NBA Best Bets Today, 12/29: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Monday
Meatloaf again! The Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors put on a show, exactly as we predicted. Toronto had three players with over 20 points, and the game went slightly over the projected total of 223.5. The game finished with 268 points. Derrick White made one three in the first half, but only made one in the second half. Thus, the player proposition was not successful.
The Los Angeles Clippers outscored the Detroit Pistons 33 - 20 in the first quarter and never looked back. Although they were heavy underdogs, and although the 1 - 10 win margin was considered, taking the plus odds moneyline proved to be a great best bet. The win ensured another profitable day for Fantasy Alarm NBA Best Bets.
There are 11 games today, and Monday has the most games of any day this week. Make sure to check out Fantasy Alarm’s NBA DFS show to help navigate a large slate of games. The best bets today focus on attitudes and unrealistic totals. The first bet is not a nationally televised game, but features a player who has been the topic of debate.
NBA Best Bets Today, 12/29: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Monday
Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets: Monday 12/29
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET | TV: NBA League Pass | Location: Spectrum Center | Odds: MIL -3.0 | O/U 227.5
- Prediction: MIL -3.0 (-110 on Bet365 Sportsbook) 2.0 U
Giannis Antetokounmpo sent a message to his coaches, his teammates, his opponents, the fans, the media, and anyone who appreciates a good “poseririzing” dunk. He did a windmill dunk in the last few seconds of a game they had secured. This created controversy, but he put it to rest by stating the Milwaukee Bucks are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They need an attitude adjustment, and Antetokounmpo is the leader who speaks with actions.
The next victim is the Charlotte Hornets, who are 1.5 games behind the Bucks. They have talent, but not enough defense to stop Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. The Hornets allow 118.4 points per game, and the Bucks, with Antetokounmpo, are a difficult offense to contain. His court vision and passing game are underrated parts of his game.
The Bucks are not a great scoring team, but they will have a surge with Antetokounmpo drawing so much attention. Milwaukee is 4.0 games behind the sixth-place Philadelphia 76ers and must continue to win against teams they are expected to defeat. Put two units on the best bet of Milwaukee -3.0.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs San Antonio Spurs: Monday 12/29
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET | TV: NBC/Peacock | Location: Frost Bank Center | Odds: SA -4.5 | O/U 242.5
- Prediction: Total Under 241.5 (-115 on BETMGM Sportsbook)
The San Antonio Spurs host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Frost Bank Center today. The Spurs are -4.5 point favorites in what is expected to be a barn burner on NBC/Peacock. The game would be forced to be non-stop scoring for a total to get to 241.5 points. Or so the sportsbooks believe. That is why the best bet is for the total to be under 241.5 points.
The Cavaliers average 119.5 points per game, and the Spurs average 120.1 points per game. That equals a combined 239.6 points. That is just under a three-point difference from the expected total. However, Evan Mobley is not anything close to 100%, and can not contribute offensively. The Spurs are expected to be without De’Aaron Fox, and Victor Wembanyama’s minutes are still restricted.
The Cavaliers are on a terrible losing streak, and must play better defense if they want to shake it. Look for that to happen, and for San Antonio to have trouble without Fox’s tremendous speed. Put a unit on the best bet of under 241.5 points.
NBA Prop Bet Today, 12/29
Julius Randle and the Minnesota Timberwolves were booed off their own court. The fans of the Target Center were displeased with Michael Porter and the Brooklyn Nets putting a whooping on their team. Randle only scored 13 points despite playing 34 minutes. It was such a bad game that Anthony Edwards called out the team in a post-game interview.
When a leader calls out his team, that team usually responds with a much better performance. Minnesota gets a game against the Chicago Bulls, and they are -5.5 point favorites on the road. If they are going to cover their spread, Randle must return to a better offensive player. He’s averaging 22.6 points per game and has scored over 21.5 points in five of his last ten games.
He is the second scoring option for Minnesota, and he knows how to get to the foul line. Look for him to be aggressive against the Bulls' frontcourt and get to the charity stripe often. Put a unit on Randle to score his average, if not more, against the Bulls
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy G. -
*All bets placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise.
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