NBA money line against the spread ATS Over Under OU total – Page 299

Portland Trail Blazers at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

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

The Portland Trail Blazers (3-2) visit the Charlotte Hornets (4-2) Sunday. The game is set to tip at 7 p.m. ET and will be held at the Spectrum Center. Below, we look at the Trail Blazers vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

With both teams starting off the season hot, this matchup is primed to be a thriller.

The Hornets will be at home with SF Miles Bridges leading the team in scoring at 25.5 points per game (PPG). He’s totaled at least 30 points in three of the team’s five games.

With PG Terry Rozier expected to return from an ankle injury, the Hornets backcourt should be at full strength. Charlotte will face a challenge with PG Damian Lillard and SG CJ McCollum coming to town.

The Trail Blazers duo is practically impossible to fully stop. McCollum averages 24.2 PPG, while Lillard is at 19.2 PPG, the lowest amount since his rookie season.

Trail Blazers at Hornets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 3:55 p.m. ET.

Money line: Trail Blazers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Hornets +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Trail Blazers -2.5 (-107) | Hornets +2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Trail Blazers at Hornets key injuries

Trail Blazers

None

Hornets

PG Terry Rozier (ankle) probable

Trail Blazers at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 112, Blazers 108

Money line

BET CHARLOTTE (+110) as it has great value. Charlotte leads the NBA in scoring at 117.5 PPG. While that may not be sustainable, the Hornets have been on fire offensively.

The Blazers rank eighth in defensive rating (102.1), but they’re struggling offensively as Lillard hasn’t quite adapted to the league’s new rules.

At home with a plus-money value, the Hornets have proven enough offensively, especially with PG LaMelo Ball helping captain them.

Taking on a Trail Blazers team that has struggled at times this season, the Hornets will be to looking to rebound from Friday’s 114-99 loss at the Miami Heat.

With many rising stars, it’s time to start taking Charlotte seriously.

Against the spread

PASS on the spread and bet the money line for the better value as noted above.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 230.5 (-110) as the two teams have struggled to consistently score so far this season.

The Hornets were held under 100 points Friday for the first time this season against the league’s best defensive team in Miami. Now, they’re facing another top-ten defensive side in Portland, led by SF Robert Covington.

I expect the Hornets to win, but in doing so, it must be Rozier or Ball to cook as Covington is one of the best defenders and may get the best of Bridges.

If Covington can do his part, the Hornets may struggle to score. With Ball and Rozier both lengthy and quick respectively, they may also cause Portland some troubles.

Ultimately, given the total, I would go with the Under (230.5), especially given how the rule changes have impacted free-throw shooting, taking a player like Lillard’s attempts per game from 7.2 to 4.0.

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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Utah Jazz at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and prediction

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

The Utah Jazz (4-1) heads to the “Cream City” Sunday to play the Milwaukee Bucks (3-3) for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Jazz vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Utah had its four-game winning streak snapped Friday after losing to the Chicago Bulls 107-99 as 3.5-point road favorites. The Jazz have the highest net rating in the West, the best defensive effective field goal shooting (eFG%) and are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) this season.

Milwaukee has lost back-to-back home games to the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday (113-108 as 6-point favorites) and to the San Antonio Spurs Friday (102-93 as 7-point favorites). The banged-up Bucks are 17th in net rating, 3-3 ATS and play at the fastest pace in the Association.

The Jazz are 4-1 overall and ATS in their last five meetings with the Bucks, which includes winning last year’s regular-season series, 2-0.

Jazz at Bucks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:45 p.m. ET.

Money line: Jazz -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Bucks +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Jazz -2.5 (-110) | Bucks +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Jazz at Bucks key injuries

Jazz

PG Mike Conley (knee) questionable
PF Rudy Gay (heel) out

Bucks

PG Jrue Holiday (ankle) doubtful
C Brook Lopez (back) doubtful
SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out

Jazz at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 116, Jazz 112

Money line

Even though the basketball data supports the Jazz (-135), I’m going to take the BUCKS (+135) as a home underdog.

Simply put, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton won’t allow the Bucks to lose three straight at home. Especially against another title-contending squad.

While Utah has owned Milwaukee in their recent meetings, Giannis and Middleton have played well in those contests.

