Utah Jazz

Utah enter this one off the back of a disappointing 17-point home loss to Philadelphia last time out. This was despite a solid performance from Shooting Guard Donovan Mitchell, who poured in 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Center Rudy Gobert had a strong display of his own, adding 17 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. With the hapless Knicks coming to town, Utah will be looking at this as a chance to regroup.

New York Knicks

The Knicks enter this one with a dismal 9-27 record, having lost each of their last 6 games. Shooting Guard Tim Hardaway continues to lead the way offensively, averaging 21 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Center Enes Kanter has been solid on the interior, averaging 14.7 points and 10.8 boards per night. Young pieces like Kevin Knox and Allonzo Trier appear to give the Knicks some hope for the future.

Prediction: 1^st Half Under 110 points

Utah have defended strongly at home this season and I expect them to shut down the Knicks offence here. With a full game total of 214, this gives us 3.5 points of value. As one of the better edges on the board, I’m happy to take this bet.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies enter this one at a decent 18-16 off the back of consecutive victories. Marc Gasol was solid in a win over the Cavaliers last time out, contributing 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite battling injury, Point Guard Mike Conley also played an important role with 15 points and 8 assists. In a stat that highlights the depth and versatility of this Memphis side, each of their starters scored in double figures last time out.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics make the trip to Memphis at 20-14 after a very disappointing loss in Houston last time out. This was despite a very solid display from PG Kyrie Irving, who dropped 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Power Forward Marcus Morris has excelled in the starting lineup, adding 19 points and 6 rebounds of his own. It was also a solid display from reserve Guard Jaylen Brown, who added 18 points and 5 boards.

Prediction: Grizzlies +3

Given Boston’s inconsistency on the road this season, I’m comfortable taking the Grizz plus the points here. They’ve historically been a very strong home side and they have a rest advantage here. Getting 3 points, I think they’re very solid value.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland return home at 20-15 after an overtime victory over these same Warriors. Damian Lillard had a night to remember, adding 21 points and 5 assists, also drilling the game-winner. Center Jusuf Nurkic was a beast on the interior, going for 27 points and 8 rebounds. Shooting Guard C.J. McCollum rounded this out nicely, adding 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists of his own.

Golden State Warriors

Golden State enters this one at a disappointing 23-13 after an overtime loss to Portland last time out. This was despite an excellent triple-double from Kevin Durant, who had 26 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. Stephen Curry also had a very solid day, adding 29 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds of his own. If Draymond Green and Klay Thompson can get back to their All-Star form, expect this Warriors dip to be short-lived.

Prediction: Warriors -3.5

I really like the revenge spot for the Warriors here. They felt they were hard done by against Portland last time out and have the chance to rectify it right away. Laying less than 4 points, I expect the Dubs to cruise to victory in this one.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards enter this one with a pitiful 13-22 record that puts them miles behind pre-season expectations. Point Guard John Wall was solid in defeat against Detroit last time out, pouring in 21 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Backcourt mate Bradley Beal continued his strong season with 21 points of his own. With their playoff hopes getting bleaker with each passing game, this is one that Washington desperately need.

Chicago Bulls

Chicago enters this one with a poor 9-26 record that will have them picking high in the upcoming draft. Shooting Guard Zach LaVine has been the star man this season, averaging 24 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. Lauri Markannen has also looked solid since his return from injury, averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. In what could be an off-season of change for Chicago, both the Head Coach and front office look like they may leave.

Prediction: Bulls +6

Washington is the most heavily bet side of the day and I really don’t understand why. With none of their bigs healthy and Otto Porter still out, they just don’t have enough NBA calibre players. The Bulls have been frisky as underdogs this season and I expect them to at least keep this competitive.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have battled a host of injuries this season, yet still sit 2^nd in the West with a respectable 21-11 record. Center Nikola Jokic has been outstanding all year, averaging 17.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. Point Guard Jamal Murray has also stepped up big time, averaging 17.4 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.5 boards per night. When veterans like Paul Millsap, Gary Harris, and Will Barton get healthy, this is a team to watch.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs enter this one off a solid 8-point win against these very Nuggets. Shooting Guard DeMar DeRozan was excellent in this one, going for 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. LaMarcus Aldridge was also very solid on the interior, pouring in 27 points on 13/19 from the field. Point Guard Bryn Forbes has also stepped up big time of late, scoring at least 15 points in each of his last 4.

