A 9-game slate and a NBA TV double-header is on the menu for Saturday’s NBA action. The Jazz and Mavs get us going as early as 5 pm ET, followed by the Suns and Knicks squaring off in the 1st part of the double-header at 7.30 pm ET. Portland entertains the Lakers at 10 pm ET, wrapping up what should be a fun night of NBA basketball.
Last night I went 4-2 on my NBA Best Bet predictions, I’m hoping to do 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 match-up taking place this evening!
Jazz vs Mavericks Best Bet: Over 241.5 (-110)
We just saw 266 points scored between the two teams in Thursday’s game in Dallas. Prior to that we also had a game with 273 points in mid-December between them. Backing the over makes a lot of sense here.
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 2nd night of a back-to-back. Fatigue could become a problem against the top team in the Eastern Conference here.
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 to a success rate of over 70%. Devin Booker always lights up the Garden when he plays there, I’ll take the Suns against the Knicks who haven’t been as reliable with a 3-13 ATS record lately.
Read our Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks Predictions
Celtics vs Hawks Best Bet: Hawks +3.5 (-108)
Atlanta has completely turned things around after 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 they cannot afford to get into a shootout here, I think they decide this one in their 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 these two teams aren’t separated by a lot, so 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. They’ve knocked down 20+ threes twice in 3 games, if that sort of shooting continues they could even pull off the upset here. I’ll settle for the slightly 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)
No value in backing the Nuggets to win by double-digits here. Go for the points instead. The Wizards love to run, they play the 9th fastest pace while having the 2nd worst defensive efficiency. Denver too is leaking a lot of points without Jokic in the middle.
Lakers vs Trail Blazers Best Bet: Trail Blazers -3.5 (-108)
Lakers are without Luka, 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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