Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (12/31)

I’m eying a couple of the later games on tonight’s slate with two best bets.

Before getting to these bets, I wish everyone a Happy New Year! Let’s finish the year strong with a two-game sweep!

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Sunday’s Best NBA Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit

Brooklyn Nets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

While the Oklahoma City Thunder are dominant defensively, the Thunder aren’t great on the defensive class. Oklahoma City has allowed 31.3% of offensive rebounds per game this season.

The Nets won’t shoot the ball very well, with the Thunder allowing an effective field goal percentage of 52.4%. However, the second chances could haunt the Thunder in this game. It’s still unclear if Nic Claxton will start and play in this game. He’s questionable with an illness. However, the Nets media is expecting him to play. Therefore, the offensive rebounds will be there for the Nets.

Meanwhile, the Thunder have scored 120.1 points per 100 possessions and have shot a 57.2% effective field goal percentage. With Brooklyn averaging 11.7% of turnovers per game, the Thunder will hold onto the ball and get shots up throughout the night.

The Thunder are the best team in the league at limiting turnovers, and the Nets rarely earn turnovers. However, Oklahoma City won’t win on the offensive glass.

But as long as the Thunder limit turnovers and get shots up, and the Nets add offensive rebounds and second chances, I like the chances for the Over 237.5.

Bet: Over 237.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans

The Los Angeles Lakers won’t have D’Angelo Russell for tonight’s game. He’s out with a tailbone contusion.

That said, the Lakers certainly need help offensively. Los Angeles has scored 114.7 points per 100 possessions, which is only 19th in the NBA. The Lakers are also weak on the offensive glass, earning 23.5% of offensive rebounds per game.

Los Angeles should get to the foul line at a solid rate and still have an effective field goal percentage of 55.5%. However, the turnovers tend to creep up against the Pelicans’ defense.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have held opponents to 113.5 points per 100 possessions. They’re solid on the glass and have held teams to a 16.5 free throw rate. If New Orleans doesn’t seem the foul line as much as it usually does, it’ll be hard for the Pelicans to put up some big numbers offensively. Mainly because the Pelicans are shooting a 55.1% effective field goal percentage and earning only 27.5% of offensive rebounds.

I’ll ride out the Under 230.5 in this game.

Bet: Under 230.5 (-110)