In fact, Giannis is averaging 36.0 points per game (PPG) on 61.0% true shooting with 12.5 rebounds (RPG) and 5.0 assists per game (APG) in the last four Jazz-Bucks meetings. Middleton is averaging 23.6 PPG on 48.0% 3-point shooting with 7.8 RPG.

Also, this feels like a buy-low spot for the Bucks. For instance, according to Pregame.com, nearly 60% of the action is on the Jazz and oddsmakers have moved this game from a pick ’em on the opener to Utah laying 2.5 points.

Finally, we are getting Milwaukee at a cheap price because of cluster injuries to its starting 5. But, if Conley cannot play Sunday then Utah’s health edge is significantly reduced. The Bucks get forward Bobby Portis back, supposedly, and the Jazz are still without backup forward Rudy Gay.

It’s more of a “LEAN” pending Conley’s final game status otherwise I’m on the BUCKS (+135).

Against the spread

Definitely BET the BUCKS +2.5 (-110) heavier than or instead of Milwaukee’s money line since it does provide a little insurance for what’s a coin-flip game most likely.

Furthermore, since money is coming in on the Jazz, let’s wait until closer to tip-off to see if the Bucks’ spread goes to 3 or higher. If Conley plays then the Jazz will definitely get more expensive.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 224.5 (-108) since the Bucks play at the fastest pace and the Jazz have the highest 3-point volume in the league.

On top of that, this is a “Pros vs. Joe’s” game with the presumed sharp side of the market backing the Over whereas the public is betting on the Under.

Since I can explain this discrepancy in the market, I’m comfortable placing a SMALL WAGER on the OVER 224.5 (-108).

The “wiseguys” see Milwaukee’s pace (more possessions) and Utah’s 3-point volume (more points) as the path to the Over. The public sees how Conley’s absence influenced Utah’s offense Saturday and the cluster injuries for the Bucks. Both make a good point, so it’s only a “LEAN”.

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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Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

On Sunday, the Sacramento Kings (3-2) will visit the Dallas Mavericks (3-2). The game will tip at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be held at American Airlines Center. Below, we look at the Kings vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Coming off a 3-point road win over the Suns and a 4-point road win against the Pelicans, the Kings have looked good this season.

They’re led by G De’Aaron Fox with major contributions from F Harrison Barnes and G Buddy Hield. Their last two first-round picks, G Tyrese Haliburton and G Davion Mitchell, both have also been key factors in their early-season success.

As for the Mavs, they’ve struggled this season despite their plus-.500 record. Early-season MVP candidate G Luka Doncic has averaged under 25 points per game (PPG) while no other Mav has topped 15.0 per game.

The two playoff-contending teams they’ve faced (Nuggets and Hawks) beat them by an average of 25.5 PPG. This will be a solid test as the Kings have shown major improvements this season.

Kings 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 12:59 p.m. ET.

Money line: Kings +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Mavericks -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kings +4.5 (-110) | Mavericks -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Kings at Mavericks key injuries

Kings

None impacting gambling odds

Mavericks

PF Kristaps Porzingis (back) questionable

Kings at Mavericks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kings 108, 104

Money line

“LEAN” to the KINGS (+155) as the Mavericks really haven’t shown enough to be giving a road team this type of value. Also, the Kings rank 12th in three-point shooting percentage and three-point shots per game.

With Hield, Haliburton, and Barnes all capable of lighting an opponent up, the Mavs, who rank 24th in opponents’ three-point percentage, don’t match up favorably.

While the value is there for the money line, I’d still lean to the points below.

Against the spread

BET on the KINGS +4.5 (-110) as their defensive tenacity should limit the Mavericks. With that in mind, I think the speedy Kings’ guards, Mitchell and Fox, will be able to aggravate Doncic.

Also, Doncic has struggled since the new implementation of the change in officiating for unnatural offensive movements. He went from shooting 7.1 free throws per game to just 4.4.

With two premier defenders, the Kings should be able to limit the Mavericks’ three-point shooting, which they rely on heavily. The Mavs hoist up the third-most threes in the Association.

Given the Kings’ backcourt defenders and the Mavs reliance on the three along with Doncic’s slow start to the season, I’m backing Sacramento in this one.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 217.5 (-108) as both teams have struggled to score the ball. The Mavericks have scored over 105 just once, and while they’re a high-volume shooting side, they haven’t managed to connect on many.

