Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (29-25) head to the nation’s capital to play the Washington Wizards (24-29) Thursday. Tip-off at Capital One Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nets at Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Washington is 1-8 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) over its past nine games including back-to-back losses to the Suns (95-80 Saturday) and the Heat (121-100 Monday).

Brooklyn has lost nine consecutive games (1-7-1 ATS). Each of the last three losses were by 20 points or more (Jazz 125-102 Friday, Nuggets 124-104 Sunday and the Celtics 126-91 Tuesday).

The Nets are 2-0 SU and ATS in their first two meetings with the Wizards this season and the total is 1-1 Over/Under (O/U).

Nets at Wizards odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:49 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Nets +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Wizards -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Nets +2.5 (-107) | Wizards -2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 217.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Nets at Wizards key injuries

Nets

  • C LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle) out
  • PF Nic Claxton (hamstring) questionable
  • PF Kevin Durant (knee) out
  • SG James Harden (hamstring) out

Wizards

  • SG Bradley Beal (wrist) out
  • Daniel Gafford (health and safety protocols) out

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Nets at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wizards 120, Nets 105

Money line

LEAN to the WIZARDS (-145) only because I’m confident enough in them to lay the points but wouldn’t mind a bet on their money line (ML).

Both teams have been playing awful lately. In fact, the only team with a worse net rating than the Wizards over the past nine games has been the Nets.

But Washington’s losses are more excusable since it has less top-tier talent and the Wizards have played a murderer’s row of opponents recently.

Here are Washington’s past five opponents with their net ratings in parentheses: Miami (tied fourth), Phoenix (tied first), Philly (tied ninth), Milwaukee (tied fourth) and Memphis (third).

Furthermore, I give the Wizards a massive motivation edge. Washington PG Spencer Dinwiddie was a former Net who was traded to the Wizards so Brooklyn could avoid paying more luxury tax.

Dinwiddie should be excited to kick the Nets while they are down.

Also, Washington needs this game more than Brooklyn. The Wizards are 1.5 games back of the Hawks for the 10th, the final play-in seed in a competitive East.

The bottom line is this Nets thing stinks and the Wizards are playing the only team performing worse than them at home.

Against the spread

BET WIZARDS -2.5 (-115) for 1.25 units unless you take Washington’s ML.

The ATS trends for both teams are ugly but they are far worse for the Nets. During its 9-game losing streak, Brooklyn has the worst ATS margin in the NBA (minus-9.1), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Plus, Nets PG Kyrie Irving isn’t a player that can be the leader of a winning team. When he is on the floor without Harden or KD this season, Brooklyn is outscored by 3.3 points per 100 possessions and has the worst rebounding rate in the Association.

GIMME the WIZARDS -2.5 (-115).

Over/Under

Slight “lean” to the OVER 217.5 (-115) for a tiny wager, if at all, because I much prefer the Washington side.

However, Brooklyn can’t play any defense and has the worst defensive-rebounding rate over the last nine games. Washington SF Kyle Kuzma and C Montrezl Harrel crash the glass and can get easy second-chance points in this matchup.

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Phoenix Suns at Washington Wizards odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Phoenix Suns at Washington Wizards odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (41-10) continue their four-game road trip through the Eastern Conference when they face the Washington Wizards (24-27) Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena. Below, we look at the Suns vs. Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Suns opened their road trip with a 124-115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks Thursday. That defeat snapped an 11-game win streak and was only their second loss since the start of 2022.

The Wizards snapped a six-game losing skid with a 106-103 win over the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday.

Suns at Wizards odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:56 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Suns -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Wizards +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Suns -8.5 (-115) | Wizards +8.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Suns at Wizards key injuries

Suns

  • Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
  • Abdel Nader (knee) out
  • Cam Payne (wrist) out
  • Dario Saric (knee) out
  • Landry Shamet (ankle) out

Wizards

  • Bradley Beal (wrist) out

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Suns at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Suns 115, Wizards 103

Money line

PASS on the money line.

