Top NBA Picks and Predictions Today (Be Weary Of Underdogs On Saturday)
After a gigantic Black Friday slate, the NBA has a much smaller schedule to get through today.
There’s only four games on the docket, but every matchup has an interesting storyline heading into it. We have Luka Dončić in Canada, LeBron James and the Lakers trying to get on track, SGA looking to maintain his hot start and Phoenix hoping for revenge against the Jazz.
With only four games, let’s go through BetSIded’s best picks for each game.
Mavericks vs. Raptors Prediction and Pick
Without two of its best players – and going against one of the best players in the league – I don’t see where Toronto gets this win.
The Mavericks, statistically speaking, have played fantastic basketball this season. They are top 10 in offensive and defensive rating and sixth in net rating. The play hasn’t translated into a boatload of wins, but it’s just a matter of time before the record catches up to the stats.
Toronto’s last two losses have been against teams that have superior offensive talents (Trae Young and Kevin Durant). Dončić is better than both and can control the game at a higher level. I expect him to continue having an MVP-like season and lead Dallas to a win – who will finally start to improve on its 1-5 road record.
Lakers vs. Spurs Prediction and Pick
These teams have played twice in the last week and the Lakers have won each game by double digits. Even though LeBron James had a subpar return, Los Angeles clearly has the Spurs’ number.
Anthony Davis had another dominant night yesterday, dropping 25 points and 15 rebounds. The Lakers have found a groove behind his great play. With James as a second option, this team is set up nicely going forward.
The Spurs have lost seven straight games and have failed to cover in their last five. They haven’t proven they can compete with Los Angeles, so I’ll fade them again today.
Thunder vs. Rockets Prediction and Pick
The Rockets dominated this matchup last season. They won three out of the four games and flexed on the Thunder last year. This season, the story will be different.
Houston hasn’t won many games and when it does, the Rockets don’t know how to keep winning games. The Rockets are 0-3 SU after a win this season. Even though the Rockets are 2-1 ATS following a win, this close spread lends me to fading them all together.
The Thunder are healthy and will likely have the best player on the floor in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. OKC is also coming off of a win, but the Thunder are 4-3 SU after a win. They handle success a little better than the Rockets do, so we’ll back them on the moneyline tonight.
Jazz vs. Suns Prediction and Pick
It looks like the Utah Jazz’s fairytale start to the season is coming to an end. Utah has two three-game losing streaks in the last eight games and is slipping down the Western Conference standings.
Over the last eight games, Utah’s defense has fallen apart. The Jazz are last in defensive rating, which has put them 29th in the league in net rating. Tonight, they’ll face the Suns, who have the third-best offensive rating in the league.
The Jazz were able to get a tough win at home the last time they played the Suns, but things will be different tonight with the game in Phoenix.
Since the Suns lost to the Jazz, they’ve won three straight games. They are trending in the right direction and Utah is headed the other way.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.