NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/22)
There are nine games on tonight’s NBA slate, including a couple of matchups that will be featured on ESPN. I’ve got a best bet in both nationally televised matchups, so you don’t need to change the channel tonight.
Let’s get right to it.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks await Luka Doncic’s return. It won’t be much longer, but Dallas has struggled since he’s been out. The Mavericks are just 23-20 and have lost four of their last five games. The most recent loss was a road loss on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets.
They’re back home to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota recently learned that Donte DiVincenzo will be out indefinitely with a Grade 3 left toe sprain.
After last year’s success, Minnesota has also performed under expectations, sitting at 22-21 on the season.
Dallas has been solid defensively, holding teams to 112.6 points per 100 possessions. Opponents aren’t getting good looks against Dallas, either, as they’ve been limited to a 52.6% effective field goal percentage. Still, teams have gained 29.5% of offensive rebounds against Dallas this season. Minnesota has potential on the offensive glass. But that’s about all they’ve got going for them heading into this game.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has also been great defensively, ranking seventh in defensive points per 100 possessions allowed. The defense should be able to limit Dallas a bit more, especially since the Timberwolves are better on the defensive glass and have done well limiting teams from getting to the foul line.
In this meeting, the Mavericks and Timberwolves have each won a game. This will be the final game of the season series between these two teams. I’ll roll with the Timberwolves to find a way on the road.
Pick: Timberwolves -2.5 (-115)
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings
If the Golden State Warriors lose tonight against the Kings they could drop below .500. After their 125-85 loss to the Celtics, there are many questions about the Warriors and their future.
Golden State’s offense isn’t even ranked inside the top 20 in points per 100 possessions. The team has shot an effective field goal percentage of just 52.8% and has the worst offensive free throw rate in the league.
Ultimately, the Warriors are good on the offensive glass, but Sacramento has limited opponents to just 25.1% of offensive rebounds. The Warriors don’t match up too well on offense.
On the other hand, Golden State has been slightly better on defense. The Warriors have held teams to 112.3 points per 100 possessions. However, the Kings get to the foul line much more than the Warriors, and the foul line could be the difference in this game.
In addition, Golden State won’t have key players like Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, Kyle Anderson and Brandin Podziemski. I’ll back the Kings -7.5.
Pick: Kings -7.5 (-105)