There’s a doubleheader on TNT tonight! The first matchup will tip off at 7:30 in a game between the Lakers and Mavericks. After the conclusion of that game, we’ll get another exciting game between the Celtics and Nuggets.
I’ve added a best bet for each TNT game below. Let’s have a night!
Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in tonight’s game against the Lakers. That certainly won’t help, especially since the Mavericks are on a five-game losing streak, including four consecutive losses without them.
Dallas typically has a good offense. The Mavericks have scored 117.4 points per 100 possessions and shot a 56.1% effective field goal percentage. However, in three of the last four games, they have scored no more than 102 points per 100 possessions. The offense has struggled to rebound, and the field goal percentage has taken a hit.
Meanwhile, the Lakers haven’t defended very well themselves. The only good thing they have done on defense is limit teams from getting to the foul line. Dallas should still be able to get good looks. However, shot-making won’t be nearly as good without their two best stars on the floor.
On the other hand, the Mavericks have limited teams to a 52.7% effective field goal percentage this year. Although the Lakers will still find their way to the foul line, Dallas can at least keep them below their seasonal average. The Lakers aren’t much of a threat on the offensive glass.
That said, I’ll take the Under 219.5. It’s about to be a defensive battle.
Pick: Under 219.5 (-110)
Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets
The Boston Celtics should perform fairly well on offense tonight. They’ll take on a Denver defense that has allowed 115 points per 100 possessions. The Nuggets have not allowed a high effective field goal percentage. They rarely force turnovers and have allowed 28.1% of offensive rebounds.
Opponents are getting second chances and ultimately getting shots up on most possessions. Even if teams have a poor field goal percentage, they’ll likely add a higher volume of shots, which still leads to more points.
That said, Denver has a reliable offense, scoring 118.8 points per 100 possessions. The Nuggets have also shot a 56.7% effective field goal percentage and have turned the ball over just 13.8% of the time. Denver could still struggle, especially knowing the Celtics have allowed only 110.6 points per 100 possessions. Boston won’t force turnovers, but the Celtics will be better on the defensive glass and give up fewer second-chance points. Don’t be surprised if the Celtics also out-shoot the Nuggets on the road in this one.
I’m taking the Celtics at -5.5.
Pick: Celtics -5.5 (-115)
