NBA money line against the spread ATS Over Under OU total – Page 304

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Boston Celtics at New York Knicks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Boston Celtics meet the New York Knicks Wednesday at Madison Square Garden for both teams’ regular-season openers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Knicks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

New York finished last season 42-35 overall, 47-30 against the spread (ATS) and 32-44-1 Over/Under (O/U), which includes the postseason.

The Knicks were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs 4-1 as a 4-seed to the 5-seed Atlanta Hawks. PF Julius Randle won the 2020-21 NBA Most Improved Player award and led New York in points (24.1), rebounds (10.2) and assists per game (6.0) last season.

Boston was 38-40 overall, 36-42 ATS and 40-38 O/U last season, including the playoffs. The Celtics clinched a postseason berth as a 7-seed last season by beating the Washington Wizards in the inaugural NBA Play-In Tournament.

The Brooklyn Nets beat the Celtics 4-1 in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs to end Boston’s season. The Celtics were led by All-Stars SF Jayson Tatum (26.4 points per game) and SG Jaylen Brown (24.7 PPG).

New York was 2-1 overall and ATS vs. Boston last season.

Celtics 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 8:12 a.m. ET.

Money line: Celtics +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Knicks -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +2.5 (-112) | Knicks -2.5 (-107)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Celtics at Knicks key injuries

Celtics

SF Jaylen Brown (return to competition reconditioning) questionable
C Al Horford (health and safety protocols) out

Knicks

C Nerlens Noel (knee) doubtful

Celtics at Knicks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 112, Celtics 106

Money line

BET the KNICKS (-135) for 1 unit even though I’m higher on the Celtics for the season as a whole because New York has one of the biggest home-court advantages in the NBA.

Also, we have to see Boston’s offensive scheme under first-year head coach Ime Udoka because if the Celtics play like they did last season, then the Knicks have even more value in this spot.

Boston’s ball-dominant wings Tatum and Brown love to operate in the mid-range. According to CleaningTheGlass.com, Tatum’s mid-range, field-goal volume was in the 85th percentile of forwards and Brown’s was in the 84th percentile of wings last season.

New York’s defense was elite in all parts of the floor and had the third-best defensive field-goal percentage on mid-range shots (according to CleaningTheGlass.com). If the Celtics settle for contested mid-range jumpers, then the Knicks will be in good shape defensively.

The Knicks were seventh in mid-range field-goal volume and the Celtics ranked 22nd in defensive mid-range field-goal shooting. Not only that but New York’s starting backcourt of SG Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker comes over from Boston.

Walker struggled to stay healthy with the Celtics so, theoretically, he will be at his healthiest in the first game of the season. Fournier gives the Knicks more perimeter shooting and helps space their offense out.

Finally, the Celtics will be without Horford, and Brown could play but has missed a couple of weeks after testing positive for COVID-19. Boston’s injury report combined with the analysis above makes the KNICKS (-135) plus-EV for me.

Against the spread

PASS because the Knicks -2.5 (-107) doesn’t make a ton of sense when you can just spend a little extra on New York’s money line.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 217.5 (-115) for a tiny wager if at all since all three of the Celtics-Knicks regular-season meetings last season went Under the total.

However, both teams were very good from behind the arc last season. New York ranked third in 3-point shooting percentage and Boston ranked 11th. On top of that, New York’s offseason additions of Fournier and Walker raise its offensive ceiling but don’t bring a lot on the defensive end of the floor.

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.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans odds, pick and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

To commence both teams’ season, the Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) head down south to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (0-0). The game is set to tip at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday and will be held at the Smoothie King Center. Below, we look at the 76ers at Pelicans odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Sadly, for fans, two of the biggest names in basketball won’t be playing in his one. G/F Ben Simmons was slapped with a one-game suspension Tuesday while F Zion Williamson will be out with an injury.

With that in mind, this matchup will still feature C Joel Embiid, an MVP candidate from a season ago, and F Brandon Ingram, a bonified star in his own right.

The Sixers, despite being on the road, will enter as favorites, finishing last season as a top-three team in the East. They barely missed the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the Trae Young-led Atlanta Hawks.

76ers 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 8:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: 76ers -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Pelicans +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers -3.5 (-108) | Pelicans +3.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

76ers at Pelicans key injuries

76ers

G Ben Simmons (suspended) out
G Shake Milton (ankle/illness) out

Pelicans

F Zion Williamson (foot) out

76ers at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 112, Pelicans 105

Money line

PASS on the money line as the Pelicans have too many wildcards to make it worthwhile for Sixers betters. Now, that’s really only on the money line. If you’re going to bet Philadelphia, take the points.