Despite being 3-2 each, both teams rank outside the top 15 in net rating, meaning they’re getting blown out in losses. With both teams outside the top ten in scoring, I’m only tossing half a unit on the total as the lethal shooters could get hot.

Following the trend of the season, the Under is consistently the better play.

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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Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

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

The Houston Rockets (1-4) will take on the Los Angeles Lakers (3-3) for the first of two consecutive contests between the two teams in L.A. Their first of two is Sunday night, with a 10:30 p.m. ET top time at Staples Center. Below, we look at the Rockets vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Rockets have lost their last three games, all by at least 10 points. Four players are averaging double-digits in scoring, led by F Christian Wood at 19.8 points per game and 11.2 rebounds. As a team, they are only shooting 42.6% from the field.

The Lakers, after losing their first two games of the season, have picked up wins in three of their last four. They opened their four-game homestand with a 113-101 defeat of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are 2-2 so far this season at home.

Rockets 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 12:42 p.m. ET.

Money line: Rockets +520 (bet $100 to win $520) | Lakers -800 (bet $800 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +11.5 (-115) | Lakers -11.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Rockets at Lakers key injuries

Rockets

F Danuel House (ankle) out
G Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) questionable

Lakers

F Anthony Davis (knee) probable
G Wayne Ellington (hamstring) questionable
F LeBron James (ankle) questionable
G Kendrick Nunn (knee) out

Rockets at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 118, Rockets 102

Money line

PASS on the money line. The Lakers have worked out their early-season struggles should not be subject to upsets to teams like the Rockets.

Houston has not won a game on the road yet this season and has lost three games in a row by double digits. Unless you think they can pull the upset, don’t waste your money on the money line. Go to the spread and/or total.

Against the spread

The Rockets are 2-3 ATS to start the season and the Lakers are 2-4 ATS, although they covered the spread in two of their last three games.

The only loss the Rockets covered the spread in was a 10-point loss when they were 11-point underdogs to the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 26.

Take the LAKERS -11.5 (-107).

Over/Under

Not a single game this season for the Rockets has gone Over the projected total. Four of the Lakers’ six games have hit the Over.

The Lakers will get them close with their scoring, but the Rockets will barely clear 100 for the game.

Take UNDER 221.5 (-112).

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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Detroit Pistons at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Detroit Pistons at Brooklyn Nets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Detroit Pistons (1-4) take on the Brooklyn Nets (3-3) in the second game of a back-to-back. Their Sunday game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Barclays Center. Below, we look at the Pistons vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Pistons started the season with four straight losses but won their first game of the year Saturday night, 110-103, at home vs. the Orlando Magic.

Detroit is averaging only 97.2 points per game (PPG) this season, the third-lowest clip in the NBA. Only three Pistons players are averaging double digits in scoring, led by 17.3 PPG by F Jerami Grant.

The Nets have alternated wins and losses this season and are playing the third of a four-game homestand. They have not yet been over .500. PG Kyrie Irving has missed every game and SG James Harden is only averaging 18.7 PPG on 37.1% shooting so far this season.

Pistons at Nets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:07 p.m. ET.

Money line: Pistons +570 (bet $100 to win $570) | Nets -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pistons +11.5 (-108) | Nets -11.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 212.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Pistons at Nets key injuries

Pistons

None affecting betting outcomes

Nets

C Nicolas Claxton (illness) out
G Kyrie Irving (personal) out
F Paul Millsaps (personal) out

Pistons at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 111, Pistons 98

Money line

PASS on the money line. There isn’t enough money to be made to risk betting the Nets, which is the logical pick.

Now, if you think the Pistons can win consecutive games on the second night of a back-to-back against one of the Eastern Conference title favorites, then you can take them on the money line for a huge payout.

The Nets have not yet won consecutive games this season and they are coming off a win. However, they are immensely more talented than the Pistons. look to the spread and the total.

Against the spread

The Pistons are 2-3 ATS this season and the Nets are 2-4 ATS. But, if the Nets got back on track as it appeared they did in their 105-98 win over the Pacers Friday night, the Pistons are in trouble.

Harden had 29 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, but the tell-tale sign that he is turning things around is the fact he had 19 free-throw attempts in the game. He had 15 total free throws in the first five games of the year.

