NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (1/3)
We have a big eight-game NBA slate today. Below are our top NBA picks & predictions for Saturday, January 3rd.
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Saturday's NBA Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Clippers (-1.5) | O/U 219.5 (-115/-105)
The Clippers were plummeting down the Western Conference standings a few weeks ago, and it looked like they would be potential sellers at the trade deadline. At one point, they lost 16 out of 19 games, dealt with injuries and had one of the league’s worst offenses. The situation has completely flipped, and they are coming into this game on a six-game winning streak.
The offense has improved, and it’s because of Kawhi Leonard. When Leonard is healthy, he's one of the best players on the court. During this winning streak, he's averaging a league-leading 39 points per game.
With the Celtics significantly changing their roster in the offseason, expectations were not as high as in previous years. After a slow start, the chemistry is improving, and this team is playing well and competing in a tight Eastern Conference race. With Jayson Tatum out for the year with a torn Achilles, Jaylen Brown has stepped in as the leader, and the former NBA Finals MVP is sixth in the league in points per game (29.5). The Celtics have been able to find success despite interchanging players because this team emphasizes defense. They rank second in points allowed per game (110.7) and sixth in opponents' effective field goal rate (53.1%).
These are two of the slowest-paced teams in terms of possessions per game, and each is in the top seven in points allowed. Look for scoring to be at a premium in this matchup.
Pick: Under 219.5 Points (-105)
Houston Rockets (-8.5) at Dallas Mavericks | O/U 225.5 (-112/-108)
After a rough patch where they lost five out of seven games, the Rockets seem to have righted the ship, winning four straight. Houston is set up to be a contender because it is as well-balanced as any team in the league. Houston and Oklahoma City are the only two teams in the top seven in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The offensive aspect seems to be what was missing from the team last season, and they moved from 15th (1.018) to second (1.186) in offensive efficiency this season.
Things seemed to be improving recently for Dallas, with the Mavericks at one point winning six out of eight games, including victories over the Nuggets, Pistons and Rockets. However, they could not maintain that momentum, and they've lost six of their last seven. Some pieces should have fans optimistic, especially Cooper Flagg, as the first overall pick has scored 20+ points in seven out of the last 10 games. However, it may not be enough to keep this team in contention until Kyrie Irving returns from his torn ACL.
Despite their loss in the last matchup, with the Rockets playing much better lately, they could get their revenge in this game.
Pick: Rockets -8.5 (-105)