We’ve got plenty of exciting matchups for tonight’s NBA In-Season Tournament games. Here are three bets that our computers have us considering.
Picks Summary
- Pistons-Pacers Under 247.5 (-110) at Unibet
- Wizards +14 (-110) at Unibet
- Pelicans +5.5 (-110) at Bet365
Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers
Friday, November 24, 2023 – 08:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Our AI Model believes the Pistons and Pacers will combine for 238 points in tonight’s game. With the total sitting at 247.5, the Under is the play for this game.
The Detroit Pistons have one of the worst offenses in the NBA. Detroit has added 108.1 points per 100 possessions, which is 27th in the NBA. The Pistons have also shot a 52.1% effective field goal percentage. That’s 26th in the NBA.
Beyond that, the Pistons have turned the ball over 17.6% of the time, which is the worst rate in the NBA.
While the Pacers haven’t been any better defensively, the Pistons have struggled drastically, scoring the basketball at a consistent pace.
Pacers’ Offensive Prowess
Meanwhile, the Pacers have the best offense in the NBA. But they’re not getting to the foul line consistently. The Pistons have also held teams to a 53.2% effective field goal percentage, which is 10th in the NBA.
It takes two teams to hit the Over. The Pistons won’t help the Pacers, while the Pacers will struggle to find effective looks throughout the game. Take the Under.
NBA Pick: Under 247.5 (-110) at Unibet
Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Friday, November 24, 2023 – 08:00 PM ET at Fiserv Forum
Our AI Model believes the Wizards will lose 125-114 on the road against the Bucks. The Wizards might be 2-12 but are only expected to lose by 11 despite getting 14 points from oddsmakers. Washington at +14 has some value.
The Wizards have been one of the worst teams in the NBA. But while they’re weak on the offensive glass and likely won’t see the foul line often, the Wizards are good at limiting turnovers and getting good shots.
They’ll take some wild shots between Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole. But as a team, Washington has shot an effective field goal percentage of 55.1. That’s above the average in the NBA. Plus, the Bucks aren’t earning many turnovers defensively, grabbing just 12.8% of turnovers per game. As long as the Wizards can hit shots consistently, they’ll stick around against the Bucks.
Meanwhile, the Bucks will have no problems scoring against the Wizards. But a bad shooting night would derail the Bucks, knowing Milwaukee has earned only 24.2% of offensive rebounds.
Washington’s Path to Cover
Washington’s expected to win the turnover battle and has the potential to win on the glass. Washington will need to win the “effort” categories to cover. I think they’ll do that.
The Bucks beat the Wizards 142-129 last time out. A 13-point win for the Bucks would give the Wizards the cover tonight.
NBA Pick: Wizards +14 (-110) at Unibet
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Friday, November 24, 2023 – 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena
The AI Model suggests the Pelicans will lose to the Clippers by two points on the road. However, the Pelicans are getting 5.5 points. The value is in the Pelicans, who have a better record than the Clippers this season anyway.
Yes, the Clippers have won three straight games, but the Pelicans have won four of their last five games. Both teams are hot coming into this game.
The Clippers are known for their defense. They’ve held teams to 108.7 points per 100 possessions and have allowed an effective field goal percentage of just 51.3% on defense.
Offensive Opportunities
Los Angeles is also very good at forcing turnovers. However, the Pelicans have only turned the ball over 13.9% of the time. The Pelicans should also have some success on the offensive glass, with the Clippers allowing 28.3% of offensive rebounds.
This will allow for second chances for New Orleans.
Meanwhile, the Clippers have been up-and-down this season offensively. Los Angeles has shot an effective field goal percentage of 54.6% and hauled 27.2% of offensive rebounds.
On defense, the Pelicans are about the same as the Clippers. They’re an average defense doing enough to get by with wins.
Both teams are near .500 and expect to play in a close game tonight. Even the analytics are very similar. That’s why I’ll grab the points with the Pelicans. The AI Model knows!
NBA Pick: Pelicans +5.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
*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.