The Wizards are missing their top player while the Suns, aside from missing Payne, are as healthy as they can be. Phoenix has the league’s best road record at 19-5 and has not lost consecutive games since December 25-27. The Suns also have not lost two consecutive road games since dropping games to the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers Dec. 3 and Dec. 13.

It still isn’t worth betting nearly five times your potential return, and you can get better values from the spread and the total.

Against the spread

The Suns are 28-23 ATS overall this season and 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games. They perform well against the spread on the road, where they are 15-9 ATS.

The Wizards are 20-30-1 ATS on the season but 12-13 ATS at home. They have covered the spread only twice in their last 10 games.

They have G Kyle Kuzma stepping up in Beal’s absence, but a healthy Suns team is too deep for the Wizards to handle. G Devin Booker is averaging 32.0 points per game in his last 11 contests.

Take the SUNS -8.5 (-115).

Over/Under

Three of the last four games for the Suns have hit the Over but the Wizards have had six of their last eight games stay Under the projected total.

The Suns are 8-15-1 O/U on the road this season.

The Wizards have averaged only 101 points in their last six games.

Take UNDER 218.5 (-107).

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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).

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Washington Wizards at Philadelphia 76ers odds, picks and predictions

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

The Washington Wizards (23-27) visit Wells Fargo Center Wednesday to take on the Philadelphia 76ers (31-19). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. 76ers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Wizards will be playing the second night of a back-to-back and will be playing their third straight road game.

Washington will be without SG Bradley Beal, who ranks 17th in the NBA at 23.2 points per game (PPG). The Wizards are 1-9 against the spread (ATS) over their last 10 and are 19-30-1 ATS on the season.

The 76ers enter on a five-game win streak and have alternated covering the spread and not covering over their last nine games. Their most recent outing was a 122-119 overtime victory as 3.5-point home underdogs to the Memphis Grizzlies Monday.

The 76ers are 6-4 ATS over their last 10 and 25-24-1 ATS on the season.

Wizards at 76ers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:48 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wizards +470 (bet $100 to win $470) | 76ers -700 (bet $700 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Wizards +10.5 (-108) | 76ers -10.5 (-112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Wizards at 76ers key injuries

Wizards

  • SG Bradley Beal (wrist) out
  • SG Shake Milton (back) out

76ers

  • SG Furkan Korkmaz (knee) out

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Wizards at 76ers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 110, Wizards 99

Money line

PASS.

There’s no chance I’d consider a -700 favorite, especially against a Washington side that could make a playoff run. Similarly, the Wizards will be without their star and will more than likely not pull off the upset.

Against the spread

LEAN to the 76ERS -10.5 (-112).

The Wizards without Beal certainly doesn’t bode well, but almost every trend points to the Sixers being the better play here.

Washington is 2-6-1 ATS with a rest disadvantage, the worst covering rate in the NBA under those circumstances. The Wizards are 2-3-1 ATS playing on no rest and 6-10-1 ATS as road underdogs.

Philadelphia held one of the strongest home-court advantages a season ago with just 7 losses. The 76ers are led by MVP-favorite C Joel Embiid (29.1 PPG, 10.8 rebounds per game), and given the Wizards’ small frontcourt, he should be able to have his way at home.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 213.5 (-108).

Washington is on the second night of a back-to-back and should be playing on tired legs.

Without its automatic scorer in Beal, Washington looked lost against Milwaukee in Tuesday’s 14-point defeat. The Wizards scored just 98 points as the game failed to hit the 228.5 total. Washington has gone Under in 4 of its last 5 games.

Meanwhile, the Sixers play at one of the slowest paces in the NBA and rank fourth in turnover rate, so they’ll be able to extend possessions and play a half-court style of basketball through Embiid.

Philadelphia is 20-28-2 O/U this season. Washington is 25-24-1 O/U.

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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).

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Washington Wizards at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and predictions

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

The Washington Wizards (23-26) travel to Fiserv Forum Tuesday to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (31-21). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Wizards have been an interesting team this season. They’ve hovered around a .500 record with a negative net rating for most of the season, and that’s starting to show in the betting world.