With Harden back to form and Kevin Durant averaging 28.5 PPG, the Pistons will not be able to keep up.

Take the NETS -11.5 (-112).

Over/Under

The Nets have not yet had a game this season hit the Over. The Pistons are 3-2 O/U, despite averaging only 97.2 PPG.

The Pistons, if they only score their season average, it will be hard to go Over the projected total.

Take UNDER 212.5 (-110).

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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Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (1-4) visit the Golden State Warriors (4-1) Saturday. Tip-off from Chase Center is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Thunder vs. Warriors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Warriors are expected to bounce back from their first loss of the season against a team they beat earlier in the week. Led by two-time MVP PG Stephen Curry, Golden State’s chief concern has been turnovers and depth.

The Thunder covered the 10-point spread in their earlier meeting with the Warriors, losing by just 8 at home. Three Warriors went for at least 20 points in the 106-98 Golden State victory, although it was really Thunder PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who stole the show as he dropped a game-high 30.

The Thunder are coming off their first win of the season with a 123-115 defeat of the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday.

Thunder at Warriors odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: Thunder +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Warriors -1000 (bet $1000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Thunder +12.5 (-112) | Warriors -12.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Thunder at Warriors key injuries

Thunder

Klay Thompson (right Achilles tendon) out
James Wiseman (right knee) out

Thunder

None affecting gambling odds

Thunder at Warriors odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Warriors 110, Thunder 102

Money line

PASS on the money line.

There is no way that betting a -1000 favorite has any great upside, even in a parlay. While the Thunder odds do give some value given how well the Warriors have been playing, I’d really only consider the points.

Against the spread

BET on the THUNDER +21.5 (-112) as the best bet in this game. The Warriors were down double-digits against the Thunder at Paycom Center last week, and it could’ve gotten out of control for the road team.

With SGA standing 6-foot-6 and Lu Dort at 6-foot-3 215 pounds an extremely aggressive defender, the Thunder should be able to limit Golden State’s backcourt.

They did that earlier this week, and while they may not win, they should be able to limit it again. Along those lines, the Warriors have been struggling with turnovers.

Combine their struggles with the fact that F Mike Muscala will be back in action and able to help space the floor, and the Thunder should be able to keep the game close.

While Golden State’s hot start is no luck and they are true title contenders, they should struggle against OKC.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 216.5 (-107) as the better side of the total. However, we’re getting to this party way late. It started at 221.5 and has drastically come down.

More than 80 percent of the money is on the Under according to pregame.com. With the Warriors ranked seventh in defensive rating and the Thunder bottom ten in PACE, the Under is the better play.

The Thunder still are in the bottom three in points per game despite their firepower, and while Golden State is better, they’re not a top-five side. I expect a low-scoring game in 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.

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Miami Heat at Memphis Grizzlies odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Miami Heat at Memphis Grizzlies odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Miami Heat (4-1) visits the Memphis Grizzlies (3-2) Saturday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off at FedExForum. Below, we look at the Heat vs. Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Miami smoked the Charlotte Hornets 114-99 as 7-point home favorites Friday. The Heat have won and covered their last three games and are currently the best shooting team in the Association.

Memphis rallied back from an early double-digit deficit to upset the Golden State Warriors 104-101 in overtime Friday. Ja Morant finished with 30 points on 50 percent shooting with 7 rebounds 5 assists and 4 steals. However, Memphis has the second-worst defensive three-point percentage in the NBA.

The Grizzlies won and covered vs. the Heat in both regular-season meetings last year. Each victory was by at least 12 points and both teams were mostly at full health in those contests.

Heat at Grizzlies odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: Heat +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Grizzlies -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Heat +2.5 (-115) | Grizzlies -2.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Heat at Grizzlies key injuries

Heat

Nothing affecting gambling odds.

Grizzlies

SF Kyle Anderson (calf) questionable
SG Dillon Brooks (hand) out

Heat at Grizzlies odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Heat 107, Grizzlies 102

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” to the Heat (+110) since I “like” Miami plus the points. However, my buy-price for Miami’s money line in this spot is north of +125, so I’ll just take the points with the Heat.

Against the spread

There are just too many things favoring the HEAT +2.5 (-112) to not take the points. First of all, Memphis averages the fourth-most paint points per game, but Miami allows the fourth-fewest paint points per game.

