Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/19)
The NBA schedule has just four games on the slate tonight. However, two of the four games will be featured on TNT.
I’ve intentionally added best bets for both games of the TNT doubleheader, so you don’t even have to change the channel tonight!
Let’s earn some cash!
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Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Memphis Grizzlies are the worst offensive team in the NBA. But that’s about to change. Ja Morant is expected to return from his suspension tonight, with the Grizzlies sitting at 6-19 on the year. It might be a little too late. However, even Marcus Smart is expected to return later this week.
It’s unclear how many minutes Morant will play. However, he didn’t have an injury, and as long as he’s in game shape, I’d expect him to play a legitimate amount of minutes.
Memphis has struggled to get to the foul line. The Grizzlies have also turned the ball over 15% of the time. Beyond that, the Grizzlies have shot a 50.8% effective field goal percentage and have scored only 106.7 points per 100 possessions. Morant can help this offense. But he won’t push it from the worst offense to the best overnight.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are an above-average defense, holding opponents to 113.8 points per 100 possessions.
On the other hand, New Orleans will find the foul line easily. The Grizzlies rank 27th in free throw rate defensively and have allowed 28.4% of offensive rebounds. Still, the Grizzlies effectively earn turnovers and have held teams to 113.6 points per 100 possessions.
I get the hype with Morant. However, both defenses have been more consistent this season. I’ll take the Under 232.5.
Bet: Under 232.5 (-110)
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors
The Boston Celtics have one of the best offenses in the NBA. They’ve scored 119.4 points per 100 possessions and have added a 57.2% effective field goal percentage. Boston should see the line often, with the Warriors fouling at a free-throw rate of 23.1. However, second chances won’t come as often.
On the other hand, the Celtics have held teams to 109.4 points per 100 possessions. They’re one of the most balanced teams in the NBA. Boston’s defense has held teams to 26% offensive rebounds and a 14.8 free throw rate. Beyond that, the Celtics have allowed a 52% effective field goal percentage.
Winning on the road is never easy, especially when traveling from the East to the West Coast.
Boston has labeled Kristaps Porzingis as questionable, while the Warriors are unsure about Chris Paul’s status for this game. That said, the Celtics have just five losses while the Warriors are below .500. I’ll take the Celtics at -5.5.
Bet: Celtics -5.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday:
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- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
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