Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (12/20)
With ten games on the NBA slate, we’ve got plenty of matchups to do our homework on.
After reviewing all ten matchups, I’ve found my favorite two bets of the slate.
Let us know which bets you’re tailing!
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers get lots of love for their offense. However, the defense has been really good at the start of the season.
The 76ers have held teams to only 111 points per 100 possessions, with teams shooting a 52.6% effective field goal percentage. Philadelphia has also limited teams to 26.6% of offensive rebounds and has earned an above-average rate of turnovers on the season.
With Minnesota giving up the ball 15.2% of the time, Philadelphia should grab plenty of turnovers. However, the Timberwolves get to the foul line at a high rate and have hit a 56.1% effective field goal percentage.
On the flip side, the 76ers are the best offense in the NBA, scoring 122.1 points per 100 possessions. Thanks to Joel Embiid, the 76ers are also the best team at getting to the foul line, with a free-throw rate of 26.6.
However, the Timberwolves have been the best defense in the NBA, holding opponents to 107.2 points per 100 possessions. Minnesota has done a quality job keeping teams off the foul line and has allowed only a 49.8% effective field goal percentage.
The 76ers have a slight edge against Minnesota’s offense. Still, both defenses should shine in this one. Give me the Under 226.5.
Bet: Under 226.5 (-110)
Boston Celtics vs. Sacramento Kings
Kristaps Porzingis didn’t play for the Celtics against the Warriors last night. That game finished in overtime, and the Celtics lost. He’s dealing with a calf injury but is questionable for tonight’s game against the Kings. There’s potential that he does play. However, we likely won’t know until closer to game time.
At the end of the day, Porzingis has only played in 19 of the 26 games for the Celtics. Boston has still scored 119.3 points per 100 possessions and has shot a 56.8% effective field goal percentage. The Celtics will be weak on the offensive glass, with the Kings holding teams to 24.5% of offensive rebounds. However, Sacramento also fouls at a high rate that should at least give the Celtics more opportunity to score points with the time stopped.
Meanwhile, Boston’s defense has also been tremendous. The Celtics have held teams to 110 points per 100 possessions. Opponents rarely get to the foul line against the Celtics and have shot just a 52.2% effective field goal percentage.
The Celtics have also managed to keep teams off the offensive glass, holding opponents to a 26.3% offensive rebounding percentage. The Kings aren’t very effective on the glass and have only scored 117 points per 100 possessions. That’s slightly above average but likely won’t be enough against the Celtics, even at home.
I’ll take Boston at +2.5.
Bet: Celtics -2.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday:
- NFL Week 16 Odds, Picks & Predictions: Best Futures Bets (2023)
- Thursday Night Football Betting Primer & Expert Picks
- NBA Player Prop Bet Odds, Pick & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
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