It finally happened; the computers were able to win a set 2-1 against Fantasy Alarm. The sportsbooks need to savor the flavor, because those moments are few and far between when competing against our NBA Best Bets. To quote the great Dennis Green, ‘We let ‘em off the hook!’

 

 

 

Aaron Gordon earned his sixth rebound early in the third quarter and cashed our over prediction at even odds. That kept the damage to a minimum, as only one unit was lost. De’Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings were outplayed, only putting up 95 points. Scottie Barnes earned 8 rebounds, just getting off of the hook and ruining a profitable day. 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/23

The NBA unleashes their talent today. There are fourteen games and every team, but the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings are playing. 

Both teams experienced embarrassing second half let downs yesterday and have a great deal to think over during the break. 

 

 

 

Wizards vs. Thunder Prediction: Isaiah Hartenstein Over 11.5 Rebounds (-105 on DraftKings)

Isaiah Hartenstein doesn’t have a lot to think about, he just has to go out and play. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the best team in the Western Conference, host the Washington Wizards, the worst team in the Eastern Conference. It is a battle of 22s, the Thunder have 22 wins, and the Wizards have 22 losses. 

Hartenstein has been everything the Thunder could have asked for, especially with Chet Holmgren missing extended time. He has been a monster on the glass, earning an average of 12.8 rebounds per game. The Wizards allow the second most rebounds per game to opposing teams, 57.3 per game. Oddly enough Oklahoma City is the only team to allow more, with 57.4.

Hartenstein did not play to begin the season, and their front court lacks in size, excluding Hartenstein. He has a great opportunity to earn well over his average in today’s game. The Wizards do have Jonas Valanciunas, but he is getting older and is on a minutes restriction. The biggest threat to this prediction is a complete blowout. 

The spread is 18 points, which is ridiculous. Fantasy Alarm has been successful on two Washington spreads when that high, but the Thunder enjoy building confidence by destroying deficient teams. That is why we are putting a unit on Hartenstein to earn his average against a poor rebounding team. 

 

 

 

Suns vs. Nuggets Prediction: Phoenix Money Line (+160 on Bet365)

The spread of this match moved from 8.5 to 4 as soon as the Denver Nuggets won their overtime game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Nuggets play at their opponents' level, and the Phoenix Suns are much better than New Orleans. Can they do it two nights in a row?

The Nuggets had to come from behind against one of the worst teams in the league, allowed the Wizards to snap their 16-game losing streak, and lost to the Portland Trail Blazers who are the worst team in their division. 

Yet somehow, they are -4-point favorites against the Suns who will have Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic? On top of that, after winning from a double-digit deficit in overtime on the road in the latest game played yesterday?

It doesn’t make sense, and the Nuggets could decide to rest players with another match against the Suns on Christmas day. The fact that the Suns are underdogs is a bit odd, even without Devin Booker. 

Put a unit on the money line with Bet365. A neat feature with Bet365 on money line wagers is that if a team goes up by a certain number you receive your payout. For the NBA it is 20 points. So even if the Nuggets come from behind after a sluggish start, should the Suns be up 20 at any point the bet pays out. If you do not have Bet365 make sure to take advantage of the promo below.

 

 

 

NBA Player Props & Other Picks Today, 12/23

There are several NBA picks today, but we are returning to the one that just missed. 

It has been a steady provider of units throughout the season. In today’s NBA best bets, we go back to The Well.

 

 

 

Bucks vs. Bulls Prediction: Nikola Vucevic Over 1.5 Threes Made (-135 on DraftKings)

Nikola Vucevic did not make a single three in the Chicago Bulls most recent game. The first time in over ten games that he did not make at least one three. He attempted four against the Boston Celtics, but they seemed more prepared in their second consecutive match against each other.

Today the Bulls host the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center. It is a bitter divisional battle and one that should see several points. Brook Lopez is the center for the Bucks, and he will have no issues in a three-point contest with Vucevic. 

Both of these big men have been great throughout their career, and both have adapted their game to score behind the arc. Although both are not the best defenders away from the paint, this too improves the odds of this bet being successful.

Vucevic has a 46.5% success rate from the three-point line this season, a percentage any guard would gladly accept. To put it in perspective, Stephen Curry has a career 42.5% from behind the line. Vucevic has attempted three or more threes in nine of his last ten games, and he should attempt a few threes early in this game to get back into a rhythm. 

Put a unit on The Well to deliver once again.

 

 

 

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Both options require a minimum deposit of $10. The first choice allows you to receive $150 in bonus bets after placing a wager of $5 or more, no matter the result. 

Alternatively, if you prefer a safety net for your first bet, you can place a wager of $10 or more, up to $1,000, and if luck isn't on your side, your entire stake will be returned as bonus bets. Whether you want to tail our NBA best bets today or not, use this link to create your Bet365 account now!

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise