A 9-game slate and an NBA TV double-header is on the menu for Saturday’s NBA action. The Jazz and Mavs get us going as early as 5:00 pm ET, followed by the Suns and Knicks squaring off in the first part of the double-header at 7:30 pm ET. Portland entertains the Lakers at 10:00 pm ET, wrapping up what should be a fun night of NBA action.
Last night I went 4-2 on my NBA best bets, and I’m hoping to do even better with today’s 9-game slate. Head over to our NBA Picks page for in-depth picks on the side and total, but let’s focus on my bets for every single matchup taking place this evening!
Jazz vs Mavericks Best Bet: Over 241.5 (-110)
We just saw 266 points scored between the 2 teams in Thursday’s game in Dallas. Prior to that we also had a matchup between them with 273 points in mid-December. Backing the over makes a lot of sense.
Read our Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks predictions
Pacers vs Pistons Best Bet: Pistons -12.5 (-112)
Detroit is 4-1 SU in 5 games, while the Pacers are playing on a second night of a back-to-back. Fatigue could become a problem against the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Read our Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons predictions
Suns vs Knicks Best Bet: Suns +3.5 (-112)
In 41 games played the Suns have covered the spread 29 times, which equals a success rate of over 70%. Devin Booker always lights up the Garden when he plays there, so I’ll take the Suns against the Knicks — who haven’t been as reliable with a 3-13 ATS record in their last 16.
Read our Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks predictions
Celtics vs Hawks Best Bet: Hawks +3.5 (-108)
Atlanta has completely turned things around following the Trae Young trade. Backed by a packed State Farm Arena, I think this is an opportunity for them to get a signature win against one of the elite East teams.
Read our Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks predictions
Thunder vs Heat Best Bet: Under 234.5 (-110)
This number looks a tad too big for me even if the Heat are the NBA’s fastest-paced offense. OKC knows it cannot afford to get into a shootout, so I think it decides this one in its favor by playing well defensively.
Timberwolves vs Spurs Best Bet: Spurs -6.5 (-110)
Minnesota had the upper hand in the first 2 meetings. I feel like the Spurs should be able to pull one back in their favor on Saturday.
Hornets vs Warriors Best Bet: Hornets +6 (-108)
Charlotte has been on a solid run lately, covering 7 times in 8 road games. The Hornets have knocked down 20+ threes twice in 3 games. If that sort of shooting continues, they could even pull off the upset. I’ll settle for the safer option and back them to cover.
Read our Charlotte Hornets vs Golden State Warriors predictions
Wizards vs Nuggets Best Bet: Over 232.5 (-106)
There is no value in backing the Nuggets to win by double-digits. Go for the points instead. The Wizards love to run; they play the ninth-fastest pace while having the second-worst defensive efficiency. Denver, too, is leaking a lot of points without Nikola Jokic in the middle.
Lakers vs Trail Blazers Best Bet: Trail Blazers -3.5 (-108)
The Lakers are without Luka Doncic, the heart and soul of their team. Portland has covered in 6 of 7 home games and is 4-2 SU in 6 against Pacific Division opponents.
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