Wednesday 01/01: NBA Picks, Predictions and Statistics
In Tuesday’s NBA action, Domantas Sabonis finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Indiana Pacers in a 115-97 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, with T.J. Warren adding 21 points.
For the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum had a team-high 24 points with seven boards and three steals in a 109-92 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Kemba Walker added 22 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals.
Here are Today’s NBA Picks:
BET OF THE DAY
Portland Trail Blazers @ New York Knicks
· Since the 2017-18 season, the Trail Blazers have a 20-9-2 against the spread record in games played during January. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)
The Trail Blazers enter this matchup on a four-game losing streak.
In their last game against the Phoenix Suns, Damian Lillard finished with 33 points, seven assists and five rebounds in a 122-116 loss.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have surprisingly won two games in a row.
In their last game against the Washington Wizards, Julius Randle had 30 points, 16 rebounds and six assists in a 107-100 win.
On New Year’s Day, Carmelo Anthony, who is now with the Blazers, will return to New York.
Look for the Blazers to come away with a win and cover the 4 points in this one.
2u – Trail Blazers (-4) @ -105
Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers
· Since the 2015-16 season, the Suns have a 4-13 against the spread record at the Staples Center. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)
Both the Lakers and Suns are seeking a third straight win entering this matchup.
Against the Dallas Mavericks, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 23 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, and LeBron James contributed 13 points, 13 assists and six rebounds in a 108-95 victory.
For the Suns, Devin Booker had 33 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a 122-116 win over the Trail Blazers.
The Suns have one of the worst defenses in the entire NBA.
They are allowing 115.1 points per contest, which is 25th in the entire league. However, on offense, the Suns are averaging 114.3 points per game, sixth in the NBA.
Back on Nov. 12, the Suns lost their first game against the Lakers, 123-115 in Phoenix.
I don’t see it getting any easier this time around in Los Angeles.
Take the Lakers minus the 11 points here. Expect a blowout win for the Lakers.
1u – Lakers (-11) @ -105
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Milwaukee Bucks
· Since the 2013-14 season, the Bucks have a 37-20-2 against the spread record in night games at the Fiserv Forum. (Stat courtesy of Statschecker)
The Bucks enter this matchup riding a three-game winning streak.
On Monday night against the Chicago Bulls, Khris Middleton led the way with 25 points, six boards and four assists, and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 23 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in a 123-102 victory.
The Timberwolves are coming off a victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns were out with injuries but Shabazz Napier (24 points and eight assists) and Gorgui Dieng (11 points and 20 rebounds) picked up the slack in a 122-115 home victory.
The Bucks are the best team in the NBA and they are at home in this matchup.
Easy money in this one. Take Milwaukee minus the points.
1u – Bucks (-12.5) @ -105