We’ll get more into this below.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the SIXERS -3.5 (-108) as the best value for a team-specific bet. The Sixers were 7-7 last season without Ben Simmons.

The three-time All-Star has been a major distraction, but that doesn’t seem to have bothered Embiid, who is coming off his best season in the league, much.

Embiid will be the best player on the court, and inserting Tyrese Maxey won’t be that big of a blow for Philadelphia. While I do like this Pelicans team, especially third-year G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, they won’t have the scoring or size without Williamson.

Having to deal with scorers like F Tobias Harris and G Seth Curry is easier said than done. Keeping pace with a deep Sixers team will be tough, even at home. I’d be the spread for the team with the game’s best player.

Also, the Pelicans were 2-9 without Williamson last season and only lost one by less than three.

This should be one where the Sixers win by a handful, and taking them to go over two is the better play, especially at this value.

Over/Under

BET the UNDER 225.5 (-108) as the best value on the total.

Despite both teams ranking in the top 15 in points per game last season, taking out one team’s more lethal scorer and the other team’s most dangerous passer, this game should slow up.

Ingram is great one-on-one but doesn’t play with great pace. With the Sixers more Embiid-centric without Simmons, his involvement should slow the game down.

With potentially some rust as well and some discontinuity without Simmons, the Under seems like the better move, almost strictly based on who isn’t going to be on the court for 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons odds, pick and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

To help kick off the season for most of the NBA, the Chicago Bulls (0-0) travel to take on the Detroit Pistons (0-0). The game is set to tip at 7 p.m. ET and will be held at Little Caesars Arena. Below, we look at the Bulls at Pistons odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Bulls made a strong move to add C Nikola Vucevic before the 2021 trade deadline. That didn’t help much. Now, they’ve retained the big man and added G DeMar DeRozan and G Lonzo Ball to go along with superstar G Zach LaVine.

This team is now laced with players that are both underrated and ultra-talented. They could realistically be a top-five team in the East.

They’ll open up against a team many thins will be a bottom team in the East. The Pistons added F Jerami Grant, their star, last offseason, and this offseason, they drafted G Cade Cunningham with the first overall pick. Cunningham will not play in the team’s home opener.

Excitement is brewing in the Motor City, but it’s still to be determined how much time is needed till this team can compete for a spot in the playoffs.

Bulls at Pistons odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bulls -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Pistons +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Against the spread (ATS): Bulls -5.5 (-105) | Pistons +5.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Bulls at Pistons key injuries

Bulls

G Coby White (shoulder) out

Pistons

G Cade Cunningham (ankle) out

Bulls at Pistons odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 114, Pistons 107

Money line

PASS on the money line.

While I think the Bulls will win, they aren’t that far superior. Along with being on the road, betting the -210 for a team that’s not the Bucks or Jazz, especially not at home, feels like a mistake.

There are far better value bets in this game. The Pistons aren’t a top-tier franchise, but they’re also not one to sleep on.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the BULLS -5.5 (-105) as the better bet. I don’t love it as the value is a tad bit high, but the Bulls have a roster that has been composed to compete with some of the best in the East.

LaVine has the best season of his career last year. Add in a pass-first Ball and a team-first DeRozan, and the Bulls have a team that should be able to dominant a lower-level opponent.

The Pistons have talent, especially down past Grant and Cunningham.

But, the jury is still out if G Killian Hayes can take that next step. Against a potent Bulls roster, I expect Chicago to come out on top, but it shouldn’t be by more than double figures.

Over/Under

BET on the OVER 219.5 (-107) as the best bet in this game. Having stayed away from Overs to kick off the season, this one gives good value. The Bulls are loaded with score-first players.

Especially with Ball’s increased ability to shoot, the Bulls can get out and get going. The Pistons will be able to hang with them behind Grant and Hayes.

F Saddiq Bey and G Hamidou Diallo could both get hot and help add to the scoring. With a deep Bulls roster and an underrated Pistons, seeing Over 219 hit wouldn’t be shocking.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Clark ‘Caps: 2021-22 NBA Award Predictions

Geoff Clark gives predictions and analysis for several 2021-22 NBA Award betting lines.

The 2021-22 NBA regular season starts Tuesday when the Milwaukee Bucks host the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors meet the Los Angeles Lakers. Below, we look at the 2021-22 NBA Award lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Last year was a COVID-altered, 72-game truncated season in the NBA. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals and Giannis Antetokounmpo brought home the NBA Finals MVP.

The major regular-season award winners include Nikola Jokic (Most Valuable Player), LaMelo Ball (Rookie of the Year), Jordan Clarkson (Sixth Man of the Year), Rudy Gobert (Defensive Player of the Year) and Tom Thibodeau (Coach of the Year).

