Top NBA Best Bets Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (1/3)
The NBA slate is weak tonight. We’ve only got three games, with one game being featured on NBA TV.
The Bucks play the Wizards as 7.5-point favorites, while the Celtics will be 9-point favorites against the Thunder. I wouldn’t say I like to bet on heavy favorites. But I’ve still found some value in tonight’s NBA action.
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(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top NBA Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (1/3)
Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks will have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday back for tonight’s game against the Wizards. However, Khris Middleton will be unavailable. Still, the Bucks are in much better shape when those other two players get back on the court.
The Bucks hold teams to 109.9 points per 100 possessions, which is second in the league. They’ve also held teams to a 52.1% effective field goal percentage.
Milwaukee won’t earn a high rating e of turnovers, but the Bucks have dominated on the defensive glass, allowing just 23.8% of offensive rebounds this season. Plus, getting to the foul line against the Bucks is never easy. Milwaukee is winning games, thanks to its defense. Not the offense.
The offense is earning just 111.9 points per 100 possessions. The Bucks are great on the offensive glass, but Washington is just as good on the defensive glass. Washington should be able to limit foul shots, and while they won’t get turnovers at a high rate, Washington will hold Milwaukee to some tough shots throughout the game.
Take the Under.
Bet: Under 227 (-110)
Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Unlike the other two teams mentioned above, the Celtics are among the best offenses in the NBA. They’ve led the league in scoring with 118.7 points per 100 possessions. Boston’s also shooting a 57% effective field goal percentage while turning the ball over only 13.3% of the time.
Boston isn’t effective on the offensive glass, but against the Thunder, the Celtics should earn more second-chance opportunities. The Thunder are very good at forcing turnovers, earning 16.2% per game. But against the Celtics, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to force enough turnovers to make a true impact in this game.
However, the Thunder are not playing great offense this season, scoring 110.9 points per 100 possessions. Oklahoma City will limit turnovers, but getting to the foul line and earning offensive rebounds won’t be easy against the Celtics.
Again, I’m not the biggest fan of betting on heavy favorites. That’s not my true style. But the Thunder lost to the 76ers, 115-96, at home to finish 2022. Look for the Celtics to do the same. Other than its loss to Denver, Boston has recently turned the corner.
Bet: Celtics -9 (-110)
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