The Best NBA Picks Against the Spread 12/22

Opening day of the NBA is finally upon us! New this season, Goingfor2.com will be featuring free pick analysis of game lines and prop bets that I believe have value for sports bettors to make informed decisions. All lines mentioned are the lines that I wagered on and can change if you wait. Enjoy!

Clippers at Lakers

The NBA gave us a great opening day match up for the fans. The Lakers vs Clippers rivalry is always something to behold.

Last season, the teams met for their first game of the season resulting in a Clippers win. This year, the Lakers will be handing out their championship rings in this matchup pregame. Which as competitors, will give the Clippers extra motivation to defeat the Lakers.

Being the first game of the season with two top-tier teams, it’s best not to throw your whole bankroll on this game. It’s best to see how each team comes out firing to assess and sign value for later games.

That being said, I am going to take the Clippers at +3.0. The public was initially on the Lakers at -2.5, forcing the line to move -3.0. However, as of December 21, the Sharp or smart money, favored the Clippers at +3.0. The sharp money forced the line to move back to -2.5 for the Lakers cover.

Watching line movement can be a great tool to exploit, especially on opening day. For two top teams in the West, I believe that following the sharp money is the way to go for this play. This will be a close game with little to no variables to consider that will favor one team over the other. 

The injury report, as of December 21, shows Dennis Schroder as a game-time decision for the Lakers. Marcus Morris is a game-time decision for the Clippers.

Warriors at Nets

Having missed the entire season last year, we introduce Kevin Durant as a Brooklyn Net. The last time he played? Yup, for the Golden State Warriors defeat in the 2018-2019 NBA Finals loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Kevin Durant’s come back questions were put to bed this preseason. He appears to be back to form.

Missing from the Warriors roster is superstar shooting guard Klay Thompson who appears to be out for the season. A huge blow that will affect the Warrior’s season tremendously.

With Klay Thompson out, and Draymond Green listed as a game-time decision. The play is Nets -6.0.

This game will ultimately come down to matchups and talent. Both favoring the Nets. The only potential variable favoring the Warriors is Chef Curry’s ability to cook from deep. He will need to be on fire in order to cover +6.0.

Pick Review

Clippers +3.0

Nets -6.0

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