NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (1/14)
There’s a doubleheader of matchups on TNT tonight in the NBA. The first game will be a matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers. The Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks will follow that game.
I’ve got a best bet for each of those games. Follow along below!
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Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have scored 123 points per 100 possessions, ranking them No. 1 in that category. Their offense has been so elite that they have gone 33-5 throughout the season.
Cleveland should continue to find offense against the Pacers. Indiana has allowed 114.5 points per 100 possessions and ranks slightly below average in most defensive categories.
The Pacers have given up an effective field goal percentage of nearly 55% and have earned just 14.1% of turnovers per game. While the Pacers should keep Cleveland off the offensive glass, that’s about all you can expect from Indiana’s defense.
Meanwhile, the Pacers likely won’t be much better on their offensive glass. Indiana has gained just 23.8% of offensive rebounds this season. They’ll rely more heavily on shooting. Yet, the Cavaliers have limited teams to a 53.3% effective field goal percentage and an 18.6 free throw rate.
The Pacers got the best of the Cavaliers just two days ago. Cleveland shot below 40% in that game and lost at home, 108-93, but that’s not your typical Cavaliers. Cleveland should turn things around on the road and get back in the win column tonight.
Take Cleveland to cover the 7.5 points.
Pick: Cavaliers -7.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks
Let’s give the Dallas Mavericks some credit. Despite the injuries to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Dallas is 22-17 and still staying afloat. Few teams could do that with their top two starters injured and out.
Doncic won’t return for at least another two weeks. Meanwhile, Irving is listed as questionable. He hasn’t played since January 1, so Irving would be a major reinforcement.
Dallas has still scored 117.4 points per 100 possessions. The Mavericks are good at keeping turnovers down and have shot an effective field goal percentage of 56%. Denver should do a solid job defending but won’t force many turnovers. Denver has added just 14% of turnovers, while the Mavericks have allowed 14.1% of turnovers per game this year.
The Mavericks have been great at getting to the foul line, but Denver is also good at preventing teams from getting there.
Conversely, Denver has shot an effective field goal percentage of 56.8%. The Nuggets have been far and beyond the more consistent offense. Denver has also limited turnovers and continues to reach the foul line at a high rate. Yet, the biggest stat in this game is Denver’s ability on the offensive glass. The Nuggets have earned 29.3% of offensive rebounds. That’ll be massive, knowing Dallas has allowed more than 29% of offensive rebounds on defense.
Denver won’t hit every shot. However, they’ll limit turnovers and get more second chances. On the road, I’ll back the Nuggets at -4.5.
Pick: Nuggets -4.5 (-110)