While the NBA slate tonight includes nine games, I’ll focus on the two matchups that will be featured on ESPN.
Therefore, I’ve got best bets for the Knicks-Cavaliers and Pistons-Thunder games. Check out the best bets and analysis below.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The New York Knicks have won four of their last five games despite having some inconsistency at point guard. Jalen Brunson is out, and the Knicks have been without Miles McBride and Cameron Payne. It’s unclear if either will be back for tonight’s game against the Cavaliers.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers don’t have Ty Jerome. He has a knee injury that will sideline him for a few more days, if not a week.
With that out of the way, let’s talk about this game.
The Knicks have struggled against the top teams in the league. New York lost to Cleveland twice and was blown out in a February matchup on the road, 142-105. That was with Jalen Brunson. Now, the Knicks will play another game against the Cavaliers without their best player. That doesn’t help.
The Knicks are still a top-five offense in the NBA. New York has added 119.7 points per 100 possessions with only 13.1% of turnovers. The Knicks should also find success on the offensive glass since the Cavaliers have allowed 29.4% of offensive rebounds per game this season. Ultimately, the Knicks will miss shots against the Cavaliers. They must do better on the offensive glass and add second chances to escape with a win on the road.
Conversely, the Cavaliers have scored 123.1 points per 100 possessions. The Cavaliers are simply the best offense in the NBA, shooting a 58.4% effective field goal percentage with below 13% of turnovers. Cleveland could end up losing the rebounding battle against the Knicks. It’s also hard to get to the foul line against the Knicks. But as long as the Cavaliers continue to get quality looks, none of that will matter.
The Cavaliers should win this game. But the Knicks shouldn’t be a 10.5-point underdog, especially after winning four of their last five. This is a 48-win team we’re talking about.
I’ll back the Knicks at +10.5.
Pick: Knicks +10.5 (+100)
Detroit Pistons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Look at the Pistons getting some primetime, nationally televised action.
It’s deserved. The Pistons have won three of their last four games and are now 42-33 on the season. However, the Pistons won’t have Marcus Sasser, Ronald Holland II or Isaiah Stewart, who were all suspended after participating in a brawl against the Timberwolves in their last game. In addition, it’s doubtful Cade Cunningham will play in this game due to a calf injury.
Detroit will likely be without four key contributors in tonight’s showdown against a red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder team.
Ultimately, the Thunder have limited teams to 106.9 points per 100 possessions. They’ve forced many turnovers and have held teams to a 51.4% effective field goal percentage. Against the Pistons’ projected lineup, the Thunder’s defense should be elite.
The Thunder have earned 20+ point wins in three straight games and will now take on Detroit’s second unit tonight. I’m rolling with the Thunder at -13.5.
Pick: Thunder -13.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday:
