch me laying -550 on a regular-season NBA game. However, the Hawks should win this one with relative ease. They’re 4-1 at home.

Against the spread

BET the HAWKS -10.5 (-110) as it has solid value.

While it feels like too many points, the Magic have been getting blown out lately. Given top-five draft pick Suggs is questionable and Young should know this is a must-win for his Hawks, Atlanta should come out on top with ease.

The Magic have lost four of their last five games by more than ten points, including losses of 13, 13, and 12. They aren’t hanging around in games.

Nonetheless, Young should be able to have his way with Anthony and a defensively lacking backcourt. Three of Atlanta’s five wins have been by more than 10 points.

Given this matchup will feature Atlanta’s 11th-best offense against the Magic 26th-best defense, the Hawks should get points on the board, and I expect it’d be enough to win by double digits.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 213.5 (-107) as the better value on the total.

Both teams are in the bottom half of the league in true shooting percentage despite the Hawks supposedly being one of the better three-point shooting teams in the league.

They just haven’t consistently found the range this season. Add in the fact that both teams have missed the 100-point mark in two of their last three games, and the Under feels like the much safer play.

Both teams are also bottom half of the league in pace, so this should be a slow-paced game.

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

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Golden State Warriors at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

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

The Golden State Warriors (11-1) visit the Spectrum Center Sunday to take on the Charlotte Hornets (7-7). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Warriors at Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Warriors have easily been the best team in basketball. They rank No. 2 in offensive rating and No. 1 in defensive rating.

Led by two-time MVP PG Stephen Curry, who is averaging 28.4 points, 6.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds, the Warriors have lost just one game, an overtime thriller to the Memphis Grizzlies.

As for the Hornets, they recently visited Golden State and were destroyed by a Warriors third-quarter onslaught.

They’re led by PG LaMelo Ball and rising star PF Miles Bridges. The Hornets match up well with Golden State and should put up more of a challenge at home than they did in a 114-92 loss at the Warriors Nov. 3.

Warriors at Hornets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:31 p.m. ET.

Money line: Warriors -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Hornets +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Against the spread (ATS): Warriors -5.5 (-105) | Hornets +5.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Warriors at Hornets key injuries

Warriors

SG Damion Lee (hip) questionable
SG Klay Thompson (Achilles) out
C James Wiseman (knee) out

Hornets

PF P.J. Washington (elbow) out

Warriors at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Warriors 112, Hornets 108

Money line

PASS. I don’t think Charlotte will come out on top, and getting 5.5 points on the spread is enough for me to look there.

If there is a chance to play the money line, it’s on Charlotte at +165. Any regular-season NBA game at worse odds than -200 on a money line, even for an 11-1 team, isn’t worth it.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the HORNETS +5.5 (-120) as the Warriors spread is getting plenty of juice. Everyone is hopping on the Warriors bandwagon. Pregame.com has 78% of the tickets on Golden State and rightly so.

Given the Hornets’ length with Ball and talent with SG “Scary” Terry Rozier, they match up well, one reason they were down just 1 against Golden State at halftime of the Nov. 3 matchup.

The Hornets have the seventh-best offensive rating.

While they may not come out on top, they should be able to hold the Warriors close. Given how good the Dubs have been, I wouldn’t put too much on that though. Charlotte is 7-7 against the spread.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 227.5 (-110) as that’s just too many points. While the Hornets have a good offensive rating and like to push the pace, they’ll be taking on a Warriors defense that’s the best in the league.

While both teams are top five in pace, the Hornets get some flak for how well they shoot, just 17th in true shooting percentage.

With Unders hitting at a 61% rate and this one of the higher totals given the pace both teams play at, I’m thinking this will be too many points. The last time these two teams met, the Hornets failed to hit 100 while Golden State hit 114, barely over half of this game’s current total.

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

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Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (6-7) visit the Atlanta Hawks (4-9) Sunday for a 6 p.m. ET tip. Below, we look at the Bucks at Hawks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Bucks have disappointed so far this season. The reigning champs haven’t had PG Jrue Holiday, C Brook Lopez and SF Khris Middleton for most games with Holiday recently returning.

Much has been asked of two-time MVP PF Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’ll again need to be great for the Bucks to avoid a two-game losing streak. They’ve lost three of their last five.

As for the Hawks, a team with high preseason expectations, they’ve also struggled. PG Trae Young hasn’t acclimated to the new league-wide change on what a natural shooting foul is.

They’ve lost six straight and eight of their last nine.

Bucks at Hawks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:56 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Hawks -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +1.5 (-110) | Hawks -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Bucks at Hawks key injuries

Bucks

PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) probable
SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
PG George Hill (back) probable
C Brook Lopez (back) out
SG Khris Middleton (not with team) out

Hawks

SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) questionable
SF De’Andre Hunter (wrist) out

Bucks at Hawks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 112, Hawks 107

Money line

BET BUCKS (+100) as these teams know each other well, and I’m going with the team with the two-time MVP. Without Hunter, the Hawks will be short a capable defender.

Atlanta is also extremely cold. It was throttled several times in its road trip, and it’s been a pitiful showing. The Hawks have the 28th-worst defensive rating and the 21st-worst true shooting percentage.

