The Los Angeles Lakers will take the court after their blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles for Anthony Davis. Doncic won’t play just yet, but seeing how the Lakers respond in tonight’s showdown will be interesting. I asked the AI Model for its projections on that game and two others.
Take a peek below.
Picks Summary
- Bulls +3.5 (-110)
- Lakers +8.5 (-110)
- Blazers +5 (-155)
*All odds from Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
Tuesday, February 04, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at United Center
The AI Model thinks the Heat will defeat the Bulls 115-114. However, the Bulls are 3.5-point underdogs at home. Despite their most recent trade that involved getting rid of Zach LaVine, Chicago has value in tonight’s game.
Chicago Will Be Fine
The Chicago Bulls are in the process of “tanking,” but that doesn’t mean they’ll lose every game.
The Bulls actually match up well defensively against the Heat. Chicago has allowed 115.9 points per 100 possessions, which isn’t great. However, Chicago has also limited teams to 25.9% of offensive rebounds and just a 17.9 free throw rate. Don’t expect the Heat to do much scoring.
They’ll be able to limit turnovers, but that’s about it.
The Bulls Need To Lock In!
The Chicago Bulls also have an ineffective offense. The team rarely adds offensive rebounds and foul shots.
That said, the Bulls have still shot a 55.6% effective field goal percentage, which could be the difference at home. The Bulls will likely shoot better than the Heat, especially with a 55.6% effective field goal percentage heading into this game.
Let’s ride with the AI Model and take the Bulls at +3.5 at home.
NBA Pick: Bulls +3.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Tuesday, February 04, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Intuit Dome
The AI Model thinks the Lakers will cover an 8.5-point spread with a seven-point loss to the Clippers tonight. Although the Lakers’ depth is thin heading into this game, according to the mode, they could still compete.
Can The Lakers Find Their Way To The Foul Line?
The Los Angeles Lakers are a top-12 offense in the NBA. They’re just about to face one of the best defenses in the NBA.
Still, the Lakers have scored 115.4 points per 100 possessions and have added a 55.6% effective field goal percentage. They’re also the best team at getting to the foul line and have turned the ball over less than 14% of the time.
The Lakers can still find ways to score, even against the Clippers. Just don’t expect a ton of offensive rebounds from the Lakers.
Can The Clippers Offense Do Enough?
The Clippers rank 22nd in points per 100 possessions and have shot an effective field goal percentage of 54.5%. They’ve also added just 27.3% of offensive rebounds.
They’ll likely have some success shooting the ball and on the glass, but the Clippers’ turnovers have killed them.
The Clippers have turned the ball over 16.2% of the time. If the Lakers can take advantage, they’ll at least cover against the spread. Consider the Lakers at +8.5 via Caesars.
NBA Pick: Lakers +8.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Indiana Pacers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Tuesday, February 04, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center
The AI Model predicts the Pacers will earn a 119-115 win over the Blazers. However, Portland, 8-1 in their last nine, is a 5-point underdog. The Blazers, who are red hot right now, still have value against the spread.
The Blazers Are Competing!
The Portland Trail Blazers have limited four of their last five opponents to no more than 112 points. The defense, which started out weak, has improved recently.
Ultimately, the Blazers need to rebound better. Portland has improved in this area but has still given up 31.3% of offensive rebounds. Beyond that, the Pacers have added just 23.7% of offensive rebounds.
They’ll be in good shape if the Blazers dominate the defensive glass.
How Portland Can Win On Offense
The Blazers have dropped at least 119 points in three straight wins at home. They’re still home against the Pacers and have dominated the offensive glass.
The Pacers have earned 30.6% of offensive rebounds, which will be useful against a defense allowing 28% of offensive rebounds.
I’ll ride the Blazers in this spot at -155 NBA odds. They’re comfortable at home right now.
NBA Pick: Blazers +5 (-155) at Caesars Sportsbook
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