Second, the Heat score the second-most fastbreak points per game and the seventh-best points per position in transition.

Whereas the Grizzlies allow the fifth-most fastbreak points per game and has the third-worst defensive effective field goal shooting (eFG%) in transition.

Also, Memphis runs the eighth-highest frequency of pick-and-roll action for the ballhandler But, Miami’s defense allows the third-best points per possession vs. pick-and-roll offense for the ballhandler.

Furthermore, the Grizzlies are missing a key backcourt contributor in Brooks and first-year big Steven Adams doesn’t use his size to dominate offensively as former Memphis big Jonas Valančiūnas does.

Finally, I’d wait on betting Miami plus the points here because a vast majority of the cash is on Memphis (according to Pregame.com) and if that trend continues the HEAT +2.5 (-112) could get above 3 or higher.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 215.5 (-108) for 1 unit because there’s been “sharp line movement” towards the Under and the Heat don’t shoot it well enough to take advantage of the Grizzlies’ poor 3-point defense.

For instance, the Heat-Grizzlies total opened at 217 but has been steamed down to the current price by heavy Under action. Plus Memphis has the third-worst defensive eFG% but Miami ranks 23rd in offensive eFG%.

Lastly, even though Miami is very efficient in transition and the opposite is true for Memphis’s defense, the Heat play at the 19th-fastest pace and the Grizzlies’ pace ranks 21st. Fewer possessions mean fewer points, usually.

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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Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers (3-2) hosts the Atlanta Hawks (3-2) Friday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off at Wells Fargo Center. Below, we look at the Hawks vs. 76ers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

This is a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference Semifinals series where the Hawks upset the 76ers in seven games. It was this series that initiated the current beef with Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia organization that has led to Simmons’ current sabbatical.

Atlanta was drubbed by a short-handed Washington Wizards team 122-111 as 4-point road favorites Thursday. The Hawks were outrebounded 51-43, had four more turnovers, and shot just 28.6 percent from 3-point land vs. the Wizards.

Philly has alternated between winning and covering over the past four games (1-3 against the spread) with the latest being a 110-102 victory over the Detroit Pistons Thursday, but the Sixers failed to cover as 11-point favorites.

The 76ers beat and covered vs. the Hawks in two of three regular-season meetings last year, but Atlanta won the playoff series against Philly 4-3 overall and covered the spread in all four victories.

Hawks at 76ers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Hawks +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | 76ers -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hawks +3.5 (-108) | 76ers -3.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Hawks at 76ers key injuries

Hawks

SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) probable
C Onyeka Okongwu (shoulder) out

76ers

C Joel Embiid (knee) questionable
PG Ben Simmons (personal) out

Hawks at 76ers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hawks 111, 76ers 103

Money line

“LEAN” to the HAWKS (+140) for a small wager because I “like” Atlanta plus the points and there’s value in the underdog’s money line here.

Also, the Hawks do a good job defending Philly’s style whereas the Sixers do not defend what Atlanta does a lot of.

For instance, according to CleaningTheGlass.com, Philly shoots the fifth-highest volume of mid-range field goals but Atlanta has the third-best defensive field goal percentage vs. mid-range attempts.

Furthermore, the Hawks get out in transition at the seventh-highest frequency in the league and the Sixers allow the seventh-worst points per possession in transition.

Lastly, the absence of Simmons’ defensive prowess could play a major role in this contest. Atlanta’s Trae Young could have a big game vs. Philly’s weak defensive backcourt. In fact, these teams, positionally, stack up well against each other and the only glaring mismatch is at point guard.

Against the spread

Definitely BET HAWKS +3.5 (-108) instead of or heavier than Atlanta’s money line because it has way more value.

Obviously, this is bigger than your average regular-season game for both teams and it’s just wise to take the 3.5 since this game could come down to the wire.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 216.5 (-107) for a half unit because based on how these teams played last year, how they matchup this season and the current O/U trends in the NBA.

There’s a new NBA policy that is trying to officiate unnatural offensive movements out of the game. As a result, free-throw shooting is down and Unders are cashing at a 63.2 percent rate in the NBA thus far.

This affects both sides since each team’s leading scorer from last year—Trae and Embiid—both were in the top-5 of free-throw attempts per game.

