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Top NBA picks and predictions today (Hornets live underdogs vs. Heat)

By Iain MacMillan

Jan 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Dennis Smith Jr. (8) drives past Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent (2) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Dennis Smith Jr. (8) drives past Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent (2) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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sasWelcome to the weekend!

We have a plethora of sports to bet on today, including the NBA. Without any NBA to bet on last weekend (I’m not counting the All-Star Game), we have to take full advantage of today’s slate.

I went 2-0 with my picks yesterday, so let’s see if I can keep that momentum going today.

Let’s dive into my three best bets.

NBA best bets tonight

  • Hornets +5.5 vs. Heat
  • Jayson Tatum UNDER 29.5 points
  • Jordan Clarkson OVER 5.5 assists

Hornets +5.5 vs. Heat

This is a game between two teams who have been trending in opposite directions. Over their last three games, the Heat have an effective field goal percentage of 48.3%, that’s 3.5% lower than their season average.

Meanwhile, Charlotte’s shooting has been on fire, sporting an eFG% of 59.2% over that stretch, which is 8.8% higher than its season average and the eighth best mark in the NBA.

I’ll back the hotter team in Charlotte as a home underdog.

Jayson Tatum UNDER 29.5 points

Philadelphia has been playing lock down defense lately, sporting an opponent eFG% of 47.6% over its last three games, which is 6% better than the 76ers season average.

Jayson Tatum is averaging 29.7 points per game on the road this season, and his field goal percentage drops 1.8% when playing away from his home court. He also only scored 12 points while going 5-for-15 from the floor against the 76ers back on February 8th.

I’ll take the UNDER on his point total tonight.

Jordan Clarkson OVER 5.5 assists

For whatever the reason may be, the San Antonio Spurs are giving up the second most assists per game at 26.5. They’re also giving up the third most assists per opponent possession at 0.252. That should set Jordan Clarkson up to have a big game in the stats department against them.

He has six assists in two straight games, so at plus-money, I like him to hit this mark once again when he takes on the Spurs tonight.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.