Best NBA Picks Against the Spread 12/29

This NBA season has been crazy to the least. Would continue to recommend betting light for a few more games until we get a better idea on how teams are shaping up.

Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat

I do not think anyone had the Bucks starting 1-2 to start the season. Especially, dropping their last game against the New York Knicks by 20.

The Bucks have no choice but to dig deep and rebound against the Heat. It seems lack of defense appears to be a contributing factor. Opposing teams are scoring an average of 117 points against them. Way too much.

Giannis has demonstrated the ability to slow games down by going to the foul line to bar fast-break points from occurring. No defense and pace control are proving to be lethal.

I’m not going to bring up that game-tying free throw that Giannis missed at the season opener late in the 4th quarter against the Celtics after Tatum hit a step-back three over him. But, certainly is a visual on his they are playing so far this season. 

However, I believe this is just a rough start out of the gate. They play a competitive Heat team in a revenge game after the Heat bounced them from the playoffs earlier than expected. 

As of now, Jimmy Butler is listed as a GTD (ankle). This will greatly help the chances of a Bucks win and cover.

Butler provides a vital source of offense and defense for the Heat and you will definitely see the impact on the court with him out. Butler missing the game will allow the Bucks defense to focus on shutting down the sharpshooting of Herro and Robinson. 

The play here is Bucks -4.5. I believe the Bucks will come out swinging on the rebound, as back to back losses for this team last season were rare.

New York City Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers

Another surprise start to the season is the record of the Cavaliers. They came out swinging to start the season 3-0.

It appears the tandem dubbed “Sexland” has formed in Cleveland. The tandem consists Colin Sexton and Darius Garland. Sexton is averaging 27.0 PPG, 3.7 APG, and 2.3 RPG with Garland averaging 19.0 PPG, 8.3 APG, and 3.7 RPG. Sizzling.

This tandem might very well be a trio. Andre Drummond has come out as a force down low like his days with the Detroit Pistons. He is averaging 20.4 PPG, 4.0 APG, and 14.7 RPG. Just insane numbers by these three players.

On the other hand, we have the Knicks fresh off a 20 point win against the Bucks and are 1-2 to start the season.

The Knicks have some hope for the future with RJ Barret and Julius Randle. Randle is averaging a double-double on 23.7 PPG and 10.0 RPG with 6.3 APG. On fire.

The play here is Cavaliers at -3.5 in a home game. Drummond is a force down low and will put pressure on Randle while still scoring. This has offense written all over it and I believe that Vegas is currently undervaluing this Cavaliers team.

Bucks -4.5

Cavaliers -3.5

As half the lines are not currently available, follow @Go1diLocks for more picks as the lines are released.

 

 

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