After only three games yesterday, there are 12 games on the betting board tonight in the NBA. I asked the AI Model for its input on three later games. Check out the three best bets below.
Picks Summary
- Trail Blazers +6.5 (-110)
- Clippers +3.5 (-110)Â
- Pistons-Suns Over 227 (-110)
*All odds from Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 08:30 PM ET at Frost Bank Center
The AI Model Portland will only lose to San Antonio 117-111. That’s a six-point differential. However, BetMGM has the Blazers at +6.5 against the spread. With that score, the Blazers have a slight edge.
The Blazers Can Stick Around!
The Portland Trail Blazers are easily among the worst offenses in the NBA. Make no mistake. They’ve scored 108.3 points per 100 possessions and have added a 51.1% effective field goal percentage with 16.5% of turnovers.
However, the Spurs aren’t much better in these categories and also allow 28.4% of offensive rebounds.
The Blazers should be able to dominate the offensive glass and add more second-chance points. After all, Portland has grabbed 31% of offensive rebounds this season.
San Antonio Doesn’t Have Much Offense Either
The Spurs have scored only 112.6 points per 100 possessions. While they’ve had more success than the Blazers, they have shot an effective field goal percentage of only 53.7%.
That’s not going to help the Spurs blow out any opponent. That’s why I’d roll with the Blazers against the spread tonight.Â
NBA Pick: Trail Blazers +6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 08:30 PM ET at American Airlines Center
Our AI Model thinks the Mavericks will defeat the Clippers 113-110. However, Los Angeles is +3.5 against the spread at Caesars. That means the Clippers are the play, despite being on the road.
Dominance On The Glass!
The Los Angeles Clippers are nothing spectacular on offense. But they’ve done enough to keep themselves in games.
The Clippers have only scored 111.7 points per 100 possessions. That’s ultimately because of high turnovers. However, with Dallas averaging only 14.1% of turnovers this season, the Clippers should be able to limit turnovers a bit more tonight.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles has grabbed 27.4% of offensive rebounds. That should be key, with the Mavericks allowing 28.7% of offensive rebounds on the defensive end.
More possessions and second chances never hurt.
The Clippers Can Defend!
The Clippers mostly win games because of their defense. Los Angeles has allowed 109.5 points per 100 possessions and limited teams to 24.4% offensive rebounds. In addition, Los Angeles has committed 15.8% of turnovers and held opponents to a 54% effective field goal percentage.
Not many teams can stop the Mavericks’ high-powered offense. However, the Clippers are one of them.
Roll with the Clippers at +3.5 tonight. Thank the AI Model when it hits!
NBA Pick: Clippers +3.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns
Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Footprint Center
The AI Model suggests the Pistons and Suns will combine for 227 points tonight. Yet, Caesars has the total set at 225.5. The Model clearly likes the over in this game.
Phoenix Hasn’t Defended Well This Season
The Phoenix Suns rank 22nd in the NBA in defensive points per 100 possessions. They have allowed a 54.9% effective field goal percentage and have earned just 12.9% of turnovers.
Phoenix is good on the defensive glass but still gives out a slightly higher-than-average free throw rate.
The Pistons should be able to take advantage. Detroit isn’t scoring at a high rate. The Pistons might not even dominate the offensive glass like they’re used to. Yet, the shot selection and shot-making should be good enough.
The Pistons have hit a 53.9% effective field goal percentage, which should translate into tonight’s game.
Don’t Worry About Phoenix!
There’s nothing to worry about with the Suns’ offense. Phoenix has scored 115.2 points per 100 possessions, which is ninth in the NBA. Additionally, the Suns have shot a 56.2% effective field goal percentage and have turned the ball over just 14.2% of the time.
The only thing the Suns won’t do well is rebound for second chances on the offensive end. But they’ll still likely find their way to the foul line.
We’ll back the Over 227 at -110 NBA odds in this game.
NBA Pick: Over 227 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