Washington is just 1-9 against the spread (ATS) over its last 10 games. It failed to cover as a favorite in six of those games. Washington is 19-29-1 ATS on the season. The Wizards rank 21st in points per game and 19th in opponents’ points per game.

Superstar G Bradley Beal will be sidelined for this game.

Milwaukee is also just 3-7 ATS over its last 10 games. The Bucks are a slightly better 22-20 ATS on the season. They’re 18-9 straight up (SU) at home but are just 8-15 ATS as home favorites despite their SU success there.

Wizards at Bucks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:23 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wizards +500 (bet $100 to win $500) | Bucks -750 (bet $750 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Wizards +11.5 (-115) | Bucks -11.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Wizards at Bucks key injuries

Wizards

  • G Bradley Beal (wrist) out

Bucks

  • G George Hill (neck) out

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Wizards at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 115, Wizards 104

Money line

PASS.

Milwaukee is far too expensive to consider in this position. Similarly, it’s unlikely Washington gets close to pulling off the upset.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the WIZARDS +11.5 (-115).

This is a tough game to gauge. While the Wizards aren’t among the better defensive teams in the NBA, they do allow the fewest three-point attempts per game and the second-fewest three-pointers made.

The Wizards also have the size in F Deni Avdija and F Rui Hachimura to combat two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Considering the Bucks also rank 15th in opponents’ points per game, they may struggle to heavily limit the Wizards.

If Washington limits the Bucks three-point shooting (Milwaukee shoots the fourth-most three-point attempts per game), it should be able to cover. The Wizards have proven they can do that, so I’ll side with them here.

Over/Under

BET on the UNDER 227.5 (-115).

The Wizards are without their top scorer, and behind Beal, there are a plethora of inconsistent scorers like F Kyle Kuzma and G Spencer Dinwiddie. They also, as noted, limit 3-point attempts for their opponents.

The Under is the better play when you combine the two factors. Also, Milwaukee is 23-29 O/U this season and 12-15 O/U at home.

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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).

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Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Boston Celtics (23-24) travel to Capital One Arena Sunday to take on the Washington Wizards (23-23). Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Wizards come into this game off a 109-105 loss to the Toronto Raptors as 2-point underdogs.

Washington has lost three of its last four games and has failed to cover in eight of its last 10. The Wizards are 19-26-1 against the spread (ATS) and are much better at home where they are 13-10 straight up (SU) this season.

The Celtics have lost three of their last five outings and have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last 10. They’re much worse on the road than at home — they are just 8-14 SU away from TD Garden.

Celtics at Wizards odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:03 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Celtics -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Wizards +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -1.5 (-115) | Wizards +1.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Celtics at Wizards key injuries

Celtics

  • G Marcus Smart (competition reconditioning) probable

Wizards

  • None

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Celtics at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wizards 107, Celtics 104

Money line

PASS on the money line. Since I like the Wizards and envision a close game, I’ll look to the spread for value. The Wizards recently lost to the Nets by a mere one point.

Against the spread

BET on the WIZARDS +1.5 (-107).

Unlike many teams, the Wizards have the size and athleticism in F Rui Hachimura and F Deni Avdija to deal with F Jaylen Brown and F Jayson Tatum. Additionally, they’ll be at home.

Despite their net rating showing that they shouldn’t be above .500, they’re much better at home, and that cannot go unnoticed. I’d prefer to side with the numbers and bet on Washington given Boston’s struggles on the road.

The Celtics win many games by getting extra possessions, ranking 12th in offensive rebounding rate. However, the Wizards are a top-10 team in defensive rebounding.

Given that they also rank top 12 in turnover rate, I’d side with the team with both the rebounding edge and turnover edge.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 215.5 (-110).

The Celtics are 5-5 O/U over their last 10. Boston has been able to get under the totals in most of their games because of their top-ten defense. They hold opponents to the sixth-worst field goal percentage.

Similarly, given that the Wizards rank first in opponents’ fast break points, so this game should be played at a slower pace. Both teams being competent on the defensive glass will also aid fewer scoring opportunities.

Washington is 24-21-1 O/U with Boston sitting at 21-24 O/U.

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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).