Prediction: 1^st Half Over 103.5

With a full game total of 214, this halftime line effectively gives us 3.5 points of value. These two sides just played and easily covered this line, combining for 108 first-half points. The Nuggets particularly love to push the pace at home, and I expect a comfortable over here.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers enter this one off a late finish last night in Sacramento. The Absent LeBron James has had a very solid season so far, averaging 27 points, 8 boards, and 7 assists per night. Sophomore Kyle Kuzma has also stepped up big time, averaging 18.1 points and 5.7 rebounds of his own. Brandon Ingram is looking better of late, the Tyga lookalike averaging over 17 points in his last 3 outings.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers come into the LA derby sporting a 20-14 record after a 9-point win over Sacramento last time out. Lou Williams was excellent off the bench in this one, pouring in an efficient 24 points and 6 assists. He was supported capably by running mate Montrezl Harrel, who added 22 points and 5 blocks of his own off the bench. With LeBron out for this one, you have to think the Clippers have the matchup edge here.

Prediction: Clippers Moneyline $2.15

With the Lakers coming off a back-to-back and LeBron James out injured, I just don’t see how the Clippers are underdogs here. Although it’s technically a home game for the Lakers, this is very much a neutral court. $2.15 is great value for a Clippers side that should be around $1.70.

With a bevy of fixtures to choose from, the daily multi makes a return. As two strong road favourites, I expect both the Raptors and Thunder to get it done against inferior opposition. Similarly, the Wolves should be too good at home for the hapless Suns. At around $2.20, this is very solid value.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have noticeably faded of late and enter this one with a middling 15-16 record. This is despite a strong season from Power Forward Blake Griffin, who’s averaging 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists a night. Andre Drummond is providing adequate support in the frontcourt, averaging 17.7 points and 15.5 boards of his own. The absence of reserve Guard Ish Smith appears to have really hurt Detroit, with their second unit noticeably now lacking in creation.

Washington Wizards

One of the most disappointing teams in the association this season, the Wizards enter this contest at 13-21. Shooting Guard Bradley Beal has still been incredible, averaging 23.5 points, 5 assists, and 5 boards per night. Point Guard John Wall isn’t far behind him, averaging 20.7 points and 8.7 assists of his own. The acquisition of Trevor Ariza should really help Washington out on the wing, with the veteran averaging 13.5 points and 6 boards through his first 4 games.

Prediction: Under 113 1^st half

With Detroit’s strong advantage on the interior, I expect more of a grinding, slow-paced contest in this one. Neither of these two offences have been all that flash this season and you can expect some lower scores the first day back from the Christmas break. The first half total looks better value here than the full game one of 221.

Atlanta Hawks

Another very disappointing side, the Hawks enter this matchup at a paltry 9-23. They looked solid last time out in Detroit, managing a 3-point road victory. Center Alex Len was the main man here, pouring in 15 points, 17 boards, and 3 blocks. Even veteran Vince Carter had a resurgent effort off the bench, dropping 18 points and 7 boards. Despite 3 straight wins, Atlanta is definitely playing towards 2019 draft position this season.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers enter this one at a very respectable 22-12, good enough for 3^rd in the East. Big man Myles Turner was excellent in Washington last time out, dropping 18 points, 17 boards, and 2 blocks in a W. Reserve big man Domantas Sabonis also had himself a day, dropping a 15-point double-double off the bench. Shooting Guard Victor Oladipo has been the man all season, enjoying averages of 20.2 points, 6.4 boards, and 5.3 assists.

