Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/31)
There’s plenty of action in the NBA tonight!
There are ten matchups, including Damian Lillard’s return to Portland with the Bucks. I don’t have a best bet in that matchup, but I’m eying a couple of other games where I see some value. Check out my two best bets below!
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are one of the league’s best defenses. They’ve held opponents to 112.5 points per 100 possessions and kept them to a 53% effective field goal percentage on the defensive end.
The Pelicans won’t get the best of looks from the field. However, New Orleans is typically good at getting to the foul line. With the Rockets fouling at a very high rate, New Orleans will add many points from the foul line in this game.
On the other hand, the Rockets only shoot an effective field goal percentage of 53.4%. That’s 23rd in the NBA. It’s unlikely Houston has success on the offensive glass consistently either, with the Pelicans holding teams to 26.1% of offensive rebounds.
While Houston’s defense has been tough to beat, the Pelicans are simply the more consistent offense and ultimately will get a bunch of free throws to escape the Rockets on the road.
Bet: Pelicans -2.5 (-110)
Orlando Magic vs. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have won two of their last three games. However, the Spurs are still 10-37 and one of the league’s worst teams this season.
The Spurs have scored 111 points per 100 possessions and have been below average in every major offensive category this season. That’s not ideal when going up against the Magic.
Orlando ranks second in turnover percentage and fourth in rebounding percentage on the defensive end. That’s helped Orlando hold teams to 113 points per 100 possessions and rank sixth in the NBA.
The Magic haven’t forced the toughest of shots and foul at a decent rate. However, the Spurs only shoot an effective field goal percentage of 53.4% and have added a very low free throw rate of 17.5.
On the other hand, Orlando’s offense is comparable to the Spurs. The Magic only score 113.6 points per 100 possessions. However, the difference is that Orlando will be facing a Spurs defense that has allowed more than 119 points per 100 possessions.
The Spurs are weak on the defensive glass. That’s ultimately where the Magic will exploit the Spurs. Orlando has grabbed 29.1% of offensive rebounds, with the Spurs giving up 28.1% of offensive rebounds on the defensive end. The Magic will win more second chances, which will be the difference in this game.
Orlando has also done very well at getting to the foul line this season. San Antonio doesn’t foul at a high rate, but it’s likely the Magic will get more foul shot opportunities and overall better looks from the floor tonight.
Bet: Magic -4.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: