Tonight, we’ve got another six-game NBA slate! I asked the AI Model for its best bets and added the top three below. Follow along and win with the model at the top-rated sportsbooks in 2025!
Picks Summary:
- Nets +14 (-110)
- 76ers/Warriors Over 217 (-110)
- Lakers -9 (-110)
*All odds from Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Thursday, January 02, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Fiserv Forum
The AI Model thinks the Bucks will knock off the Nets, 116-104. However, that’s just a 12-point victory. You can buy the Nets at +14. That’s the way to go according to our model.
Brooklyn Isn’t That Bad!
The Brooklyn Nets are a below-average offense. There’s no question. However, the team has still added a solid free throw rate.
Beyond that, the Nets have scored 111.4 points per 100 possessions, which is still 21st in the NBA. They’re not completely lost on offense. Plus, the Bucks rarely force turnovers, so the Nets should get a solid amount of shots.
The more shots equals more opportunities to score.
It All Comes Down To The Glass
The Milwaukee Bucks have added 113.9 points per 100 possessions and have shot a 56.8% effective field goal percentage. The Bucks will make plenty of shots in tonight’s game, especially since the Nets have allowed a 57.5% effective field goal percentage.
However, in the off-chance, the Bucks struggle slightly more from the field, so it’ll be hard for them to cover such a big spread. After all, the Bucks have added just 21.3% of offensive rebounds. With limited offensive rebounds, it’s hard to back the Bucks at -14.
The Pick
Let’s side with the AI Model and take the Nets at +14.
NBA Pick: Nets +14 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Golden State Warriors
Thursday, January 02, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Chase Center
Our AI Model thinks the 76ers and Warriors will score 218 points in tonight’s game. They’re carrying a total of 217. That means the AI Model likes the Over in this late-night matchup on TNT.
Will Joel Embiid Play?
Per the sportsbooks, they’re expecting Joel Embiid to play. That should help, especially since the 76ers have scored just 109.9 points per 100 possessions this season.
Philadelphia’s offense hasn’t been the best in the NBA. However, Paul George was clicking against the Kings last night, and you can expect the 76ers to get to the foul line at a high rate against the Warriors tonight.
Golden State Needs To Dominate The Glass
Steph Curry said it best when he considered his team an average group. The offense isn’t what it used to be, shooting an effective field goal percentage of 52.2%.
However, Philadelphia’s defense isn’t much better. The Warriors should get quality looks from the field. In addition, they have added 29.8% of offensive rebounds, which should help them score better, especially since the 76ers are allowing 29.2% of offensive rebounds.
The Pick
The 76ers should add many foul shots, and the Warriors should get many second chances. Back the Over.
NBA Pick: 76ers/Warriors Over 217 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, January 02, 2025 – 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena
The AI Model suggests the Lakers will add a 10-point win over the Blazers at home tonight. However, Los Angeles is only -9, so there’s some value in the Lakers here.
Portland Has No Offense!
The Portland Trail Blazers have scored just 108.3 points per 100 possessions. The team has added a 51.3% effective field goal percentage and has turned the ball over 16.7% of the time. Additionally, the Blazers have earned just an 18.1 free throw rate.
The Blazers are below average in four of the five major categories. They’ve added 31% of offensive rebounds, which is good. But with so many turnovers, the team doesn’t even take enough shots to be effective on the offensive glass.
In addition, the Lakers are one of the best teams in the NBA at preventing opponents from reaching the foul line.
Los Angeles Can Be Effective On Offense!
The Lakers have scored 113.7 points per 100 possessions. This is about the average rate in the NBA. However, Portland’s defense has allowed 118.8 points per 100 possessions and has given up a 56.3% effective field goal percentage.
Los Angeles has already made a trade to bolster its team by adding Dorian Finney-Smith, which should help the offense click. The Lakers could even add more offensive rebounds, knowing that Portland has allowed 31.5% of offensive rebounds per game this season.
The Pick
Ride with the Lakers to earn a double-digit win.
NBA Pick: Lakers -9 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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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.