Prediction: Pacers -8

Indiana has tended to make light work of the bottom teams in the NBA in recent years. I expect their defence to shut down Atlanta here, whilst Oladipo goes to work on offence. At 8 points, I think this is reasonable value on Indiana.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks enter this one at 15-17 after having lost 6 straight contests. Luka Doncic was excellent in defeat last time out, dropping 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Harrison Barnes also chimed in with an efficient scoring night, adding 27 points on 11/20 from the field. Center DeAndre Jordan continues to provide an interior presence, adding a 14-point double-double of his own.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have lost 4 straight themselves to sit at a precarious 15-19. This is despite solid recent performances from Anthony Davis, who had 26 points and 17 boards against Sacramento last time out. Point Guard Jrue Holiday also did his thing, going for 27 points, 7 boards, and 6 assists. New Orleans needs to get right soon to avoid falling out of the Western playoff mix.

Prediction: Mavericks -2

I believe there is strong line value on the Mavericks in this one. They boast a 12-4 ATS home record this season, compared to just 7-11 on the road for New Orleans. Dallas is the better team here and they’ll take care of business at home.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers enter this one at 19-14 after a narrow loss to Golden State last time out. Tobias Harris was excellent in that one, dropping an efficient 32 points and 9 rebounds. He was supported capably by Danilo Gallinari, who added 25 points and 11 boards of his own. Lou Williams has looked back to his best since returning from injury, adding another 25 points and 9 assists.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings make the trip to LA off the back of consecutive wins to sit 18-15. Buddy Hield was excellent against New Orleans last time out, dropping an efficient 28 points and 6 boards. Willie Cauley Stein provided a solid balance on the interior, adding 22 points and 17 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox continues to make this team go, adding a vital 19 points and 11 assists to seal the win.

Prediction: Clippers -5

Another game where there is strong line value on the home side. The Kings have been very impressive at home of late, but I believe this has made the bookies overvalue them. With their full complement of players back, laying only 5 points looks great value for the Clip show.

New York Knicks

The Knicks enter this one at 9-25 after a dreadful run that has seen them win just 1 of their last 10 games. Shooting Guard Tim Hardaway Junior has been the main man this season, averaging an impressive 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Center Enes Kanter is providing a solid interior presence, averaging an efficient 15 points and 11 boards. Even Emmanuel Mudiay has raised his game of late, averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 3 boards per night.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks enter this one at an impressive 22-10 despite a loss to Miami last time out. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been phenomenal all season, averaging 26 points, 13 boards, and 6 assists per contest. Khris Middleton provides solid support on the wing, averaging 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists of his own. In Brook Lopez, Milwaukee has an elite shooting Center who complements Giannis perfectly.

Prediction: Bucks -10

This is a spot I expect Milwaukee to be really motivated in. They lost in New York earlier this season and Giannis was stepped over by Mario Hezonja in a sign of disrespect. I can assure you he won’t have forgotten that and will be raring to go for this one.

Houston Rockets

Houston enters this one with a middling 17-15 record, admittedly having won 6 of their last 7. James Harden is backing up his MVP award with another fantastic campaign, averaging 32 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds a night. Clint Capela is providing solid interior support, averaging 17.1 points and 12.1 rebounds of his own. The recent hamstring injury to Chris Paul leaves the Rockets very thin in the backcourt, which could be exposed here.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC enter this one with a very solid 21-11 record, just off 1^st place in the West. Small Forward Paul George has been excellent, averaging an efficient 26.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Russell Westbrook has also come on of late, averaging a 20-point triple-double so far. Kiwi Steven Adams rounds out this big 3 nicely, averaging 16 points and 10 boards of his own.

Prediction: Under 222

With no Chris Paul, I think Houston will really struggle to score on this Oklahoma City defence. Whilst I think OKC can claim the outright upset, a bet on the under represents better value.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics have lost 3 of their last 4 games to find themselves 5^th in the East at 19-13. Point Guard Kyrie Irving is having an outstanding campaign, averaging 22.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.9 boards per night. Marcus Morris has shined since being thrust into the lineup, averaging 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds himself. The return of Al Horford will really help out here against a tough matchup in Joel Embiid.

