We’ve got an exciting eight-game slate in the NBA featuring a few massive games. I used the AI Model to make the best projections for each game and added my thoughts below. Here are the best bets you should consider at the top-rated sportsbooks.
Picks Summary
- Cavaliers ML (-140) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
- Â Nuggets +2.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Bucks -5.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Wednesday, January 08, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The AI Model the Cavaliers will escape the Thunder, 116-113. That’s a three-point win, except Caesars Sportsbook has the Cavaliers at just -140 on the moneyline. Cleveland has the value tonight.
A Huge Matchup!
The Thunder and Cavaliers are the two best teams in the NBA. The Thunder are projected to win the Western Conference, and the Cavaliers are expected to win the Eastern Conference. This could be a legitimate NBA Championship matchup.
However, these teams match up very evenly. Both offenses have added a high effective field goal percentage and low turnover percentage. Meanwhile, these offenses have also struggled to add a high rate of offensive turnovers and continue to struggle to get to the foul line.
On defense, it’s the same. The defenses are great at forcing bad shots, but both teams aren’t dominating the defensive glass and regularly send teams to the foul line.
The Cavaliers Have The Edge
While both teams match up very well, the Cavaliers have the more appealing offense. Cleveland has shot a 60% effective field goal percentage, while the Thunder don’t even shoot a 55% effective field goal percentage.
With the Cavaliers home, I’ll take my chances with Cleveland.
The Pick
Take the Cavaliers at -140, according to our model.
NBA Pick: Cavaliers ML (-140) at Caesars Sportsbook
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
Wednesday, January 08, 2025 – 09:00 PM ET at Ball Arena
Our AI Model thinks the Clippers will earn a 115-114 victory on the road against the Nuggets. However, despite being at home, the Nuggets are +2.5 against the spread. Consider Denver in this spot.
Could Nikola Jokic Return?
The Nuggets didn’t have Nikola Jokic due to an illness last night, which resulted in a loss to the Celtics. But he may return to the lineup tonight.
That would help. When the Nuggets are near full strength, they score 118.7 points per 100 possessions, which ranks fourth best in the NBA. The Nuggets’ offensive performance, including shot-making, turnover percentage, offensive rebounding and getting to the foul line, is above average.
The Nuggets could struggle to post these eye-glaring stats against the Clippers. However, the Clippers still foul at a high rate and will likely force the Nuggets to the foul line frequently in this game, which will help Denver.
Can Clippers Become Better On Offense With Kawhi Leonard?
The Clippers lost their most recent game to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 108-106. Los Angeles gave Kawhi Leonard 21 minutes, and he shot 3-for-11 from the field with only eight points to show for it. His presence will eventually be felt. But it won’t happen just yet.
The Clippers have three main scoring options and then many role players. It’s unlikely the offense can stick with Denver’s.
The Pick
Let’s ride the Nuggets at +2.5.
NBA Pick: Nuggets +2.5 (-110) at Bet365
San Antonio Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Wednesday, January 08, 2025 – 09:30 PM ET at Fiserv Forum
The AI Model suggests the Bucks will add a six-point win over the Spurs tonight. You can get the Bucks at -5.5. Milwaukee would still cover with a six-point win at home.
The Spurs Are Slacking?
The San Antonio Spurs are 18-18. They are an average team, sitting at .500. San Antonio has scored 112.2 points per 100 possessions and shot a 53.4% effective field goal percentage. Both of these are below-average numbers.
Beyond that, the Spurs have turned the ball over nearly 15% of the time and grabbed only 19% of offensive rebounds. Meanwhile, the Bucks have limited teams to 112.9 points per 100 possessions and have kept teams to only 25.9% of offensive rebounds.
Milwaukee’s defense should be able to limit San Antonio at home tonight.
Milwaukee Should Win The Turnover Battle?
The best thing you can do offensively is limit turnovers. The Bucks have turned the ball over 14% of the time, which is better than the league average. Meanwhile, the Spurs have earned just 13.5% of turnovers themselves on defense.
The Bucks should be able to get a lot of shots up. That’s good news, primarily since the Bucks have shot a 56.9% effective field goal percentage this season. They are one of the best shooting teams in the NBA. They’ll take advantage of the extra shots.
The Pick
Take the Bucks at -5.5.
NBA Pick: Bucks -5.5 (-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.
