The Best NBA Picks Against the Spread 12/23
Day 2 of the NBA is jam-packed with a full slate of games. Do not fret, I go over the spreads that I believe carry the most value. Shall we begin?
New Oreleans Pelicans at Toronto Raptors
First up, we have a heavyweight matchup of the Pelicans at Raptors. Well, sort of. The Canadian government has told the Raptors that they cannot play in Toronto just yet. Therefore, we have a rare neutral game in the NBA. The game will be played in Tampa Bay.
Stripping the Raptors of home-field advantage is obviously a huge blow and I believe the oddsmakers have not reflected this yet.
That being said, I believe the Pelicans at +5.0 has a ton of value. This play almost certainly seems as close to a lock as you can get.
The Pelicans have a deeper bench than the Raptors. Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and JJ Reddick all come off the bench to provide excellent scoring options.
Not only are they deeper, they have an X-factor. A fully healthy Zion Williamson who proved devastating on both sides of the ball with his limited play from last season. His three is as deadly as anyone in the league. Pascal Siacom will have his hands full to say the least.
The Pelicans moneyline (+160) is also an enticing option. The Pelicans can easily upset for those looking for plus money plays.
Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls
The Hawks are on the radar to make a deep playoff run with the roster they have assembled in the offseason. They acquired several veterans such Capela and Gallinari among others. Their starters from last year essentially became their bench this year.
I’m looking for Trae Young to come out firing and has shown the ability to drop 40 on any given night making the Hawks that much more dangerous heading into his third year.
With more talent and a deeper bench, I believe this will negate home field advantage of the Bulls.
The play here is Hawks -1.5. The Hawks are more than capable of taking down the Bulls, even if LaVine shows out.
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The injury report shows Rajon Rondo and Kris Dunn out and Clint Capela as a game-time decision for the Hawks. Thaddeous Young is out for the Bulls.
Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics
Although, the Celtics begin the season with home field advantage, they are without superstar point guard Kemba Walker. He is listed out for the season opener.
Kemba Walker being out is a huge blow to the team and will have a drastic impact on the outcome. Tatum will have to elevate his play, which I do not believe will be enough in the end.
The Bucks are simply too deep and Giannis is in his prime after back to back MVP awards.
The Bucks defense will be heavily focused on shutting down Tatum, which will force other players to shoot the ball.
The play here is Bucks -3.0. The Celtics simply cannot match up with Kemba out.
Pelicans +5.0
Hawks -1.5
Bucks -3.0
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