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Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (27-16) visit Capital One Arena Wednesday to take on the Washington Wizards (23-21). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nets vs. Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Nets are having to live life without MVP candidate PF Kevin Durant, and they’ve struggled to do so, going just 3-3 over their last 6 games. The Nets are coming off Monday’s 114-107 road loss to the Cavaliers.

So far this season, the Nets are 17-26 against the spread (ATS). The Wizards haven’t been much better at 19-24-1 ATS.

Washington, despite having a plus-.500 record, rank 22nd in net rating with the 21st-ranked defense. The Wizards are just 6-7 as home favorites this season. Brooklyn is 3-2 as road underdogs.

Nets at Wizards odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:16 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Nets -103 (bet $103 to win $100) | Wizards -117 (bet $117 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Nets +1.5 (-115) | Wizards -1.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Nets at Wizards key injuries

Nets

  • SG DeAndre’ Bembry (back) questionable
  • PF Nic Claxton (hamstring) out
  • PF Kevin Durant (knee) out
  • SF Joe Harris (ankle) out
  • PF Paul Millsap (personal reasons) out

Wizards

  • None

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Nets at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 115, Wizards 111

Money line

BET the NETS (-103).

The Nets are going to struggle without Durant as an option, but they still have PG Kyrie Irving to help supplement K.D.’s production.

The one weakness Brooklyn has is with turnovers. It ranks 17th in turnover rate. The Wizards forced the third-fewest turnovers. Their defense just isn’t aggressive and that won’t bode well against SG James Harden and company.

The Nets have both a better-ranked offense and defense.

Despite being short-handed, they still have two legit stars take the court. With SF Bruce Brown as a competent defender to potentially limit star Wizards SG Bradley Beal, I expect the Nets to come out on top in this one.

Against the spread

PASS.

Given I like the Nets with Irving active, I’d prefer the money line odds.

The Nets haven’t lost by a single point all season, so it doesn’t make much sense to back them and also go with the spread here.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 234.5 (-112).

This is just too many points, especially with Brooklyn down its top scorer. Washington doesn’t play at a particularly fast pace.

The Nets rank 6th in fast-break points per game while the Wizards allow the fewest. This should be a slow-paced game as the two teams rank 9th and 20th in pace.

Brooklyn is 20-23 O/U, and Washington is 23-20-1 O/U this season. Given the pace this game should be played and transition defense for the Wizards, I expect fewer than 235 points to be scored.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

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.

Additional NBA sports coverage:
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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).

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Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Wizards (19-20) travel to Amway Center Sunday to take on the Orlando Magic (7-33). Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. Magic odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

While the Wizards have covered 6 of their last 9, they’ve lost two straight, one to the Bulls and the other to the Rockets. Washington’s issues this season have primarily come on the defensive side of the ball, allowing the 20th-most points per game.

The Wizards rank 23rd in the NBA in net rating, so they’re a tad bit worse than their record indicates. However, they’ll be road favorites as the Magic are dead last in net rating.

The Magic are coming off a road loss to the Pistons, a game that came down to the last several possessions. The Magic have covered just 2 of their last 6.

Wizards at Magic odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 12 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Washington -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Orlando +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Washington -6.5 (-115) | Orlando +6.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Wizards at Magic key injuries

Wizards

  • F Montrezl Harrell (health and safety protocols) questionable
  • F Rui Hachimura (reconditioning) questionable
  • F Davis Bertans (foot) questionable

Magic

  • Not officially submitted

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Wizards at Magic odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wizards 114, Magic 103

Money line

PASS on the money line. The Wizards aren’t good enough to warrant being comfortable in -300. Similarly, the Magic are just 2-14 at home, giving their +230 little value.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the WIZARDS -6.5 (-115). The Wizards will, by far, have the best player on the court.

G Bradley Beal should be able to have his way with one of the league’s worst defenses. The Magic are just 3-5 ATS over their last 8 games, and those 3 covers have come as double-figure underdogs.

The Magic rank 17th in pace, which is far above average for their typical spot in most areas. However, the Wizards are allowing the fewest fast break points. The Wizards are going to impose their style on Orlando.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 220.5 (-110) as the Magic’s offense has been far too sporadic to bet on. Orlando’s offense has been held under 100 points in 2 of its last 3 games.

