Daily Picks 12/31: Keeping Pace
In Monday’s NBA games, Brandon Goodwin finished with 21 points, six assists and three rebounds off the bench for the Atlanta Hawks in a 101-93 win over the Orlando Magic. Kevin Huerter added 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks for the Hawks.
For the Washington Wizards, Jordan McRae had a team-high 29 points to go along with eight assists, four rebounds and two steals in a 123-105 victory over the Miami Heat. Ian Mahinmi contributed 25 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks for the Wizards.
Here are Today’s NBA Picks:
BET OF THE DAY:
Philadelphia 76ers @ Indiana Pacers
- Since the 2017-18 season, the Pacers have a 24-17 against the spread record at Bankers Life Fieldhouse after a loss. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)
The 76ers will look to end a two-game skid when they travel to Indiana.
In their last game against the Heat, Joel Embiid finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds and two assists in a 117-116 loss. Ben Simmons added 15 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and three steals.
The Pacers will also look to end a two-game losing streak. Domantas Sabonis finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds and four assists in a 120-98 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
The Sixers have won 16 of 18 home games this season, but they have a 7-10 record on the road.
Indiana is one of the better Eastern Conference teams in the NBA and the Pacers have an impressive 14-3 home record so far this year.
Take the Pacers plus the 1 point here.
2u – Pacers (+1) @ -105
Boston Celtics @ Charlotte Hornets
- Since 2016-17 season, the Celtics have a 10-4 against the spread record as an away team in day games. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)
The Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets already squared off twice this season.
Back on Nov. 8, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 23 points, nine rebounds and two steals in a 108-87 victory. Gordon Hayward added 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
On Dec. 22, Tatum put together another monster performance. He finished with 39 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three blocks in a 119-93 victory. Kemba Walker contributed 23 points and four assists.
Boston will make it three in a row here. Take the Celtics minus the 6.5 points in this matchup.
1u – Celtics (-6.5) @ -105
Los Angeles Clippers @ Sacramento Kings
- Since the 2010-11 season, the Clippers have a 22-12-1 against the spread record against the Kings. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)
The Clippers will look to make it 10 wins in a row against the Kings in this matchup - and a 14th straight in Sacramento.
Los Angeles will look to bounce back after a loss to the Utah Jazz. Paul George had 20 points, 10 rebounds and two assists, and Kawhi Leonard added 19 points, six assists and four rebounds in a 120-107 defeat.
The Kings will be aiming to end a seven-game skid.
On Sunday night, Nemanja Bjelica had a team-high 27 points, six rebounds and two assists for Sacramento in a 120-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
The Clippers clearly own the Kings head-to-head and I don’t see it changing in this one.
Take Los Angeles minus the 6.5 points on the road.
1u – Clippers (-6.5) @ -110
By Dan Canova