2021-22 NBA Award Predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Most Valuable Player

The NBA MVP rarely comes out of nowhere so it would be foolhardy to bet someone with 20-to-1 or greater odds. Personally, I think Kevin Durant (+550) is the best player in the game and has the best case to win this year’s MVP. However, KD’s MVP payout isn’t fat enough to take a stab in my opinion, but here’s a couple of guys I’ll sprinkle on.

James Harden, Brooklyn Nets (+1500)

Harden’s production in Brooklyn was absurd. “The Beard” averaged 24.6 points per game (PPG) on 61.9% true shooting (.471/.366/.856) with 10.9 assists per game (APG) in 36 games.

His APG would’ve been second in the NBA had he played the minimum number of games and he ranked 10th in both PER and Win Shares per 48 minutes.

Harden won the 2017-18 MVP so it’s not a stretch to think he can do it again. He’s already proven he can carry a team to 50-plus wins and his workload has already increased before the season started.

Brooklyn sitting Kyrie Irving until he’s vaccinated means the ball will be in Harden’s hands more. If Kyrie is out for the foreseeable future and/or KD misses 10-plus regular-season games then Harden at 15-to-1 is a bargain.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (+2000)

People are sleeping on the Boston Celtics this year because of their disappointing 2020-21 season but I’m expecting a bounce-back performance from the Celtics. Boston hiring a new head coach but keeping its young core will help Tatum have the best year of his career.

Even though Boston struggled last year Tatum was fantastic. He averaged career-highs in PPG (26.4), rebounds per game (7.4), assists per game (4.3) and PER (21.3). If the Celtics are going to return to the Eastern Conference Finals then they need Tatum to take another step — and he can.

Few NBA teams were hit harder with COVID-19 complications last year than Boston. In fact, Tatum missed five games in the middle of January after testing positive for COVID. This year’s COVID situation should be easier for the Celtics to navigate and Boston can easily be the third-best team in the East.

Several things need to go right but Jayson Tatum (+2000) could be a nice bet slip in your portfolio at the end of the season.

Rookie of the Year

Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (+240)

This is another award that tends to have a chalky outcome. Most of the previous Rookie of the Year winners were high draft picks that went on to be multiple-time All-Stars. While it isn’t a hot take to predict the No. 1 overall pick will be the real deal, betting Cunningham to win this award is the only way to go.

The last four Rookie of the Year award winners were all ball-dominant point guards. Where those players’ teams finished in the standings doesn’t matter as much as their usage.

The odds on favorite to win this award — Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green (+220) — already has a ball-dominant teammate in the starting 5. However, Detroit will hand the keys to its offense right over to Cunningham. He’s a 6-foot-8 guard with a high basketball IQ and the ability to shoot it from anywhere.

Typically I’m shopping for chunky payouts when betting futures but I still see value in Cade Cunningham (+240) to win Rookie of the Year.

Sixth Man of the Year

Patty Mills, Brooklyn Nets (+1300)

KD and Harden can’t score all the points. Plus the attention each player draws from opposing defenses will create a ton of open looks for teammates. One of the benefactors of said open shots should be first-year Nets guard Mills who has been a knockdown 3-point shooter for years.

Brooklyn head coach Steve Nash has Mike D’Antoni on his staff and D’Antoni is a point guard guru. Nash won back-to-back MVPs while playing for D’Antoni and Harden won his MVP in D’Antoni’s offense.

Mills has been a fringe contender for this award while playing for the San Antonio Spurs from 2011-21 but has a much better chance this season as part of a dynamic Brooklyn offense with title aspirations.

Defensive Player of the Year

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (+700)

There isn’t a lot that needs to be said to sell Antetokounmpo’s line to win Defensive Player of the Year. Giannis is the only player not named “Rudy Gobert” to win this award in the last four seasons.

Giannis can switch on defense to guard any player in NBA history and has the size, length, footwork and quickness to stay in front of ball-handlers or wrestle in the post with bigs.

Several NBA talking heads and writers have mentioned how locked-in Giannis appears to be on Milwaukee’s title defense. Generally, it’s assumed that a title team’s leading scorer will conserve energy on the defensive end of the floor, but in this case, I just don’t see that happening.

Coach of the Year

Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns (+1000)

Williams had a strong case for winning this award last season after Phoenix’s epic turnaround. The Suns went from 34-39 overall two years ago (10th-place in the West) to 51-21 overall last season (second-place in the West).

