NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (2/4)
The NBA slate features seven games, including two matchups on TNT. I’ve got a best bet for both nationally televised games, so let’s get right to it.
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Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Boston Celtics earned a ridiculous comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers last time out. Down by 26, the Celtics found a way to win by eight points against the 76ers on the road. It was an epic turnaround.
You can thank their top-five offense.
The Celtics have scored 120 points per 100 possessions and have added a 56% effective field goal percentage with a turnover rate of 11.6%. That turnover rate is the best in the NBA. Boston doesn’t dominate the offensive glass and likely won’t see the foul line much against the Cavaliers. Yet, the offense never fails to score consistently.
That said, the Cavaliers have still limited teams to 112.7 points per 100 possessions. Opponents have also shot an effective field goal percentage of below 54% against the Cavaliers. That’s something to think about.
Meanwhile, Cleveland has been even better offensively but will face a Celtics team that is better defensively. The Cavaliers have scored 124 points per 100 possessions and shoot a super high effective field goal percentage with a low turnover percentage. In addition, Cleveland has struggled on the glass and has been limited at the foul line a lot this season. With the Celtics ranking second in the NBA in defensive free-throw rate, it looks like they have the advantage in the free-throw category.
Boston has also been better on the defensive glass and has limited teams to a 52.9% effective field goal percentage. It’s never easy to win on the road. However, you won’t find the defending champions as underdogs many times. Take advantage and grab the Celtics +1.5.
Pick: Celtics +1.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Lakers will return to the court after the blockbuster trade that took the world by storm. In short, the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic and traded away Anthony Davis. Doncic is still not fully healthy and won’t play in tonight’s game. Therefore, the Lakers will be short-handed for the time being.
That won’t help, especially since the Clippers rank second in the NBA in points per 100 possessions. They have allowed a 52.9% effective field goal percentage and have added 15.5% of turnovers. What stands out the most is that the Lakers have earned just 25.1% of offensive rebounds. Right now, the Lakers need a center. They won’t be dominant on the offensive glass.
On the other hand, the Clippers are certainly not a top-tier offense. However, they’re facing a Lakers defense ranked 17th in the NBA in points per 100 possessions. Losing Anthony Davis also won’t help that ranking moving forward. You can still expect the Clippers to get good looks from the floor. The Clippers need to limit turnovers at home. They’ll likely escape with a double-digit victory if they can do that.
Pick: Clippers -7.5 (-120)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday: