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NBA Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (2/9)

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It’s a particularly difficult day to bet on Pro Basketball. The looming trade deadline makes each team’s roster/rotation uncertain to some degree, and this is especially so for the eight teams playing today.

The majority of these teams have been rumored as active or already active in this year’s trade deadline, and any move that they do/don’t make could greatly alter the lines for today’s slate.

And here are our other top picks for Thursday:

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Today’s Best NBA Bets

For the season, my NBA best bets have gone 25-14 ATS

Milwaukee Bucks @ Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have already made their major moves, but the team’s newly acquired players won’t yet be active for tonight’s contest with Milwaukee. Too, the departure of Russell Westbrook will significantly hurt their second unit, and it is no certainty that Lebron James suits up - recall that James didn’t finish their previous game vs. OKC because of a lingering ankle injury.

Milwaukee is a reasonable bet now, with the potential to be an amazing one were Lebron to rest his injured ankle. The Lakers got the best of Milwaukee in the two teams’ previous matchup, but that occurred amid Anthony Davis‘ most prolific scoring streak of his career. And, if Tuesday night is any indication, there is no reason to suspect the Lakers PF might replicate such a performance.

The Lakers are shorthanded, and the Bucks are one of the best teams in basketball. In addition, Milwaukee has been exceptional as a favorite (26-16-1 ATS), and there’s potential that this line balloons to double digits if Lebron sits.

Bet: Bucks -6.5 (-110 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Denver Nuggets @ Orlando Magic

It’s the best team in the NBA (Denver) vs. a lottery team (you guessed it, Orlando). The Magic have been more than respectable lately, especially at home (16-11 ATS, rank 13th in Net Rating over the past month) - but the Nuggets are a different beast. The Magic gave Denver a scare in their previous matchup, but recall that the Nuggets led by 15 at the half before relinquishing their lead in that game.

There’s obvious appeal in backing Orlando. Their win/loss record (17-13) over the past two months is sound, and they’ve been an exceptional bet on the year (31-23-1 ATS, 29-18-1 ATS an an Underdog). However, they don’t stack up with the Nuggets. It’s another square pick, but the price is fair. Take Denver to cover the spread in Disney World.

Bet: Nuggets -6 (-110 via PointsBet)

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