Top NBA Picks and Predictions Today (Trust Warriors as Underdogs, Mavericks on Road in Tuesday's Plays)
Tuesday's NBA action brings us four games, with several Western Conference contenders playing, including the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.
That's an invitation to place some bets, no?
That's exactly what BetSided's Peter Dewey and Donnavan Smoot are doing, and they have you coverd with a pick for each of the four matchups on Oct. 25:
Detroit Pistons vs. Washington Wizards Odds, Prediction and Pick
I’m not out on the Pistons just yet in the 2022-23 season, but the team’s lack of defense early on is certainly concerning. That can be an Achilles heel for a young team, and the Pistons really haven’t faced an elite offense yet this season.
Washington hasn’t been impressive on offense, ranking 27th in the NBA in offensive rating this season, but now it’s facing a Pistons team that likes to play uptempo (11th in pace). Detroit’s struggling defense should give the Wizards some easier baskets, and Bradley Beal is playing some of the best basketball of his career to this point in the season.
The Pistons have combined for 222, 236 and 239 points through their first three games. While Washington has only cleared this total once, it did come close in the season opener with 221 combined points.
Unless Detroit’s defense completely flips the script tonight, this should be an uptempo, offensive-focused game.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Odds, Prediction and Pick
Oklahoma City will be without two of its best players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey tonight. SGA is ruled out due to a hip injury, while Giddey sprained his ankle against the Timberwolves. In the two games the Thunder covered last season, SGA was there. With those two out, this is not the time to underreact. This is the time to back the Clippers and not look back.
The Clippers also have a not-so-secret weapon they can deploy in Kawhi Leonard. He played two nights ago against the Suns, so I’m unsure if he’s going to be on the floor tonight. If he is, I love this line even more. However, if he doesn’t play, it’s still OK to back the Clippers.
OKC has little offensive shot creation without SGA and Giddey. Los Angeles is a deep team that can switch heavy on defense and make life rough for the Thunder’s offense tonight.
This is the Clippers’ game to lose, and I trust them to do their job.
Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans Odds, Prediction and Pick
If I’m going to make a pick now, it’s the Mavericks or nothing with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson still up in the air with injuries.
The Pelicans, who I’m extremely high on this season, looked great in their first two games of the season, but losing both of their leading scorers against this Mavs team would be major uphill battle.
I’d suggest waiting to see whether or not either Pelicans star will play, because you may not get Dallas at the best number right now since they are both questionable. There’s a chance this spread could move closer to Mavs -4 or even -3 with both players healthy.
Dallas still looks great to start this season, ranking second in defensive rating and third in offensive rating through its first two games. I lean with the Mavs for now with New Orleans’ current injury report.
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns Odds, Prediction and Pick
The Suns are three-point favorites tonight, but I don’t trust them as much as the oddsmakers do. The Suns haven’t faced an offense as diverse as the Warriors this season, and all the movement that comes with Golden State’s system will cause issues for the Suns.
On top of that, Chris Paul has been awful this year. He’s averaging 7.7 points per game on 32% shooting from the field and 9% from 3. Shooting wise, he’s holding the Suns back.
This is not the same Phoenix team from last season – the one that was at least eight games better than every other team. Also, the Warriors play at the fastest pace in the league and will be able to speed up the game. That won’t work for the Suns, who play at the fourth-slowest pace in the league.
This game is setting to be out of the Suns’ comfort zone and with the vibes already off, I don’t think they’ll be able to cover or win tonight.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.