We’ve got another massive slate with eight NBA Cup Group Stage matchups. It’s the fourth day of the NBA Cup. So far, these games have been extremely competitive and exciting. Therefore, I asked the AI Model for its favorite three bets of the night, as always, with the best NBA odds available. I’ve listed them below.
And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for additional picks for the Pacers vs. Bucks and Kings vs. Clippers games!
Picks Summary
- Rockets -12.5 (-110)
- Nuggets -3 (-110)
- Clippers +3 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets
Friday, November 22, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Toyota Center
The AI Model thinks the Houston Rockets will dominate the Portland Trail Blazers, 119-106. At Bet365, the Rockets are -12.5. With a 13-point win, the Rockets would cover that 12.5 number. Let’s take the Rockets here.
Portland’s Brutal Offense
The Portland Trail Blazers have scored just 106.1 points per 100 possessions. They’ve become one of the worst offenses in the NBA, thanks to a league-worst 49.8% effective field goal percentage.
The Blazers won’t find many answers going up against Houston’s defense. Houston has allowed just 105.9 points per 100 possessions and ranks third in the NBA in effective field goal percentage.
The only thing the Blazers are good for is on the offensive glass. Yet, the Rockets have held opponents to 26.2% of offensive rebounds this season.
Second Chances Galore!
The Rockets haven’t shot the ball very well, either. However, they’re way more active on the offensive glass.
Houston has totaled 34.9% of offensive rebounds per game this season, which is impressive considering the Blazers have allowed 32.4% of offensive rebounds.
While the Rockets might miss quite a few shots, they’ll have more second chances and ultimately take more shots than the Blazers in this game.
Plus, Portland is great at forcing turnovers. That won’t happen against a Houston team that has allowed just 12.5% of turnovers per game on offense this season.
Ride with the Rockets in this potential blowout.
NBA Pick: Rockets -12.5 (-110) at Bet365
Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets
Friday, November 22, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Ball Arena
Our AI Model likes the Nuggets to add a 117-112 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Yet, Denver is only -3 at Bet365. With Luka Doncic out for the Mavericks, this is a prime opportunity to fade Dallas.
Will Dallas Continue Its Hot Offense?
The Dallas Mavericks have scored 118.1 points per 100 possessions. That’s good for 5th in the NBA. However, Luka Doncic is out and injured for at least a week.
That affects the offense moving forward, especially since the Nuggets rank as a top-ten defense in points per 100 possessions.
The Nuggets have held opponents to a 53.4% effective field goal percentage and don’t allow many free throw opportunities.
Denver Will Win At The Foul Line?
The Denver Nuggets will do the exact opposite of the Mavericks and get to the foul line often. Denver has added a 21.9 free-throw rate and will face a Dallas defense that has allowed a 21 free-throw rate.
That should be the difference in this game.
At home, Denver will get more calls.
While Nikola Jokic is a game-time decision, it’s more likely he plays than not. As long as the Nuggets have Jokic, they’ll take care of business tonight.
NBA Pick: Nuggets -3 (-110) at Bet365
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Friday, November 22, 2024 – 10:30 PM ET at Intuit Dome
The AI Model thinks the Sacramento Kings will defeat the Clippers by two points on the road. However, the Clippers are three-point favorites, giving them the edge in this late-night matchup.
The Clippers On The Glass
The Los Angeles Clippers limit opponents to 23.8% of offensive rebounds per game this season. Opponents have also shot just a 54.3% effective field goal percentage, resulting in only 110.2 points per 100 possessions against the Clippers this season.
While the Kings have a good offense, they’ll struggle on the offensive glass and likely won’t get the same looks they’re used to when facing the Clippers.
James Harden Can Lead
The Clippers won’t be with leading scorer Norman Powell, and Kawhi Leonard hasn’t returned yet. However, James Harden can lead this team when it matters the most. Harden scored 24 points and got to the foul line 12 times in his last game without Powell.
Expect the same tonight against a Kings defense that is ultimately just average. I’ll back the home team at +3.
NBA Pick: Clippers +3 (-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.
