NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (11/20)
We’ve got an eight-game NBA slate tonight. The Cavaliers will be back in action after losing their first game of the season last night. Meanwhile, the 76ers will look to finally earn a win after starting the season 2-11.
I’ve got the best bets on both of those matchups. Follow along below.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The New Orleans Pelicans have one of the worst offenses in the NBA. They have scored 106.8 points per 100 possessions and have added just a 50% effective field goal percentage. Now, they’ll take on a Cavaliers team that ranks in the top 10 in most defensive categories.
The Cavaliers have allowed a 54.6% effective field goal percentage. Yet, Cleveland has still held teams to 112.8 points per 100 possessions. That’s due to a high turnover, rebounding and free throw percentage on defense.
New Orleans typically dominates the offensive glass. But the Pelicans will likely find little success against the Cavaliers, who have allowed just 26.4% offensive rebounds this season.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers have added 123.9 points per 100 possessions. Cleveland has earned a 60.9% effective field goal percentage and rarely turns the ball over. You won’t see the Cavaliers get to the foul line often. However, the Cavaliers could add more offensive rebounds in this one. The Cavaliers have grabbed just 23.5% of offensive rebound opportunities, but with the Pelicans allowing 30.9%, Cleveland has a chance to be more aggressive on that side of the floor.
In addition, the Pelicans have allowed 119.3 points per 100 possessions.
Let’s take the Cavaliers to bounce back tonight.
Pick: Cavaliers -13.5 (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Philadelphia 76ers have been the worst offense in the NBA this season. Granted, Joel Embiid has only played three games. However, he’s shot 32.4% from the floor and has no game with more than 20 points. In that 20-point performance, 10 points came from the foul line.
He’s not performing up to expectations.
Paul George is also shooting below 40% from the field and has just one 20+ point game this season.
On the other hand, Tyrese Maxey, the team’s best scorer, has only played seven games with a hamstring injury. He’s shooting just 40.6% from the floor this season. Ultimately, he called out Embiid for being late to everything despite everyone viewing him as a leader.
The team meeting might help the 76ers. But for now, they’ve got too many inconsistencies. The top three expected scorers haven’t shot better than 41% from the floor this season. They’re being led by rookie guard Jared McCain, who has scored 15.2 points on 47.7% from the floor.
The 76ers also don’t have excuses. The Grizzlies are currently without Ja Morant, Marcus Smart and Zach Edey. Cam Spencer is also out and Vince Williams Jr. is questionable. Still, the defense ranks fifth in the NBA in points per 100 possessions and seventh in points per 100 possessions on offense.
I still don’t trust the 76ers, even if Maxey is playing.
Pick: Grizzlies +2.5 (-105)