Only one of four bets were successful, and the parlay should have been utilized as a single straight bet, as the Washington Wizards covered with ease. The Nuggets had their best performance of the season which was unfortunate for the Clippers to cover a 6.5 spread.

Chris Paul had 4 assists in 11 minutes of gameplay, well on pace to cover 9.5 at plus odds. However, Paul had other plans and gave the referee more than an earful earning a double tech. Ejected in the first quarter of what would have been a massive Spurs win. The process and data were correct, but as mentioned on Friday the 13th, unaccountable variables could disrupt a good bet.

Tyus Jones covered his 6.5 assists line, in fact he earned a double double last night. Thank goodness as it kept the damage to a minimum. San Antonio won the game in a fourth quarter comeback but could not cover a -3.5 spread. Something they easily would have done with Paul.
 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/14

The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup is back on, with the semifinals beginning today. Four teams will start the day, but only two will advance to the Emirates NBA Cup Finals. There are three bets today, two of which are at plus odds. Including tonight’s bet of the night.
 

 

 

Parlay Prediction: Moneyline MIL & OKC (+150 on BET365)

There is a boost on Bet365 for this match and at +150, it is an instant bet. The spreads are 5.5 in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and 4.0 for the MIlwaukee Bucks. However a parlay on their moneyline with plus odds is an amazing betting prediction.

Both games are played on a neutral court in Las Vegas, and the games will come to coaching and performance. The Bucks and Thunder each have the advantage in coaching and starting rosters, which makes the spread to their advantage. Of the four teams only the Milwaukee Bucks have won a title recently. 

The Thunder have never won a championship, the Hawks have not won a championship in 64 years, and the Rockets haven’t won a championship since 1995, almost 30 years. Winning the NBA Cup would be a grand achievement for all three franchises, and something their fan bases would cherish. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best of these four teams over the past two years and have the best record of the four remaining teams. They will both be great games, but the prediction is for the better teams to win.
 

 

 

Hawks vs Bucks Prediction: Damian Lillard Over 24.5 Points  (-120 on Bet365) 

Although the Milwaukee Bucks have won a title this decade, Damian Lillard was not part of that team. Although a few individual awards have been won by him, he is considered one of the best 75 players of all-time, Lillard has not experienced a championship at the NBA level.

He vocally expressed that winning this would be something, implying it is important to him. Lillard became the scorer when they needed him to be against the Orlando Magic, but could take center stage against the Atlanta Hawks. Giannis Antetokounmpo is, and has been, day-to-day through the last couple of weeks. He is probable, and expected to play, but Lillard could do the heavy lifting. 

Lillard can take advantage of a much smaller guard in Trae Young, and should be able to score from the perimeter. He has scored 27 points or more in his last three games, and is averaging 25.8 points per game this season. 

Doc Rivers is putting full trust in Lillard to know when to be a court general, and when to be an elite scorer. This game should take him doing both, but this could be the biggest game of his career. Put a unit on him to score his average and cash this prediction.

 

 

 

NBA Player Props & Other Picks Today, 12/14

It is difficult to find a great line as the odds seem spot on in what should be a great game between two powerhouse Western Conference teams. There is one player prop that is at fantastic odds and has a great chance to be successful.
 

 

 

Rockets vs Thunder Prediction: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 2.5 Threes Made (+130 on Bet365) 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best guard remaining in the NBA Cup, if not the best player. He is one of the best stories of this decade, and has no issue putting the Oklahoma City Thunder on his back. He can take over a game with great defense and elite scoring, and oftentimes is the leading scorer of the game.

His point line is at 30.5 and he should be able to cover it with ease. However there is a possibility that the Houston Rockets double team as he crosses the half court line. If that happens his assists will likely go over and his points go under. 

They could even play him loose around the three point line, but double him the moment he tries to drive to the rim. That is his strength and they could be happy allowing him to attempt three point field goals throughout the night. That is what Fantasy Alarm is predicting to happen today.

Gilgeous-Alexander has attempted 28 in his last four games, and 57 in his last seven games. He has made 3 or more threes in four of his last seven games, and five of his last eight games. If they play him aggressively he could attempt more threes than usual, and should make 3 threes 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!