On top of that, the Hawks-76ers total has already been lowered 2 points from the opening number of 218.5. Until sportsbooks adjust to the new officiating—which it will—the UNDER 216.5 (-110) is the only play for the 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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New York Knicks at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Knick at New Orleans Saints odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Knicks (4-1) are on the road Saturday to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (1-5). Tip-off from Smoothie King Center is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Knicks vs. Pelicans odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Knicks are off to a great start this season and scoring at a high clip. They are second in the NBA averaging 115.8 points per game, led by F Julius Randle’s 23.0 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. Five players are averaging double-digits in scoring.

The Pelicans are dealing with the absence of F Zion Williamson, who is out with a foot injury. They have yet to win a game at home this season and are averaging only 102.2 points per game while shooting 42.6% from the field.

Knicks at Pelicans odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Knicks -240 (bet $240 to win $100) | Pelicans +190 (bet $100 to win $190)
Against the spread (ATS): Knicks -5.5 (-120) | Pelicans +5.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Knicks at Pelicans key injuries

Knicks

C Nerlens Noel (knee) out

Pelicans

F Zion Williamson (foot) out

Knicks at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 112, Pelicans 100

Money line

There is no reason to think that the Knicks will fall to the short-handed Pelicans.

Although New Orleans has kept their last two games close, the Knicks have been winning close games. Three of their four wins have been by 4 or fewer points. That won’t be the case tonight.

Take the KNICKS (-240).

Against the spread

As previously mentioned, four of the Knicks’ five wins have been by fewer than 5 points. They are 4-1 ATS, only failing to cover a 12-point spread in a loss to the Orlando Magic.

The Pelicans are 3-3 ATS on the season but 1-2 ATS at home.

I just don’t think they will have the firepower to keep up with New York.

Take the KNICKS -5.5 (-120).

Over/Under

None of the Knicks’ last three games have reached 215 total points, but their games average 224.6 total points on the season. The Pelicans are 2-4 O/U and none of the four games that stayed Under the projected total reached 215 points.

The Pelicans’ games average 211.2 points per game.

Take UNDER 214.5 (-107).

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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Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2) continue their five-game road trip with their second-straight game in Tinseltown to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (2-3) Friday. Tip-off from Staples Center is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Cavaliers have won three straight, including the first two games of their road trip, after dropping two high-scoring affairs to start the season. Cleveland has allowed only 87 points per game during the win streak and has seven players with an average of 10 or more points per game (PPG) on the season, led by G Collin Sexton at 20.4 PPG.

The Lakers kick off a four-game homestand Friday. They lost 123-115 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road last time out but had won their two previous games. Five players are scoring in double digits, led by F Anthony Davis at 28.4 PPG. F LeBron James is averaging 26.0 PPG.

Cavaliers 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 1:07 p.m. ET.

Money line: Cavaliers +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Lakers -380 (bet $380 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers +7.5 (-107) | Lakers -7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Cavaliers at Lakers key injuries

Cavaliers

SF Isaac Okoro (hamstring) out

Lakers

F Trevor Ariza (ankle) out
F Anthony Davis (knee) probable
G Wayne Ellington (hamstring) questionable
F LeBron James (ankle) questionable
G Rajon Rondo (ankle) questionable

Cavaliers at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Cavaliers 97, Lakers 94

Money line

I am really starting to buy into the Cavs. Their defense in recent games, all against playoff teams from last season, has been fantastic. They have shut down high-scoring teams, and the Lakers don’t quite have a complete rhythm going.

Cleveland has won its last three games and is rested after beating the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center Wednesday.

Take the CAVALIERS (+290).

Against the spread

The Cavs are now 3-2 ATS on the season and have been underdogs in every game this season, making them 3-2 ATS as underdogs.

The Lakers have been the worst team to bet against the spread this season. They are 1-4 ATS and have the fourth-lowest ATS differential at -6.3; the Cavs are second-best at +9.0.

I expect an outright Cleveland win, so if you aren’t as confident in a Cavs win, take CAVS +7.5 (-107) for the cover.

Over/Under

None of the Cavaliers’ last three games have even gone over 200 total points.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have had four of five games this season hit the Over.

However, as mentioned, I’m buying the Cavs’ recent defensive prowess.

The Lakers have not been held to less than 105 points this season, but I think it happens Friday.

Take UNDER 221.5 (-107).

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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