Yesterday was not our finest hour in the betting world. The Denver Nuggets blew out the Indiana Pacers, and Nikola Jokic did not have to be a force around the rim. The Charlotte Hornets lost to the New York Knicks by over 8.5 points, and Kawhi Leonard had his worst game since returning from injury. He went 7-21 from the field, scoring just 21 points in 35 minutes of court time. So it goes sometimes, but la tortilla tiene dos lados, amigos. 

That’s right, there are two sides to every coin, and today we flip our luck into the win column. There are five NBA games today, and the best bets will focus on straight bets. There is one nationally televised game today on NBA TV, and the first best bet comes from that match.

 

 

 

NBA Best Bets Today, 12/4: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Thursday

Golden State Warriors vs Philadelphia 76ers: Thursday 12/4

Game Time: 7:00 PM ET | TV: NBATV | Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena | Odds: PHI -3.5 | O/U 222.5

The Philadelphia 76ers host the Golden State Warriors in an East vs West battle. The Philadelphia 76ers are projected to win in a battle of teams still trying to find their rhythm. Both teams have 11 wins, both teams have won five of their last ten games, but the Warriors are 4 - 8 on the road. They do not travel well, they are an older team, and Philadelphia is getting healthier throughout the season. 

The spread has dropped a point, which is an indicator that bets were placed on Golden State, or they believe a questionable player is sitting out. Quentin Grimes and Paul George are questionable for Philadelphia, but if they do not play, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Dominick Barlow are playing well together. Andre Drummond will have a size and strength advantage over the Warriors frontcourt, and Head Coach Nick Nurse will utilize his player’s strengths.  

The Warriors will be without Stephen Curry and Al Horford. In addition, Jimmy Butler III, Jonathan Kuminga, Quinten Post, and Trayce Jackson-Davis are listed as questionable. If one or more of those four are declared out, the line will move again. In Butler and Kuminga’s case, it moves the spread significantly. Take advantage now, before those injuries are declared. Put a unit on the best bet backing the home team. 

Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans: Thursday 12/4

Game Time: 8:00 PM ET | TV: Local | Location: Smoothie King Center | Odds: MIN -11.5 | O/U: 233.5

The New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Timberwolves played just two days ago. The match went to overtime, and Minnesota won by seven points. Trey Murphy played lights out in that match. Leading the Pelicans in points (33) and rebounds (15), and the center, Derik Queen, recorded the most assists (6)... the modern NBA.

Anthony Edwards was the King of the Court, as he outperformed not only New Orleans, but everyone. Can the Pelicans stop Edwards from scoring? It is not likely. Can they slow him down? Absolutely. Can they cover a +11.5 spread at home? We are betting on it. 

Since New Orleans’ victory on November 24th, they have lost four games. Their point differential in those losses was 5, 8, 12, and 7. Two of those games went to overtime. In five of their last six games, they have covered the spread. This best bet needs the trend to continue. Put a unit on the Pelicans to cover the spread at home. 
 

 

 

NBA Total Bet Today, 12/4

The Toronto Raptors host the Los Angeles Lakers in our second East vs West matchup. The Warriors versus the 76ers was a mid-tier battle. The Raptors versus the Lakers features the second-best records from each conference. Both have fifteen wins, and both have great offenses. The addition of Brandon Ingram has lifted the Raptors beyond what most projected. They aren’t solely reliant on Ingram, though. Scottie Barnes still puts up big performances, too. 

A healthy Luka Doncic paired with a surprising true #2 in Austin Reavies is a great combination. Lakers fans are hoping for a reunion with their ol’ pal Larry O’Brien. Both offenses should drive the total of this game up, yet for some reason, it is the second-lowest projected total of the day. It doesn’t add up. 

Toronto averages 117.7 points per game, while the Lakers average 119.1. Combined, that is 236.8 points per game. Both teams have multiple players capable of 30+ points on any given night, and it’s #2 vs #2. Expect great performances from both teams, put two units on the total.

 

 

 

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy G. -
*All bets placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise. 

 

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