NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (3/4)
There’s an exciting doubleheader on TNT tonight.
It’ll begin with the Golden State Warriors on the road against the New York Knicks. Then, in the second game, we’ll get the Clippers against the Suns.
I’ve got a best bet for both games below.
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Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks finished a two-game road trip with wins against the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat. In all honesty, both games could’ve gone either way. However, the Knicks found a way. That’s what good teams do.
They’re now 40-20 on the season but Karl-Anthony Towns is listed as questionable tonight.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors look completely different with Jimmy Butler in the lineup. The Warriors picked up their 33rd win last night after Curry’s 21-point double-double against the Hornets. Meanwhile, Butler only took seven shots in 31 minutes but has been terrific on the defensive end.
The Warriors should be able to get good looks against the Knicks. After all, New York ranks 26th in the NBA in defensive effective field goal percentage. That said, the Knicks have Mitchell Robinson back in the lineup, which should at least help around the rim and on the defensive glass.
Additionally, the Knicks have held teams to a 17.3% free throw rate, which is the sixth-best in the NBA. It’s unlikely the Warriors live at the foul line, especially on the road.
On the other hand, the Knicks have been much more consistent offensively this season. They’ve scored 121 points per 100 possessions and have added a 56.9% effective field goal percentage. Golden State has the defense to get stops against the Knicks and matches up very well against them.
With the Warriors struggling to get to the foul line and the Knicks not getting anything easy, consider the under in this one.
Pick: Under 229.5 Points (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are just 28-33 on the season. However, three of those wins have already come against the Clippers.
Yes, that’s right. The Suns have gone 3-0 against the Clippers this season. Ironically, those three wins were won by a combined 10-point margin. It was a one-possession game in two of the three wins.
That said, the Suns most recently lost to the Timberwolves, 116-98. Now they’re seriously considering trading Kevin Durant in the offseason. That’s how bad things have become.
On the other hand, the Clippers have also lost four of their last five games. The latest two losses were tight games against the Lakers. While the offense struggled against the Lakers, it shouldn’t against the Suns. Phoenix ranks 27th in points per 100 possessions on defense and has forced just 12.4% of turnovers.
Ultimately, the Clippers have turned the ball over nearly 16% of the time. But if Los Angeles can keep turnovers down against the Suns, it’ll give them a much better chance to win.
Meanwhile, the Clippers have limited teams to 110.4 points per 100 possessions and have allowed just 25.7% of offensive rebounds. That’s huge, especially since the Suns have added only 24.5% of offensive rebounds per game this season.
The Suns should be aggressive and get to the foul line more. But, again, the Clippers should keep turnovers down and get more shots up. I’ll take the Clippers to earn at least one win against the Suns in the regular season.
Pick: Clippers Moneyline (-135)