They just haven’t played well, and against a former All-NBA defender in Holiday, they’ll again struggle. The Bucks are the opposite. They’re starting to heat up with Holiday back in the lineup.

Milwaukee ranks third in offensive rating over its last three. The Bucks are the more complete team with shooters all over the court. Despite their injuries, they should win this game.

Against the spread

PASS. Not many games end with a one-point difference. Regardless of who you think will win, I’d hang it to the money line either way.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 220.5 (-107) as both teams rank outside the top half of the league in true shooting percentage. With Milwaukee’s G/F Pat Connaughton and SG Grayson Allen playing large roles, if they aren’t hitting shots, the Bucks may not get many on the board.

At the same time, Hunter is a solid offensive option for Atlanta. With Young having struggled this season, having Holiday on him won’t make this an easy one.

Considering the defenders on the court and that Milwaukee is down two of its top four scoring threats, I’m “leaning” the UNDER 220.5 (-107), but just for a small unit.

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

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Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Clippers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Clippers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Clippers (8-4) hosts the Chicago Bulls (8-4) Sunday at the Staples Center for a 9:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bulls vs. Clippers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Chicago got routed by the Golden State Warriors 119-93 as 5.5-point road underdogs Friday. It was a “burn the tapes” game for the Bulls who sank seven fewer 3-pointers, grabbed nine fewer boards, committed four more turnovers and were outscored in the paint, 52-38, and in transition, 18-7.

The Bulls are 8-4 ATS and 5-7 O/U with the seventh-best net rating (plus-4.5).

L.A. has won seven straight with the latest being a 129-102 beatdown of the Minnesota Timberwolves at home Saturday. However, the Clippers’ only victory over a team with a winning record over this stretch came at home vs. the Miami Heat Wednesday.

The Clippers are 7-5 ATS and 6-6 O/U with the fourth-best net rating in the NBA (plus-5.9). L.A. took both regular-season meetings vs. Chicago last year but only covered in one of those games.

Bulls at Clippers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:25 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Clippers -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +4.5 (-115) | Clippers -4.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Bulls at Clippers key injuries

Bulls

C Nikola Vucevic (health and safety protocols)

Clippers

PF Marcus Morris (knee) questionable

Bulls at Clippers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Clippers 110, Bulls 102

Money line

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Clippers (-180) because it’s on the fringe of my price range for an NBA regular-season favorite.

However, L.A. is a little too expensive considering how good Chicago has looked thus far, and it’s a buy-low spot for the Bulls (+145) who were just crushed by the Warriors in an embarrassing fashion.

Against the spread

BET the CLIPPERS -4.5 (-107) for 1 unit because L.A. has the best cover rate in the second game of a back-to-back since the beginning of last season and Bulls second-leading scorer DeMar DeRozan was awful vs. the Clippers last season.

For instance, the Clippers are 10-2-1 ATS when playing on zero days rest with a plus-11.2 margin of victory and plus-6.6 spread differential.

Also, DeRozan averaged 16.0 points per game on 46.4% true shooting (.391/.000/.923) with a minus-32 net rating vs. the Clippers in three games last season with the San Antonio Spurs.

Additionally, there’s been a “sharp line move” towards L.A. as this game opened with the Clippers laying 3.5 points at most shops but has been steamed up to the current number.

Finally, this Clippers team has come into this season with the incredible momentum built during last year’s postseason and the Bulls are still a newish team figuring out everyone’s roles.

Chicago may keep this close through three-and-a-half quarters but L.A. will put this game into garbage time with a couple of minutes left in the fourth.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 216.5 (-108) for a tiny wager if at all because there’s a “reverse line move” on the total heading south. According to Pregame.com, more than three-fourths of the action is on the Over but the Bulls-Clippers total has been lowered from the 218.5-point opening number.

That said, both teams shoot very well from the field and the Clippers are one of the fastest-paced teams in the Association so I’d go light if wagering on the UNDER 216.5 (-108).

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

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

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Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (6-7) meet the Denver Nuggets (8-4) Sunday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off at Ball Arena. Below, we look at the Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Portland close out a four-game road swing Sunday having lost the first two but beat the Houston Rockets 104-92 Friday. The Trail Blazers are 5-8 ATS and 5-8 O/U with the 12th-best net rating (plus-1.8).

Denver has won four consecutive games, all at home, with the latest being a 105-96 victory over the Atlanta Hawks Friday as a 3.5-point favorite. The Nuggets are 6-6 ATS and 2-10 O/U with the eighth-best net rating (plus-3.5).

The Nuggets dropped the first game of their first-round Western Conference series last postseason but beat the Trail Blazers in six games. Denver won the regular-season series against Portland last year 2-1 but didn’t cover in a single game.

Trail Blazers at Nuggets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:51 a.m. ET.

