Top NBA Picks and Predictions Today (Expect Wins From Knicks, Bucks On Wednesday)

We have more than double the amount of games tonight than we did yesterday, with 10 games taking place across the association. 

There’s several key matchups, with the Bucks and Nets squaring off and the Lakers and Nuggets looking to find some momentum tonight in Denver. 

The BetSided crew went through all of the games for tonight and compiled their favorite bets for the slate. 

Heat vs. Trail Blazers Prediction and Pick

Miami has stumbled out of the gates to a 1-3 start while Portland has been on fire through the first four games. Money has moved the Heat from small underdogs to small favorites, but I think this is bettors banking on some positive regression from a deep Heat team.

However, I like Portland at home to keep humming on both sides of the floor. They rank top 10 in both points scored and allowed per 100 possessions.

Meanwhile, the Heat are ice cold from the field, posting the sixth-lowest effective field goal percentage thus far as a team while Erik Spoelstra still tries to fight the right mix of talent on his roster.

Many are going to play this as a regression to the mean game for both teams, but the value has appeared on the home underdog who is looking far better than expectations heading into the year.

Hornets vs. Knicks Prediction and Pick

For two teams that finished 10th and 11th in the Eastern Conference standings a year ago, all four of their games a season ago were decided by eight points or more with the Hornets taking three of four and covering the spread in all three wins.

Tonight, I'll back the healthier team in New York to cover at home, as the Hornets enter tonight without LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Cody Martin. Between the three, that's a combined 47.1 points-per-game, 14.6 assists-per-game, and 13.9 rebounds-per-game. The Knicks own the fifth-best defensive rating in the league this year, albeit a small sample size, but they were also top 11 a season ago.

New York has gotten exactly what they've needed from Jalen Brunson after signing as a free agent as well, averaging just under 18 points and 7 assists per game. It's also made life easier for Julius Randle, leading the Knicks in both scoring (21.3 PPG) and rebounding (9.7) in the early going.

New York has the advantage at home, with their depth, and with their defense to not just win, but cover as Charlotte plays their third of four games away from home.

I'll back the Knicks laying the 7, but given where the line has moved at several other books, I don't know if this will last.

Nets vs. Bucks Prediction and Pick

Even with Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton out, this is still the elite matchup of the night. The Nets and Bucks are expected to be players in the Eastern Conference and while Milwaukee looks good to start the season, Brooklyn has some major concerns. 

The Nets are dead last in defensive rating through the first week, allowing 124.7 points per 100 possessions. Brooklyn has allowed 130 points twice this season, and have also given up 40 points in a quarter twice.

On the flip side, the Bucks have the best defense in the league, allowing less than 100 points per possession. The difference in the game is their stifling defense, creating separation.

I like the Bucks to cover at home while the Nets are still figuring things out. However, the OVER is also in play tonight with the Nets' struggles defensively.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.