Also, pregame.com has over 95% of the money on the Over. While that will likely adjust as more bettors place their wager, the line has yet to budge. The sportsbooks like their position, and given the Magic’s struggles, I do too.

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Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (20-14) travel to Capital One Arena Thursday to take on the Washington Wizards (17-17). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers vs. Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

After failing to cover on the road against the Pelicans on Tuesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers will head to the nation’s capital. They’ll now be without G Ricky Rubio for the season.

A focal point of the team, Rubio tore his ACL recently. Due to protocols, the Cavaliers, who have been the best covering team in the league, will be down two other starters. They’ll be missing at least three starters.

Similarly, the Wizards will be without several key players. Washington is 15-18-1 ATS this season. They’re 4-2 overall on the season without Beal in the lineup.

Also seeBet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA December 30 breakdown

Cavaliers at Wizards odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:01 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Cavaliers +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Wizards -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers +3.5 (-105) | Wizards -3.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 210.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Cavaliers at Wizards key injuries

Cavaliers

  • G Ricky Rubio (knee) out
  • G Darius Garland (health and safety protocols) out
  • C Jarrett Allen (reconditioning) doubtful
  • SF Cedi Osman (health and safety protocols) out
  • Ed Davis (health and safety protocols) out

Wizards

  • G Bradley Beal (health and safety protocols) questionable
  • G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (health and safety protocols) questionable
  • PF Davis Bertans (health and safety protocols) questionable
  • SG Aaron Holiday (health and safety protocols) out
  • PG Raul Neto (health and safety protocols) out
  • C Thomas Bryant (health and safety protocols) out
  • F Rui Hachimura (health and safety protocols) out
  • F Montrezl Harrell (health and safety protocols) out

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Cavaliers at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Cavaliers 106, Wizards 103

Money line

SPRINKLE on the CAVALIERS (+140) as they will still have talented players like C Evan Mobley and PF Kevin Love taking the court.

The Cavaliers have been one of the best defensive teams in the league this season, and it’s almost entirely been on the back of Mobley and Allen.

Without their best scorer, the Wizards will look to PG Spencer Dinwiddie and F Kyle Kuzma, both of which have been inconsistent throughout their careers. The Wizards are .500, but they have a -2.9 net rating.

They’re worse than their record indicates. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have the fourth-best net rating yet the ninth-best record. They’re better than their record indicates.

It’s tough to bet with so many players out, but I’d put a fraction of a unit on the Cavaliers to win outright. I like the points here for better value.

Against the spread

BET on the CAVALIERS +3.5 (-105). While the guard play will be average at best, the Cavs have talent in their frontcourt. Cleveland F Lauri Markkanen has hit double figures in seven of his last 10 games.

The trio of Markkanen, Love and Mobley should be able to limit the Wizards. Harrell’s absence is also much more important as it seems as he’s arguably the best sixth man in the league.

The Cavaliers have the second-best defensive rating. In a game down so many key scorers, I’ll take the better defensive team.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 210.5 (-107) as I’m not prepared to trust many of the score-first players that will be dependent on in this game.

Kuzma and Dinwiddie have been the main options for the Wizards while the Cavaliers will be trusting Love and Mobley to get the job done offensively. With both teams in the bottom 12 in pace, I’ll take fewer points in this one.

Also, Cleveland is just 13-21 on the O/U, so it’s been far from profitable betting on their matchups to score more than the projected total.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

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.

Additional NBA sports coverage:
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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).

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Washington Wizards at New York Knicks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Washington Wizards at New York Knicks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Wizards (16-15) travel to Madison Square Garden Thursday to take on the New York Knicks (14-17). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. Knicks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

These two teams come into this game with a few of the worst ATS records in the league. The Wizards are 13-17-1 with the Knicks 13-18.

Washington is led by Bradley Beal. With the league’s 23rd-best net rating at -2.4, the Wizards are worse than their record indicates. The Knicks also have a negative net rating, the 21st-best in the league.

