There’s plenty of action on tonight’s NBA slate, including eight games at night. I’ve asked the AI Model for its favorite three bets of the night, and here’s what it came up with. Don’t miss out on any action at the top-rated sportsbooks!
Picks Summary
- Mavericks +1.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Cavaliers-Nuggets Over 235.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Clippers -4.5 (-110) at Bet365
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns
Friday, December 27, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Footprint Center
The AI Model thinks the Phoenix Suns will escape with a 114-113 win against the Dallas Mavericks. However, the Mavericks are +1.5 at Bet365. Dallas would cover against the spread in this scenario.
Dallas Is Still An Elite Offense Without Luka Doncic!
The Dallas Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic tonight. However, they have still scored 119.4 points per 100 possessions and have an effective field goal percentage of 56.9%.
Dallas still has Kyrie Irving and other capable scorers. In addition, the Mavericks don’t really need to worry about turnovers, knowing the Suns have added just 13% of turnovers on defense this season.
The Suns have also allowed 116.9 points per 100 possessions, which currently ranks 23rd in the NBA.
Can Phoenix Find Good Looks At Home?
The Phoenix Suns have listed Devin Booker out again. That’ll hurt the Suns, who originally have scored 115.5 points per 100 possessions this season. The Suns are an above-average offense but against the Mavericks, that could change.
Dallas has held teams to 111.9 points per 100 possessions and ranks fourth in the NBA in defensive effective field goal percentage.
Ultimately, many teams take advantage of Dallas’ inability on the defensive glass. However, the Suns have gained just 24.6% of offensive rebounds. The Suns can’t even do that. Back the Mavericks with the AI Model at +1.5.
NBA Pick: Mavericks +1.5 (-110) at Bet365
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets
Friday, December 27, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Ball Arena
Our AI Model believes the Cavaliers and Nuggets will combine for 237 points in tonight’s showdown. However, the total at Bet365 is currently at 235.5. The Model thinks the Over is the play.
Cleveland Is Still the NBA’s Best Offense
The Cavaliers have scored a league-best 122.8 points per 100 possessions while shooting a 59.8% effective field goal percentage.
The Cavaliers have also turned the ball over below 13% of the time, which allows them to take a lot more shots. With the way they’ve made them, that has only helped throughout the season.
The Cavaliers won’t dominate at the foul line, but they’ll have their way from the field.
Denver Will Add More Points at the Line
The Denver Nuggets have scored 117.5 points per 100 possessions. They’ve also shot a 56.6% effective field goal percentage. Unfortunately, they’re going up against a defense that has held teams to 110.4 points per 100 possessions.
Still, if the Nuggets are aggressive on offense at home, they’ll get to the foul line a lot. Overall, the Nuggets have a 21.4 free throw rate, which is fourth-best in the NBA. In addition, the Nuggets have added the 10th most offensive rebounds in the NBA this year.
If the Nuggets continue to do well in those two areas, they’ll score enough to help the Over hit. Take the Over 235.5 in this non-conference tilt.
NBA Pick: Over 235.5 (-110) at Bet365
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Friday, December 27, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Intuit Dome
The AI Model suggests the Clippers will knock off the Warriors, 110-105. At Bet365, you can find the Clippers at -4.5, which would be just enough to cover against the spread.
Golden State Still Won’t Have Steph Curry!
The Golden State Warriors have already listed Stephen Curry out for this game. Draymond Green is also questionable.
The Warriors have already scored just 111.8 points per 100 possessions with an effective field goal percentage of 53.3%. Imagine how this offense will play without those two on the court.
The Warriors rarely get to the foul line and still turn the ball over 14.4% of the time. There’s nothing good about this offense.
More Opportunities at the Foul Line!
The Clippers aren’t any better on offense. However, they’ve still shot a 54.3% effective field goal percentage and have earned 27.5% of offensive rebounds with a 19.2 free throw rate.
The Clippers won’t be perfect from the field, but they’ll have more opportunities at the foul line and likely add more second chances. That should be enough to escape the Warriors at home and cover the spread. Grab the Clippers at -4.5.
NBA Pick: Clippers -4.5 (-110) at Bet365
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*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.
