Meatloaf again! Two out of three bets were successful including the bet of the night and Lebron James’ under 7.5 rebounds at plus odds. However, The Well was not successful as the Law of Averages once again reminded us why it is scientific law.

The Meatloaf was almost spoiled. Despite two winning bets the double unit on Nikola Vucevic, caused a -0.05 unit loss. Which at a unit of  $100 or less is barely noticeable. The first day without a profit in over a week, but another day of beating the computers two to one.

 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/22

There are three games today; the Houston Rockets at Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers at Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Pelicans. Two of those games are projected to be easy victories, and the other is truly anyone’s game. For that reason we focus on player props.
 

 

 

Rockets vs Raptors Prediction: Scottie Barnes Under 7.5 Rebounds (-110 on Bet365)

Scottie Barnes is back after his second major injury this year, and there is no doubt that he is a competitor. He doesn’t like being on the sideline, he wants to be on the court as a leader through action. Barnes is someone that every basketball fan can appreciate.

However, today we are taking the under on his rebounds, and at plus odds too. Barnes is an excellent rebounder and the Houston Rockets allow 53.8 rebounds per game. He doesn’t look like he is 100% healthy despite not playing for a week and a half. Ankle sprains generally take longer than two weeks to heal, and Barnes is more than likely playing through pain.

In his most recent game, he only earned 3 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets despite playing 36 minutes. It’s not as if the Nets are an elite rebounding team either. In Barnes defense, he is most likely not 100% and this bet is relying on him staying on the perimeter more than in the paint. 

Kelly Olynyk is a great rebounder and so is Alperen Sengun of the Rockets. Look for Barnes to be more of a ball facilitator than a body banger in today’s Eastern Conference game at Scotiabank Arena.

 

 

 

Pacers vs Kings Prediction: De’Aaron Fox Over 25.5 Points  (-120 on Draftkings Sportsbook)

De’Aaron Fox has been on a scoring roll lately, even with the NBA allowing tougher defense. He is averaging over 26 points per game and has scored 31, 26, 29 in his last three games. Unfortunately those have been games that the Kings have lost, and Fox may need to score even more tonight.

The Indiana Pacers come to the Golden 1 Center tonight and this afternoon on a three game winning streak. They have improved their play most recently and have climbed to eighth place in the Eastern Conference despite allowing 117.0 points per game. They have done it with well balanced scoring from their guards and forwards.

The Kings have a better point differential and will need to score early and often to keep up with the Pacers. Domantas Sabonis may be Sacramento’s best player but D. Fox is the leader. He knows they need to get out of this losing slump, and he knows that he can be the best scorer on the court. Expect him to earn over his average against a team that likes to play an offensive game. Put a unit on over 25.5 points.
 

 

 

NBA Player Props & Other Picks Today, 12/22

All three games will be on at the same time, at least briefly. The Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Pelicans begins one hour later than the other matches, and features a player proposition at even odds. 
 

 

 

Nuggets vs Pelicans Prediction: Aaron Gordon Over 5.5 Rebounds (+100 on Draftkings Sportsbook)

The second Aaron makes an appearance in today’s best bets, this time it is Aaron Gordon. The Soul of the Denver Nuggets has played through injuries this season, but is back to efficient power forward play. He is also fortunate to be playing against the team that allows the sixth most rebounds to opposing teams, 54.1 per game.

Gordon has earned 6 or more rebounds in five of his last six games played, sometimes playing as few as 23 minutes in the game. He may not earn his average of 29.4 minutes as the Nuggets are playing the Pelicans in their second of back-to-back games. They were in a thriller versus the New York Knicks last night and could be playing on tired legs.

Gordon meanwhile has had two days rest and will be playing against a subpar front court. The Nuggets could give Nikola Jokic less minutes if this becomes a blowout, which would likely force Gordon to play more minutes, and possibly the center at times. Both of these scenarios improve Gordon’s chances to earn 6 or more rebounds tonight.

This is almost a double unit wager, and if someone wants to do it go for it. It has a high probability of being successful, but with so much Meatloaf lately it is smart to place one unit on each bet. This would ensure that two successful predictions would equal a profitable day.
 

 

 

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!