Dec 5, 6:05am | 4 min read

Daily Picks 12/05: Wizards To Work Their Magic

NBA

Dan Canova

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One of our expert hoops handicappers gives his best picks for today's games

ANALYSIS

In Wednesday’s NBA games, Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 35 points and nine rebounds for the Milwaukee Bucks in a 127-103 win over the Detroit Pistons. Khris Middleton added 17 points, eight boards and five assists in the win. For the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown had 31 points in a 112-93 win over the Miami Heat.

Here are Today’s NBA Picks:

BET OF THE DAY:

Philadelphia 76ers @ Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. As per Statschecker, the home team has covered the spread in each of the last five games between these two teams.

The Sixers will go for a fifth straight win on Thursday. They have also won eight out of their last nine games after a 103-94 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday. Philadelphia is a perfect 10-0 at home this season, however, they have a 5-6 road record.

The Wizards are scoring 118.9 points per game this season, which is the third best in the entire NBA.

Washington has won each of its last nine home games against the 76ers.

I’m unsure if the Wizards keep the home winning streak alive, but I do believe they will cover the 6.5-point spread. Take Washington plus the points in this matchup.

2u – Wizards (+6.5) @ -105

Houston Rockets @ Toronto Raptors

James Harden and Russell Westbrook travel to Toronto to take on the defending NBA champion Raptors on Thursday night. The Raptors have won nine out of their last 10 home games, according to Statschecker.

Both teams will look to rebound after tough overtime losses. Harden had 50 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals for the Rockets in a 135-133 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Russell Westbrook added 19 points, 10 boards and 10 assists for the Rockets.

For the Raptors, Norman Powell had 23 points and eight rebounds, and Fred VanVleet contributed 19 points, six assists and three steals for the Raptors in a 121-110 loss to the Miami Heat.

The Raptors had a seven-game winning streak end against the Heat, and it was also their first home loss of the season in 10 games. Look for Toronto to rebound at home in this one.

Take the Raptors minus the 2 points in this matchup.

1u – Raptors (-2) @ -105

Phoenix Suns @ New Orleans Pelicans

The Phoenix Suns will visit the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference matchup on Thursday.

The Suns will look to rebound after a tough loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. In that game, Frank Kaminsky led the way with 23 points, five boards and three assists, and Devin Booker contributed 17 points and five assists for the Suns in a 128-114 loss.

The Pelicans are in desperate need of a win after suffering six straight losses.

Their latest came to the visiting Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Brandon Ingram had 24 points, five rebounds and six assists, and Jrue Holiday added 18 points, four boards and four assists for the Pelicans.

According to Statschecker, these two squads faced off back on Nov. 21 in Phoenix and the Pelicans came away with the 124-121 win over the Suns. I believe in this matchup, the Suns will gain revenge with a victory of their own.

Take Phoenix plus the 2.5 points in this one.