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Top NBA Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/13)

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Unusually, there are five games on the NBA slate tonight. The games on tonight’s slate are also very high-profile games.

The Golden State Warriors will face the Milwaukee Bucks, while the New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Utah Jazz. We’ll also get the classic Celtics vs. Lakers rivalry tonight.

Here are a couple of best bets for some of tonight’s NBA games.

(Odds courtesy DraftKings)

Golden State Warriors vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Golden State Warriors are finally starting to find their offense. The Warriors won’t have Andrew Wiggins available, but it’s looking like Draymond Green will play after suffering an ankle injury.

The Warriors scored at least 119 points in four last five games. They’re scoring 115.5 points per 100 possessions and have shot an effective field goal percentage of 57.9%.

Meanwhile, the Bucks have been the best defensive team in the NBA, holding opponents to 107.5 points per 100 possessions. Teams have also shot an effective field goal percentage of just 50.8%. Golden State won’t have it easy, but the Warriors should be able to limit turnovers, thus giving them more shot attempts. Still, the Bucks have had a ton of success on the defensive glass and have kept teams away from the foul line.

The Warriors have one of the lowest free throw rates in the NBA and aren’t crashing the offensive glass at a high rate, either.

Milwaukee’s long winning streak was snapped against the Rockets, where they lost 97-92. That had to be one of the more embarrassing losses of the season. Still. the offense has been average at best, scoring 112.8 points per 100 possessions. They’ll likely stick around their average effective field goal percentage of 53.3%. The Bucks have also earned over 29% of offensive rebounds and should be able to add more second chances in this game.

Neither team will get to the foul line at a high pace. The Warriors figure to shoot a higher percentage from the floor, but the Bucks should be able to get more second chances. It’ll be a tight game, but I’ll take the Warriors, who are currently shooting at a much better pace.

Bet: Warriors +4.5  (-110 at DraftKings) 

Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Celtics are currently 21-7 on the season and have the best offense in the NBA. Boston has scored 120.2 points per 100 possessions while shooting an effective field goal percentage of just under 59%.

The Celtics have also kept turnovers down to 13.5% and have succeeded at getting to the foul line at a high rate.

However, the Lakers should be able to keep the Celtics off the offensive glass. Boston has earned just 21.5% of offensive rebounds. The Lakers also hold a free throw rate of 17.3, which is the best rate in the NBA on defense.

Los Angeles won’t earn many turnovers, but they’ll limit second chances and foul-shot opportunities on defense. Boston won’t have a chance on the road if the Celtics have a poor shooting night.

On the other hand, the Lakers have improved offensively but still aren’t in the top tier like Boston. They’re getting to the foul line more and limiting turnovers well. However, the Lakers are still below-average in points per 100 possessions and effective field goal percentage.

Boston’s done well on the defensive end this year. It’s been good enough with how well the Celtics have played on offense. Back the Celtics to cover on the road.

Bet: Celtics -3.5  (-110 at DraftKings)

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