Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/3)
We’ve got a loaded slate on the NBA schedule tonight, including 12 games with a featured 8:30 EST pm tip-off on ABC between the Bulls and Knicks.
The Heat and Lakers will also be on national television later tonight, with a 10:00 pm EST matchup.
I’ve got the best bets in both of those matchups, and I’m looking to get back on track after a poor day yesterday.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks
The Chicago Bulls will play the second game of a back-to-back against the Knicks. Last night’s game didn’t go very well after a 110-97 loss to the 76ers.
The Chicago offense has added a 52.1% effective field goal percentage and has scored only 113.2 points per 100 possessions. Chicago can limit turnovers but will likely struggle on the offensive glass against the Knicks. The Bulls have hauled in 28.8% of offensive rebounds, but the Knicks have allowed just 25.5% of offensive rebounds.
It’s also unlikely that Chicago sees the foul line at a high rate against New York.
Conversely, the Knicks are the best offensive rebounding team in the NBA, earning 32.6% of offensive rebounds. New York just traded away R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley and received OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa. Therefore, the Knicks should still be active on the offensive glass and will continue to get to the foul line at a high rate.
The only thing the Bulls do well defensively is earning turnovers. However, the Knicks have turned the ball over 13.4% of the time, which isn’t horrible.
Let’s back the new-look Knicks at -9.5.
Bet: Knicks -9.5 (-110)
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Miami Heat have already ruled out Jimmy Butler for tonight’s game. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura won’t play for the Lakers.
Ultimately, the Lakers have four questionable players, including LeBron James, who is dealing with an illness.
Neither team is consistent offensively this year. The Lakers have scored 114.6 points per 100 possessions and have earned dust 23.2% of offensive rebounds. The second chances will be limited against Miami, and the foul shots won’t come around very often.
Meanwhile, the Heat have scored 115.7 points per 100 possessions and have also earned a low offensive rebounding percentage of 25.9%.
The Heat are better at getting to the foul line, but the Lakers have given up a free throw rate of 16.8 defensively, which is the second best in the NBA.
With so many injuries and illnesses, I’ll happily take the Under 227.5 in this one.
Bet: Under 227.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday:
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