The reasons Williams didn’t win Coach of the Year were Thibodeau taking an even bigger dumpster fire in the New York Knicks to the playoffs and Suns first-year point guard Chris Paul stealing some of Williams’ shine.

However, there’s value in Williams this season because I think the NBA media tries to make up for not selecting Williams as Coach of the Year last season.

Phoenix’s roster from last year is fully intact and the West is a little weakened entering the season. The Golden State Warriors will be without Klay Thompson until at least Christmas and who knows when the Los Angeles Clippers will get Kawhi Leonard back.

If the Suns are a top-3 seed in the West again, head coach Monty Williams is in the driver’s seat to win Coach of the Year.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers for the second game on the opening night of the NBA season Tuesday. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET from Staples Center. Below, we look at the Warriors vs. Lakers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The second of a back-to-back slate that starts with the Brooklyn Nets and the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks, NBA fans are in for a treat when two-time MVP G Stephen Curry heads to battle four-time MVP F LeBron James.

The Lakers added G Russell Westbrook and are now led by the trio of Westbrook, James and F Anthony Davis. They also brought in F Carmelo Anthony this offseason.

The Warriors are down C James Wiseman who is still recovering from a torn meniscus. Five-time All-Star G Klay Thompson isn’t projected back until late 2021 either.

G Jordan Poole and now-vaccinated F Andrew Wiggins are both expected to play big roles for Golden State this upcoming season.

Warriors 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 10:10 a.m. ET.

Money line: Warriors +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Lakers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Warriors +3.5 (-110) | Lakers -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Warriors at Lakers key injuries

Warriors

C James Wiseman (meniscus) out
G Klay Thompson (Achilles) out

Lakers

G Talen Horton-Tucker (thumb) out
G Malik Monk (groin) out
G Wayne Ellington (hamstring) out

Warriors at Lakers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lakers 112, Warriors 109

Money line

“LEAN” to the LAKERS (-160) as a decent value on the money line.

The Lakers are a solid team, and their length could give Golden State issues. If they can throw the two Warriors guards off their game, they should be fine in terms of winning the game.

How the Warrios will be forced to handle Davis will impact things as well — if F Draymond Green slides to guard Davis, James should be able to abuse Wiggins in the post.

Ultimately, with the size all around, the Lakers should be able to give Golden State enough problems to at least win.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the WARRIORS +3.5 (-110) as the Lakers are also going to have a lot of issues. Westbrook takes many shots and could control the offense when, in reality, they’ll want James and Davis making the plays.

Curry struggled to get going at the start of last season, but picked it up late, finishing as an MVP finalist. Expect him to pick up where he left off and be able to get the best of Westbrook.

The Warriors should be able to cover assuming he can get going. This is a better value, but it’s certainly a riskier one as well.

Over/Under

BET on the UNDER 226.5 (-110) as both teams could show some rust in their season opener. The Warriors averaged just over 113 points per game last year, 12th in the NBA.

The Lakers were worse, down to 109.5 points per game, good for the 22nd best in the league. While Westbrook was added, the Lakers should still want to slow the pace, especially with Davis and James.

Even if Curry can get 30 or 35 points, the Warriors would need production from players like Poole and Wiggins. Banking on that against a top-tier defense isn’t a great idea.

The Under is the best bet in this 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.

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 2021-22 NBA regular season tips off Tuesday with a Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals. Tip-off at Fiserv Forum is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nets vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Milwaukee upset Brooklyn 4-3 in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals series en route to an NBA title. The Bucks, in three of their four series wins over the Nets, the Under was 5-1-1 in those games.

Game 7 was the best of the Nets-Bucks series as Milwaukee won 115-111 in overtime after Kevin Durant hit a 2-point shot to send the game into extra time. KD almost won the series with a game-winning 3-pointer, but instant replay confirmed his foot stepped on the line.

The Bucks were 2-1 overall and against the spread (ATS) vs. the Nets in their three regular-season meetings last year.

Nets 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 7:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Nets +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Bucks -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nets +1.5 (-110) | Bucks -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 235.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Nets at Bucks key injuries

Nets

PG Kyrie Irving (personal) out

Bucks

SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
PF Bobby Portis Jr. (hamstring) out

Nets at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 118, Bucks 112

Money line

The NETS (+100) is the play, but I’d rather bet Brooklyn’s spread at these prices.

However, I’ve been monitoring this game’s betting lines for weeks now and what’s startling to me is how little it changed when news broke of Brooklyn benching Kyrie until he gets vaccinated for COVID-19.

In my opinion, Brooklyn goes from being the favorite to win the East to behind Milwaukee if Kyrie misses the season. But, the Nets have bounced back and forth between being a slight favorite to a slight underdog vs. the Bucks, in Milwaukee, over the past week or so.

Brooklyn’s case for having an edge over Milwaukee is the “revenge of KD,” “regular season James Harden” and “the Bucks are without key contributors” arguments.

Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s legacy advanced to a new level after Milwaukee won the NBA title last season, KD could still be the best basketball player in the world. KD was inches away from sending the Bucks home last season, and I’m expecting Durant to be even better this season.

Furthermore, Harden always wears down by season’s end, and last year was no different. Theoretically, Harden will be at his fittest and healthiest in the first game of the season and will have a similar chip on his shoulder as KD.

Also, while Kyrie’s absence definitely lowers Brooklyn’s ceiling, it could motivate KD and Harden to step up primetime games.

Finally, Milwaukee is missing its starting shooting guard in DiVincenzo and a key bench player in Portis. Obviously, these are just role players, but it matters in this spot because there isn’t a lot separating these two teams.

Against the spread

BETTING 1 unit on the NETS +1.5 (-110) is my favorite wager in this matchup. You could opt to take Brooklyn’s money line instead, but I’m cool with spending a little bit more in case Milwaukee wins on a buzzer-beater.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 235.5 (-108) for a tiny wager if at all because I much prefer the Brooklyn side in this game and don’t have a great handicap on the total.

On top of that, we are getting to the party a little late since the Bucks-Nets opened with a 240.5-point total but has been bet down to the current number. Again, I’m not in love with the Under, though, because of all the firepower between both teams.

But, it’s the first game of the season so maybe there’s some rust to knock off, and this budding rivalry game could grind to a halt late. Plus with a total of 236.5, just one slow or low-scoring quarter could cash 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.

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

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

2021-22 NBA Championship odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds to win the 2021-22 NBA Championship, with NBA futures picks, predictions and best bets.

The 2021-22 NBA season begins Oct. 19, as does the push to make it to the playoffs and then to win the title. Who are the teams to pick for the championship? Below, we look at the 2021-22 NBA Championship odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks are the defending champions but there will be challengers.

In the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets still have the trio of Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant. The Atlanta Hawks gave a strong showing last season.

The Los Angeles Lakers still have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and they added Russell Westbrook to enter the season as the favorites from the Western Conference. The Phoenix Suns still have the same core that took them to last season’s NBA Finals. The Los Angeles Clippers still will be contenders and the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets were great last season despite being affected by injuries.

2021-2022 NBA Championship odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. ET.

These are the 10 teams with the shortest odds to win the title.

Brooklyn Nets +230
Los Angeles Lakers +300
Milwaukee Bucks +750
Golden State Warriors +1000
Utah Jazz +1300
Phoenix Suns +1500
Los Angeles Clippers +1500
Denver Nuggets +2000
Miami Heat +2000
Philadelphia 76ers +2000

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

2021-2022 NBA Championships picks and predictions

Brooklyn Nets (+230)

Bet $100 to win $230

The Nets have three of the best playmakers in the league. With Irving, Harden and Durant, they really just need two of them healthy. With only Durant healthy, they were a basket away from the NBA Finals last season. There are concerns about Irving and his vaccination status, but if there is one team to bet on, it is the Nets.

Milwaukee Bucks (+750)

Bet $100 to win $750

The Bucks finally got over the hump with their six-game Finals win over the Suns. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday emerged. The Eastern Conference looks like a two-team conference this year.

Phoenix Suns (+1500)

Bet $100 to win $1,500

The Suns were perhaps the biggest surprise of last season with the addition of PG Chris Paul. They will maintain their core of players but now add G Landry Shamet to their bench and have a legitimate backup center in JaVale McGee. They have an elite point guard, an elite scorer in Devin Booker, an emerging big man in Deandre Ayton and a talented wing in Mikal Bridges. They make for a nice value pick.

Denver Nuggets (+2000)

Bet $100 to win $2,000

The Nuggets have the highest odds I’m looking to bet for the 2021-22 NBA Championship. They have the reigning MVP in Nikola Jokic, and they have Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. locked up, but as good as they were last year, they get PG Jamal Murray back, their most dynamic scorer. If he had been healthy, they would have made it further last season.

No Lakers?

With the second-shortest odds to win the title, they would seem like the best bet, especially with James and Davis healthy entering the season. After all, they won the title two seasons ago. The problem has always been that it isn’t about James. It is all about Davis’ health.

If he can be healthy in the postseason, they are great. The problem is betting on him being healthy after an 82-game season is a bad idea. Westbrook gives them another playmaker but doesn’t make them significantly better. So for me, the Lakers do not make a good bet at +320.

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 Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]