Top NBA Picks and Predictions Today (Chicago Claps Back in New York, Fade Offenses in Phoenix)
14 games tip-off in the NBA this Friday evening, with several marquee matchups available to wager on throughout the night before the league takes a day off on Christmas Eve.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets face off in Brooklyn as the Nets continue to power their way back up the standings in the East, just 2.5-games off the pace of Milwaukee despite being separated from 1 to 4. Brooklyn has won their last seven games in a row, but face a Bucks team that's covered in four straight after a loss against the spread (ATS).
You can find the latest available odds below, as well as Reed Wallach's betting preview HERE.
You can also find the best available odds for all 14 NBA games on the board HERE, along with the opening odds and top betting promos sorted by sportsbook and state.
With so many games to choose from, we've narrowed it down to our two favorites on the board to consider for the Friday night monster slate of NBA action. Let's dive right in!
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks Odds, Prediction and Pick
The Bulls’ record looks very concerning on the surface, but Chicago's underlying metrics hint that things could be turning around soon. They rank near league average in net rating with the 10th best defense in the league. This also comes as a result of playing the second-toughest schedule in the league this season, according to dunksandthrees.com.
Sure, the Knicks have been on a tear of late in winning eight of their last nine, but do the betting markets truly trust them? New York was laying only six at home to a Golden State Warriors squad without several of its best players Tuesday, and only a bucket vs. a slumping Toronto Raptors team. Turns out, they were right as the Knicks finally fell at home.
Despite just four wins in their last 10 games, the Bulls are fourth in effective field goal percentage in December. I believe it’s time to start buying Chicago moving forward, as the situation is not as dire as it seems.
The Knicks just saw their eight-game win streak end, but I'll back Chicago to keep their streak going.
Follow all of Reed's betting plays HERE!
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns Odds, Prediction and Pick
With Devin Booker already confirmed out, we at least can quantify what happens to the Suns' offense when he's not there. However, because Desmond Bane may be returning tonight (as of this writing), there's been a slight uptick towards the over as Memphis would love to add his abilities to drain shots from the outside against a good defensive unit in Phoenix.
If that ends up being the case, I think it actually sets up even better for the under to hit, as Memphis looks to re-adjust to playing with Bane back in the lineup.
Let's start with Booker being out. The Suns' offensive rating comes in No. 2 in the NBA when he plays, and No. 23 in the league when he's out. Via Cleaning the Glass, Booker has been a +6.7 on/off player this year, the second-best difference of his career.
Phoenix is a much improved team in their own building, going 14-4 at Footprint Center, and that's coming off a 113-110 loss to the Washington Wizards earlier in the week. The last time Phoenix lost two straight at home was 10 months ago back in February of 2022; dropping back-to-back games in their own arena vs. the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz.
I don't mind backing them as a short home dog in this spot, but with Booker for sure out, and knowing their offensive inefficiencies without him there, I feel better taking the under instead.
Follow all of Ben's betting plays in real-time HERE!
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.