Today’s Sunday slate features plenty of earlier games. However, I asked the AI Model for its thoughts on some of the later games to allow everyone to tail the model. Let’s have a night!
Picks Summary
- Pelicans-Celtics Under 227.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Nets-Jazz Over 216 (-110) at Bet365
- Suns -7 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics
Sunday, January 12, 2025 – 06:00 PM ET at TD Garden
The AI Model suggests the Celtics and Pelicans will combine for 226 points. However, Bet365 is carrying a total of 227.5. The Under looks to be the play in this matchup.
Don’t Count On New Orleans!
The Pelicans have scored just 107.9 points per 100 possessions. The reality is this team dealt with major injuries throughout the season. That’s hurt their chemistry and cohesion throughout the year.
New Orleans’s effective field goal percentage is 50.5%, the worst in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Celtics have held teams to a 52.9% effective field goal percentage. I’d trust Boston’s defense in this spot.
Can The Pelicans Stack Up Stops?
The Pelicans have allowed a 56.9% effective field goal percentage. While they’re one of the worst offenses in the NBA, they’re also one of the worst defenses, too.
That said, the Pelicans have at least limited teams to an 18.1 free throw rate. That’s 11th-best in the NBA, defensively. If New Orleans can at least stay away from fouling, they’ll be able to help achieve the Under in tonight’s tilt.
Back the Under 227.5 at -110 NBA odds in this game.
NBA Pick: Under 227.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Brooklyn Nets vs. Utah Jazz
Sunday, January 12, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Delta Center
Our AI Model thinks the Jazz and Nets will score 219 points combined. However, you can find the total at 216 using Bet365. Clearly, the Over has some serious value with a three-point margin.
Brooklyn Will Find Open Looks
The Brooklyn Nets’ offense isn’t appealing. Multiple starters have been out with injuries, which certainly hasn’t helped.
However, the Jazz rank 27th in points per 100 possessions and have allowed a 55.2% effective field goal percentage. Utah isn’t exactly a quality defense. Any NBA offense can score at a high rate against Utah.
The Jazz don’t even try to force turnovers, adding only 11.6% of turnovers per game this season.
The Jazz Can Do The Little Things Well
The Utah Jazz’s offense is also not incredible. However, Utah has earned 32.1% of offensive rebounds and a 20.9% free-throw rate.
Utah should be aggressive around the basket. It’ll earn plenty of second-chance points and many foul line trips. That should help increase the total of this game. Points will be scored when time is stopped. Plus, the Jazz will have extra opportunities to score.
In addition, the Nets have also allowed the highest effective field goal rate in the NBA heading into tonight.
Side with the AI Model and take the Over 216 here.
NBA Pick: Over 216 (-110) at Bet365
Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns
Sunday, January 12, 2025 – 09:00 PM ET at Footprint Center
The AI Model thinks the Suns will escape the Hornets, 118-108 at home. Yet, the Suns are only -7 against the spread per Caesars. Grab it, per our model’s projections.
Can The Hornets Show Any Consistency?
The Charlotte Hornets have scored just 107.8 points per 100 possessions this season. They’ve gone 2-14 on the road and have just eight wins all year. However, Charlotte is coming off a win against the Suns, 115-104 at home.
While they beat the Suns earlier at home, the Hornets also haven’t played since January 7 due to multiple games in Los Angeles being postponed.
The Hornets will likely be rusty, and with an effective field goal percentage of 50.6%, that won’t help.
The Suns Will Find Ways To Score
Phoenix has already made changes to its lineup. They’re looking for any possible edge in each game.
Ultimately, the offense will be explosive regardless tonight. The Suns have scored 114.6 points per 100 possessions, while the Hornets have allowed 114.8 points per 100 possessions.
Expect the Suns to get quality looks. While they won’t dominate the offensive glass, they will likely earn a high rate of foul shots, which should help them increase their lead down the stretch.
Take the Suns at -7. The Hornets will be rusty.
NBA Pick: Suns -7 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
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