NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (12/13)
We have just two games on Saturday’s slate - the NBA Cup semi-finals. All four of these teams have looked great this year, and an NBA Cup could give them the momentum they need on their way to an NBA championship. Below are our top NBA picks & predictions for Saturday, December 13th.
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Saturday’s NBA Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder (-9.5) | O/U 225.5 (-110/-110)
The Thunder are not only aiming to be the best team in the NBA this season, but also the greatest of all time. At 24-1, Oklahoma City is on the same pace as the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors for the best single-season record (73-9).
They are one of the most balanced teams in the league, ranking fifth in adjusted offensive rating (119.3) and leading the league with an adjusted defensive rating of 106.9.
The Spurs haven't experienced a setback without Victor Wembanyama, as they are 9-3 while he has been on the sidelines. The success can be attributed to the performance of their backcourt trio of De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle.
The great news is that head coach Mitch Johnson is optimistic that Wembanyama will be in the lineup for this pivotal game. His return is important because it upgrades San Antonio’s defense, which has struggled without the French center in the lineup, as their defensive rating has ranked 20th since his absence.
This could turn into a defensive battle with Wembanyama returning to the front court, which could slow the pace of the game.
Pick: Under 225.5 Points (-110)
Orlando Magic at New York Knicks (-4.5) | O/U 223.5 (-110/-110)
The Knicks are rolling with wins in eight of their last nine games, including six by double digits. A majority of those wins came at Madison Square Garden, where they are 13-1 and second in the league with a +14.1 margin of victory at home. Jalen Brunson has been on a tear with 30+ points in three straight games, and Karl-Anthony Towns has 16+ rebounds in two of his last three games.
Franz Wagner's absence could heavily influence this game. The Magic's last game against the Heat showed that a smaller lineup works against a fast-paced team like Miami, but that is not how you beat New York. After Wagner’s exit in the last matchup against the Knicks on Sunday, New York was able to use their size to dominate the frontcourt, outscoring Orlando 50-42 in the paint and out-rebounding them 52-48. This forced the Magic to take more perimeter shots than usual, where they struggle, ranking in the bottom 10 in both mid-range and three-point shooting.
Pick: Knicks -4.5 (-118)