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers have had a very solid campaign so far, sitting 22-12 and equal 2^nd in the East. Center Joel Embiid has been outstanding all year, averaging 26.2 points, 13.4 boards, and 3.5 assists a night. Jimmy Butler has been a welcomed addition to this side, averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Aussie Ben Simmons has rounded out the ‘big 3’ nicely, averaging 16.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.9 assists a night.

Prediction: Under 224

There is strong line value on the under here. The total when these two played in the first game of the season was a mere 211.5 points. With two very strong defences, I expect a playoff like atmosphere that makes this sail under.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have won 8 of their last 10 games to sit 2^nd in the West with a 23-11 record. Kevin Durant is having another phenomenal campaign, averaging 29 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest. Stephen Curry is also looking like an MVP candidate, averaging 29.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists of his own. With the impending return of DeMarcus Cousins, this dangerous Golden State side is set to reach a new level.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers enter this one with a respectable 19-14 record, good enough for 2^nd in the West. When he’s not making anti-Semitic social media posts, LeBron James is averaging 27.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per night. Sophomore Forward Kyle Kuzma is also enjoying a solid campaign, averaging 18.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per night. Center JaVale McGee has provided a much-needed interior presence, averaging an efficient 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds.

Prediction: Warriors Halftime/Fulltime

This is a spot where the Warriors will be fully motivated. They made it a point to sweep LeBron in his last season in Cleveland and will be looking to make a statement in their first game against LA. Expect them to cruise from start to finish here.

Detroit Pistons

After a very strong start to the campaign, the Pistons have faded somewhat of late and enter this matchup at 15-15. Power Forward Blake Griffin continues to be their best player, averaging a solid 25.6 points, 9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. He is supported capably in the frontcourt by Andre Drummond, who is averaging 17.9 points and 15.5 rebounds of his own. Against a Hawks side that lacks an interior presence apart from John Collins, expect Blake and Andre to feast inside.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks enter this one at 8-23 after pulling off consecutive wins over the Wizards and Knicks. Power Forward John Collins continues to enjoy a very solid campaign, averaging 18.5 points and 9.9 rebounds so far. Unfortunately for Atlanta, he’s the only Hawk playing with any real efficiency. Rookie Point Guard Trae Young has shown flashes, but his dreadful shooting percentage and defence hold him back. Veterans like Kent Bazemore and Jeremy Lin are solid complementary players that can help this team stay afloat.

Prediction: Pistons Halftime/Fulltime

In a day without too much action, a relatively safe play first up. Detroit are the significantly better team in this one, are playing in front of their home fans, and have the motivational edge. At over $1.50 to lead at halftime and fulltime, I think this is far too much value to pass up.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC enter this one at 21-10 after an excellent road win in Utah last night. Paul George was outstanding in that one, pouring in 43 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals. Center Steven Adams battled on the interior, adding a 15-point double-double of his own. Power Forward Jerami Grant continued his solid start to the campaign, registering 15 points and 7 boards in his 39 minutes of action. Coming off such an intense back-to-back, you wonder where OKC’s energy levels are here.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves enter this one in horrific form, having lost 6 of their last 7 to sit 14-18. They’ve been dreadful on the road all season, winning just 2 of their 15 games. This is despite the very solid play of Karl-Anthony Towns, who is averaging 21 points and 11.6 boards per contest. Derrick Rose has also had a resurgent season, pouring in 18.5 points and 4.6 assists per game on 47% shooting from 3.

Prediction: Timberwolves +8

I really like the spot for Minnesota in this one. They’ve just come off a thumping against San Antonio, whilst OKC is fresh off a huge win in Utah last night. With the rest and motivation advantage here, I think 8 points is definitely too many.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors enter this one at 22-11 after a nervy win over the Mavericks last night. Kevin Durant was outstanding in that one, pouring in 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Stephen Curry added an efficient 22, 5, and 5 that included 6 made three-pointers. Jonas Jerebko was also huge off the bench in this one, dropping 23 points in just 21 minutes on an efficient 10-12 shooting.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers enter this one at an impressive 19-13 after consecutive home wins over the Mavericks and Nuggets. Small Forward Tobias Harris was very solid against Denver, pouring in 21 points and 7 boards to lead the starters. Reserve big man Montrezl Harrell had another excellent day, adding 20 points and 10 rebounds of his own. Rookie Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to show flashes, adding an efficient 14 points and 6 boards in this one.

