NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/1)
We’ve got eight games on the NBA slate to start the new year. All but one matchup has a spread in the single digits. That said, I’ve added two best bets for tonight’s NBA slate.
Here’s what I’m looking at.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets
Don’t sleep on the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks are currently 18-15 and on a five-game winning streak. The offense has scored at least 117 points in all four of those wins and has allowed no more than 110 in three of those four. Atlanta is playing complete basketball right now.
The Hawks have scored 114 points per 100 possessions and have added 30.1% of offensive rebounds. While Atlanta might not see the foul line often, the Hawks still figure to win many second chances. Ultimately, the Nuggets have allowed 28.1% of offensive rebounds and are well below average in defensive points per 100 possessions, ranking 20th in the NBA.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have performed better offensively throughout the year and should get some really good looks in this game. For one, the Nuggets are home. Second, Denver has shot an effective field goal percentage of 57%. The Hawks’ defense has allowed an effective field goal percentage of 55.9% this year, which is 26th in the NBA.
The Nuggets should hit shots and the Hawks should add more second chances. Give me the over.
Pick: Over 246.5 Points (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Sacramento Kings
The Philadelphia 76ers have won four consecutive games. However, the 76ers won’t have Joel Embiid for tonight’s game. He’s listed out due to rest purposes. That certainly won’t help a Philadelphia offense ranked 26th in points per 100 possessions and 25th in effective field goal percentage.
The 76ers will consistently get to the foul line, even without Embiid, but Philadelphia doesn’t have the offensive edge elsewhere.
On the other hand, the Kings fired head coach Mike Brown, who was just a year removed from winning the NBA’s Coach of the Year award. Doug Christie became the team’s interim head coach and helped the Kings defeat a short-handed Mavericks team 110-100 in his first opportunity.
Sacramento has several quality offensive players. While their shooting hasn’t been incredibly good this season, they should get some good looks tonight.
Philadelphia has allowed a 55.7% effective field goal percentage and 28.9% of offensive rebounds. Sacramento should take advantage of both of those numbers and escape with the cover of 6.5 points at home.
Pick: Kings -6.5 (-105)