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Wednesday provides a healthy dose of 10 NBA contests, along with some superstars facing off in some marquee matchups. The Thunder and Warriors are in action and if we’re being honest, that alone makes the NBA fun for us tonight. There’s plenty of reason to get excited, though, and there’s a ton to consider before you finalize your NBA bets for Wednesday night.
Let’s break down all the action in case you plan on conducting some NBA betting:
Hornets @ Cavs
Charlotte enters Quicken Loans Arena red hot with five straight wins, and there they’ll contest with the Cavs, who have been strong with 7 wins in their last 10 games and an elite home record (23-5). Charlotte can be a real problem at times due to their ability to play strong defense and convert on outside shooting, and they’ll definitely be up for this game as both sides try to go up 2-1 in the season series. The Cavs just fell asleep recently in a loss to Detroit, though, so I expect them to be much more focused tonight at home.
Pick: Cavs 108, Hornets 102
Knicks @ Pacers
Carmelo Anthony and Paul George duel at Bankers Life Fieldhouse tonight, as the Knicks try to pick up the pieces of an awful 2-8 run and Indy tries to nab their 31st win of the year. Indiana has more talent and is at home, while the Knicks have been looking lost with major issues at the point.
Pick: Pacers 98, Knicks 93
Wizards @ Bulls
This is going to be a fun game, as the Wizards really push the pace and the Bulls have tried hard to move faster and better offensively this year. Chicago could be in serious trouble, though, as Jimmy Butler leads a big pack of players that are out and Pau Gasol is even iffy for this one. Chicago is at home, but they’re just 3-7 in their last 10 games and simply are too banged up to trust these days.
Pick: Wiz 104, Bulls 101
76ers @ Pistons
Philly has 8 wins on the year and is an abysmal 3-28 away from home. That’s great news for the Pistons, who are at home and have a pretty steep talent advantage. I expect Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond to come up huge as the Pistons get themselves back to .500 at 29-29.
Pick: Pistons 96, 76ers 92
Warriors @ Heat
Miami can slow the pace down and play defense, but with no Chris Bosh, they’re bound to be in a ton of trouble tonight against the defending champs. Golden State is going to end up dictating the pace here and I just don’t think the Heat have the offensive fire power to keep up. Miami is pretty good in South Beach (18-11), but tonight they won’t be good enough.
Pick: Warriors 109, Heat 103
Timberwolves @ Raptors
The Timberwolves remain a young team still trying to figure themselves out, but can be an upset pick anytime out thanks to the development of both Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. I’m not buying an upset in Toronto, though, as the Raptors have been pretty tough (19-6) at home this year and are building positive momentum again with two wins in a row.
Pick: Raptors 104, Wolves 96
Lakers @ Grizzlies
Memphis is staying the course at 32-23, but with Marc Gasol (foot) probably out for the year, it may only be a matter of time before they start to crumble. I doubt it happens at home against the Lakers, however. Memphis has been strong at home (20-9) and the Lakers have been horrid on the road (5-28).
Pick: Grizz 102, Lakers 91
Nuggets @ Clippers
Denver travels to the Staples Center as they try to snap their current three-game losing streak, but that should be tough with the Clippers holding the home fort down pretty well (19-9 at home). Blake Griffin is still out, but L.A. has been fine without him (7-3 in last 10 games) and routed the Nuggets in their only other meeting this year in Denver. I expect a lot of points, but the Clips should take care of business on their own floor.
Pick: Clips 111, Nuggets 104
Thunder @ Mavs
OKC looks to put an end to an odd two-game losing streak, while the Mavs play host and try to build on their solid 16-11 home record. Dallas doesn’t matchup with the Thunder all that well, though, which has been made pretty clear with OKC going up 3-0 so far in the season series. Odds are OKC goes for the sweep, as Dallas hasn’t displayed an ability to stop their explosive offense.
Pick: Thunder 107, Mavs 101
Spurs @ Kings
The Kings have actually been playing well lately (three straight wins) and are at home, but the Spurs are a different animal. DeMarcus Cousins is going to need a massive game to keep this close even in Sacramento, but ultimately Sacramento’s lack of defense (they allow 109 points per game) is going to be a huge issue. Kawhi Leonard could be back tonight, as well, and that’d naturally give the Spurs quite a boost. I like them , regardless.
Pick: Spurs 106, Kings 102
