Top NBA Picks and Predictions Today (Pistons Cover, Cavs and Nuggets Are Solid Favorites on Tuesday)
Looking to bet on the three games in the NBA on Tuesday night?
BetSided's Donnavan Smoot has you covered with a pick for each matchup, and he may not be leaning where you think he is in some of the games.
With Luka Doncic facing Nikola Jokic and LeBron James returning to Cleveland, let's add to the fun with these picks:
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds, Prediction and Pick
Although the Lakers are 8-2 in their last 10 games, I’m fading them tonight. The Cavaliers not only have a top 10 offense in the league, but its No. 2-ranked defense is getting Jarrett Allen back tonight. Allen will be able to stand in the paint and give Anthony Davis a run for his money, leaving the rest of the onus on the Lakers’ offense.
The Cavs have been excellent at home as well. They are 9-1 SU as a home favorite and 8-1-1 ATS in that spot. I think the Lakers are getting a little bit too much credit here. Cleveland has established itself as a top team in the league, whereas the Lakers have needed all-time performances from AD to get the win.
Take the better team at home. -- Donnavan Smoot
Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat Odds, Prediction and Pick
The Miami Heat are going to win tonight. I don’t have a doubt about that. The Pistons have one of the worst defenses in the league, the second-worst net rating and are ravished by injuries. However, they have a chance to cover.
Miami is 3-7-1 ATS as a home favorite this season and 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games as a favorite. The Heat have not lived up to expectations this season. They are 11-13 overall and currently in the 9th seed.
Although the Pistons have a terrible net rating (-8.1), the Heat aren’t too many tiers above them. Miami is 21st in net rating at -1.4.
Detroit is 6-4 ATS in its last 10 games and with the spread close to four possessions, I’ll back them there. -- Donnavan Smoot
Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets Odds, Prediction and Pick
Despite being on a two-game losing streak, the Nuggets are the way to go tonight. They have more offensive weapons than the Mavericks, and Dallas has no counter to Nikola Jokic’s inside presence.
We all know how good Jokic is, but it’s Jamal Murray’s play that has me excited to back Denver tonight. Over the last five games, he’s averaging 23 points and 6 assists on 50% shooting from the field and 44% from three. If he’s at that level, then the Nuggets are a legitimate championship contender.
The Nuggets are 5-3 ATS and 6-2 SU as home favorites this year, while the Mavericks are 1-2 ATS as road underdogs.
Even with Luka Dončić’s amazing season, the Mavericks are just over .500 and are 2-8 SU away from home. It’s been a tough start to the season for Dallas, and Denver will capitalize on that tonight. -- Donnavan Smoot
You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.