Money line: Trail Blazers +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Nuggets -270 (bet $270 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Trail Blazers +6.5 (-112) | Nuggets -6.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 208.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Trail Blazers at Nuggets key injuries

Trail Blazers

PG Damian Lillard (abdomen) out

Nuggets

SF Michael Porter Jr. (back) out

Trail Blazers at Nuggets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nuggets 109, Trail Blazers 105

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” to the Trail Blazers (+210) because I like Portland plus the points in this spot and generally like “sprinkling” on an underdog’s money line when betting them to cover the spread.

However, I’ll opt of the money line and just take the points with the Trail Blazers because Nuggets big Nikola Jokic dominated Portland in the playoffs last season and Jokic has played even better to start this season than his MVP season last year.

Jokic is leading the NBA in PER, Win Shares per 48 minutes, offensive box plus/minus, defensive box plus/minus and is second in rebounds per game (14.1) and ninth in assist percentage.

Trail Blazers-Nuggets is low-key a rivalry game and I expect Jokic to power his squad over the finish line ahead of Portland Sunday.

Against the spread

BET the TRAIL BLAZERS +6.5 (-112) to fade the overreaction to the absence of Lillard who hasn’t been consistent thus far in Portland first-year head coach Chauncey Billups’ scheme.

According to CleaningTheGlass.com, which removes garbage time from its stat tracking, the Trail Blazers score 10.4 fewer points per 100 possessions when Lillard is on the court. However, last season, Portland scored 5.3 more points per 100 possessions when Lillard was on the court.

Lillard plays a lot of isolation basketball, which when it works, Portland really benefits from. However, when Lillard has an off-shooting night then the Trail Blazers are in trouble.

Especially because Lillard doesn’t bring much on the defensive end of the floor. In fact, Portland’s defensive effective field goal shooting increases by 5.3% when Lillard is on the floor, which is by far higher than any other Trail Blazer starter.

While the loss of Lillard definitely lowers Portland’s performance ceiling for an extended period of time, I still think the value in this spot is with the TRAIL BLAZERS +6.5 (-112).

A perfect example of teams winning despite losing their star player is Denver who beat the Indiana Pacers as 3.5-point home underdogs without Jokic, Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 208.5 (-107) for a small wager based on the same logic written above.

A vast majority of the market is betting the Under because of Lillard’s absence according to pregame.com, which has caused the total to steam down from the 217.5-point opener to the current price.

This makes sense based on Lillard’s on/off court stats discussed previously, however, my instinct in sports betting is to fade lopsided markets.

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

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

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San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and predictions

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

The San Antonio Spurs (4-8) travel to Staples Center Sunday to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (7-6). Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Spurs vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Both teams are coming off embarrassing losses. The Spurs were absolutely throttled 123-109 at home against the Dallas Mavericks Friday, but it could have been worse as they entered the fourth quarter down 25. San Antonio is led by G Dejounte Murray who will need to have a big-time game if the Spurs are going to down the F Anthony Davis-led Lakers.

The Lakers were downed 107-83 to Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday. Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 40-12 in the third quarter. It was a pitiful showing from L.A. The Lakers look to rebound as they enter as slight home favorites in this one.

Spurs at Lakers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Spurs +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Lakers -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Spurs +3.5 (-115) | Lakers -3.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Spurs at Lakers key injuries

Spurs

C Jakob Poeltl (returning to conditioning) out
F Keita Bates-Diop (low back) probable

Lakers

SF Trevor Ariza (ankle) out
SF Avery Bradley (ankle) questionable
PF Anthony Davis (thumb) probable
SF Talen Horton-Tucker (thumb) probable
SF LeBron James (abdominis) out
SG Kendrick Nunn (knee) out
SG Austin Reaves (hamstring) out

Spurs at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 111, Spurs 107

Money line

“LEAN” to the LAKERS (-150) as the better side of the money line. After watching the Spurs and Mavericks, it’s clear that not having Poeltl has been brutal for San Antonio.

Backup C Drew Eubanks, standing at 6’9″, just isn’t nearly as physical or capable down low. That’ll be a problem against L.A., which has several 7-footers on its roster.

The Lakers are the better team despite their abysmal net rating. They typically either win games or are blown out. Regardless, that’s still managed to get them a plus-.500 record.

The Lakers foul at the second-highest rate, but the Spurs shoot the fourth-fewest free throws. Without many easy points and given the size difference, I’m taking the home side.

However, considering L.A. was just absolutely abused by Minnesota, I wouldn’t slap a full unit here.

Against the spread

PASS on the spread.

While it’s a mere three points, four of the Lakers’ last six games have been decided by one possession. I’d rather bet on the better team winning outright for a marginally worse price.

Over/Under

BET on the UNDER 219.5 (-112) as both teams aren’t shooting well.

The Spurs rank top five in field goal percentage, but they hit the second-fewest threes per game. The Lakers are outside the top half of the league in threes per game as well.

With both teams having a better defensive rating ranking than offensive rating, this game should produce a face-paced game that’s also full of two-point field goals.

If that’s the case, especially with the Spurs having to deal with the size of bigs Dwight Howard and Deandre Jordan, I’m leading to fewer points than more.

The Spurs are 6-6 on the Over/Under while the Lakers are 7-6, having generally been given a lower number due to LeBron James being sidelined.

That said, considering the size and style of the two teams, I’m betting the Under on this one.

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

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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