Meatloaf for Christmas is never a bad thing. Fantasy Alarm was one field goal away from a complete NBA best bets sweep but the inconsistent Denver Nuggets could not keep the game close in the fourth quarter. Nikola Jokic ended with a measly 50 combined points, rebounds, and assists, and we needed 51 to be successful.

 

 

 

However, Karl-Anthony Towns had an absolutely terrible game and didn’t even play the last six minutes of what was a thrilling game. Safely going under 13.5 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey delivered and we could have teased his point line up 10 points and still been successful. That is why we put two units on him with confidence and it delivered with a +1.51-unit gain for Christmas. ‘Two out of Three Ain’t Bad’.

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/27

After so much food over the holidays, including Meatloaf, the best idea for the leftovers is creating a nice spread. 

That is exactly what today’s NBA best bets have in mind too. There are three spreads mentioned today, including a great parlay for the bet of the night.

 

 

 

Parlay Prediction: HOU -1 & PHX -1.5 (+264 on DraftKings) *Bet of the Day

That’s right the spread is on the mind, and with less than a combined 2.5 points needed, the probability of this prediction seems likely. With most parlays a half a unit is suggested, but for this bet of the night a full unit is recommended. If successful it would be a 2.64 unit gain.

The Houston Rockets host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Toyota Center in their first game since Monday. Minnesota played on Christmas and held off a surging comeback from the Dallas Mavericks. Houston is second in the Western Conference, scores over 4 points per game more than Minnesota, and holds opposing teams to fewer points. The fact that the spread is -1 seems a bit odd, but we are not teasing it or playing the money line. Take the -1 for Houston.

The Phoenix Suns put a whooping on the Denver Nuggets on Christmas day and now host the Dallas Mavericks. As great as Kyrie Irving was on Christmas, he has to be somewhat spent after such an effort. Dallas will be without Luka Doncic and it is difficult to ask role players to score and produce what Doncic does on the court. The Suns are 10-6 at the Footprint Center and only need a field goal to cover the spread.

Put a unit on this pick and let’s root, root, root for the home team(s).

 

 

 

Cavaliers vs. Nuggets Prediction: Cleveland -1.5 (-108 on DraftKings) *2.0 Units

Another spread because everyone is trying to make it through the leftover Meatloaf… although Fantasy Alarm would gladly take more Meatloaf today, just saying. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the best team in the NBA, and are a buzzsaw. They rip through any team they play against, and do it with ease. Today the Cavaliers travel to Ball Arena to play the inconsistent Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic put up a combined 50 points, rebounds, and assists and it was not near enough to get close to the Phoenix Suns.

Now a better roster with a more complete offense comes to Denver and are only -1.5-point favorites? It doesn’t make sense. This will be the third game we have placed a wager on the Nuggets, and the other two were incorrect. Hopefully the third time's the charm.

Cleveland is the highest scoring team in the Eastern Conference and Denver is the second highest scoring team in the Western Conference. They are second and third in the league, Cleveland with 121.8 and Denver with 119.1 points per game. The real difference is the defense. 

The Cavaliers allow 110.2 points per game while the Nuggets allow 116.1, almost six full points difference. The over could be in play in this game, but a -1.5 spread for the best team in the Association hardly seems accurate. Particularly with the Cavaliers coming off of an extended break. Put two units on Cleveland to cover -1.5 on the road tonight.

 

 

 

NBA Player Props & Other Picks Today, 12/27

The spreads are fun and should give us an opportunity to make a hefty return on investment today. 

There is one player prop that seems to have high probability in today’s action. That prop comes in the San Antonio Spurs versus Brooklyn Nets match.

 

 

 

Spurs vs. Nets Prediction: Jeremey Sochan Over 7.5 Rebounds (-140 on Bet365)

The neon green hair makes Jeremey Sochan almost impossible to miss. Even on the Christmas Disney Special when he played with Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and others his green hair was the highlight.

What else has been a highlight for him is his amazing play, particularly his rebounding. Last year Sochan played some point guard, this year Chris Paul is on the roster and there is no need for him to facilitate the rock. So now he is playing the position that best fits his body and skill set, a forward.

Sochan is playing almost 30 minutes a game, and is a force down low for the San Antonio Spurs. One would be inclined to think it is Victor Wembanyama grabbing all the loose rebounds around the rim, and in some games he is the leading rebounder. However offensively Wembanyama spends more time on the perimeter, and this allows Sochan to sneak in for several offensive rebounds. 

Also, their opponent, the Brooklyn Nets, played in a thriller last night. They came from behind to beat the Milwaukee Bucks, and could be resting starters. The ones that are not resting are going to be playing on sore legs, which improves the odds of this pick being successful. Put a unit on Sochan to earn his average rebounds tonight. 

 

 

 

Get $1,000 In Bonus Bets At Bet365 Sportsbook Today

Bet365 Sportsbook offers an outstanding sign-up promotion that sets it apart from other betting sites. This deal goes beyond the usual incentives, giving new users a variety of attractive choices. Notably, you can start your adventure today without needing a Bet365 promo code! 

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