Led by Julius Randle, the Knicks are just 2-5 over their last 7. They have, however, covered 2 of their last 3.

Wizards at Knicks odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wizards -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Knicks -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Wizards -1.5 (-105) | Knicks +1.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 211.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Wizards at Knicks key injuries

Wizards

  • G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (health and safety protocols) out
  • F Rui Hachimura (competition reconditioning) out

Knicks

  • C Nerlens Noel (health and safety protocols) out
  • G Immanuel Quickley (health and safety protocols) out
  • G Derrick Rose (ankle) out

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Wizards at Knicks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 105, Wizards 103

Money line

BET on the KNICKS -105.

There isn’t much that separates these two sides, but the Knicks should have one mission, shut down Beal. The Wizards have lived or died by his play offensively. He’s averaging 23.3 points per game.

As for the Knicks, they don’t have a great three-point defense but are solid in the interior that plays to Washington’s weaknesses well. They aren’t a great three-point shooting team.

With Hachimura out, the Wizards may struggle to defend the versatile Randle, giving New York a slight edge. The Knicks have struggled at home, but similarly, the Wizards have struggled on the road.

I’ll take the home dog here.

Against the spread

PASS on the spread.

I like New York here, and I’d rather bet on them to win outright, getting the extra 15 cents on the dollar, than to lose by just one. The Knicks haven’t had a one-point loss yet this season.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 211.5 (-107) as both sides will be down key scorers. Given their reliance on one player to control their offense, both could struggle if Randle and Beal don’t get going.

Also, for both teams, it has been far more profitable to bet the Unders. The Knicks are 14-17 while the Wizards are 14-16-1 on the total, a combined 28-33-1.

I’d prefer the Under given the absence of key players, the season trends, and the reliance on one player.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

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.

Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire

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).

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Washington Wizards at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Washington Wizards at Phoenix Suns odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Wizards (15-14) continue with the third game of their six-game road trip Thursday against the Phoenix Suns (22-5). Tip-off is 9 p.m. ET at Footprint Center. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. Suns odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Wizards are playing the end of a back-to-back set after they lost on the road Wednesday 119-105 to the Sacramento Kings. They are 0-2 on the road trip, have lost three in a row and six of their last seven games.

The Suns have won three of their last four games and have been without G Devin Booker for their last six games. They picked up a road victory Tuesday with a 111-107 in overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers. G Chris Paul had 24 points and 14 assists and C Deandre Ayton added 28 points and 13 boards in his return to the lineup after dealing with a non-COVID illness.

Wizards at Suns odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:36 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wizards +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Suns -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Wizards +8.5 (-107) | Suns -8.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Wizards at Suns key injuries

Wizards (not officially submitted)

  • Kyle Kuzma (health and safety protocols) questionable
  • Thomas Bryant (knee) out

Suns

  • Devin Booker (hamstring) out
  • Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
  • Abdel Nader (knee) out
  • Dario Saric (knee) out
  • Jalen Smith (non-COVID illness) questionable

Wizards at Suns odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Suns 106, Wizards 99

Money line

PASS on the money line.

The Wizards have lost six of their last seven games and are 7-10 on the road and 5-6 against teams in the West.

The Suns are one of the best teams in the league and have won four of the six games they have played without Booker and despite having only lost twice in the last 24 games it’s not worth risking five times your potential return on the money line.

Against the spread

The Wizards are 12-16-1 ATS overall this season. They’ve failed to cover the spread in their last seven games and are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games.

The Suns have not been great against the spread this season. Despite the 22-5 win-loss record, they are 14-13 ATS. They are 2-4 ATS in the six games without Booker and have not covered more than a four-point spread since Nov. 21.

Take the WIZARDS +8.5 (-107).

Over/Under

The Wizards have allowed 113 or more points in five straight games, allowing an average of 117.4 per game. Seven of their last 10 games have gone Over the projected total.

However, the Suns are only averaging 105.8 points in Booker’s absence, but their third-rated defensive efficiency is working. Only two of their last eight games have hit the Over.

Take UNDER 213.5 (-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.

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

Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire

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).

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