Prediction: Under 233.5 points

With both of these sides coming off back-to-backs, I could see them both being a little leggy in this one. Whilst the Clippers have been scoring like crazy of late, Golden State have gone under this number in their last 3 contests. Expect them to control the pace here as this one sails under.

Another fairly simple multi on a big night of action. These are 3 teams with the significant talent advantage and home court in this one. With each of these 3 sides vying for playoff position, they can’t afford to drop games like these. At $1.84, it is well worth a play.

Miami Heat

The Heat enter this one off one of their more impressive wins of the season, a home TNT win over the Houston Rockets. Shooting Guard Josh Richardson continued his outstanding start to the season, pouring in 22 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Hassan Whiteside was also solid on the interior, totalling 17 rebounds and 2 blocks in just 24 minutes. The absence of Goran Dragic means a lot more of the playmaking will be on the shoulders of Dwyane Wade. Despite the solid season he has had so far, he’ll need to improve upon the 4/17 he had last time out.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks make the trip to Miami after a very convincing win in Boston last night. Small Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to emerge as an MVP frontrunner, averaging a shade under 27 points and 13 boards to go with his 6 assists. A huge strength of the Bucks is their two-way ability in the starting five. Each of their starters is averaging in double figures this season and all are capable shooters. Bench contributors like Ersan Ilyasova, Tony Snell, and Pat Connaughton make for an excellent rotation that should compete in the playoffs.

Prediction: Bucks -2

Whilst it does seem like a trap game for Milwaukee, the win in Boston last night was a less-taxing blowout. They have a significant talent advantage on the Heat in this one and I expect their defence to contain a limited Miami offence. With no-one to guard Giannis, expect a road win and cover for Milwaukee here.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets enter this one in rather solid form, winning 5 straight games before Friday’s loss in Miami. Unfortunately, Point Guard Chris Paul suffered another hamstring injury and will be out for this one. Shooting Guard James Harden has been phenomenal of late, averaging 39.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists over his last 5. Center Clint Capela has also been solid this season, averaging 17 points and 12 boards of his own. Without Paul, this limited Rockets rotation gets even thinner here and could struggle for a while.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs enter this one off an impressive 7^th win in their last 8 games, a convincing home victory over Minnesota yesterday. Shooting Guard DeMar DeRozan has led the way for this side, averaging 23.3 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per contest. Starting Point Guard Bryn Forbes is also in solid form, notching at least 17 in each of his last 2 contests. Finally enjoying a more settled rotation, San Antonio look well in contention for a playoff spot out West.

Prediction: Spurs +6

In my best bet of the day, I have to take the Spurs here. Whilst they’re on a back-to-back, Houston have also had a very difficult travel schedule of late. Given their lack of options, I just don’t see how they overcome the Chris Paul injury. I think 6 points is immense value for the Spurs and see no reason why they can’t claim this outright.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz enter this one on the second night of a back-to-back, after playing a late one in Portland yesterday. Not many would’ve expected Utah to sport a losing record after their first 33 games, but that’s exactly what has happened. This is despite the relatively impressive seasons of Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio, both of whom have come back where they left off last season. Things don’t get any easier here, as they welcome a hungry OKC team looking for revenge after last season’s playoffs.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC enter this one at an impressive 20-10 after winning each of their last 3 games. Small Forward Paul George was excellent last time out in Sacramento, pouring in 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. This was complemented nicely by a 20-20 game from Kiwi Center Steven Adams, who added 20 points and 23 boards. Russell Westbrook rounded out the ‘big 3’ with a triple-double, enjoying 19 points, 17 assists, and 11 rebounds. This OKC team appears to be rounding into form nicely and should be a contender come playoff time.

Prediction: Thunder +1

OKC has the significant rest advantage here, having only played once in the past 4 days. This is also their first time back in Utah since their infamous playoff loss earlier this year. I also think OKC is the much more talented team here and will be good for a road win and cover.