There’s going to be lots of competitive NBA action tonight. There’s a lot at stake with six NBA Cup matchups on the slate.
I’ve added a couple of best bets for tonight’s action. Follow along below.
Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Charlotte Hornets have lost three of their last four games. They’re sitting at 5-8 and have allowed at least 114 points in three straight games.
The defense has allowed a 55.4% effective field goal percentage, earning just 13.1% of turnovers. Beyond that, opponents have added a 21.7% free throw rate against the Hornets.
Ultimately, the Brooklyn Nets should be able to take advantage. After all, the Nets have shot a 55.1% effective field goal percentage and have only turned the ball over 14.3% of the time. In addition, the Nets have added a 21% free throw rate themselves.
Brooklyn might not succeed on the offensive glass, especially with Nic Claxton out. However, the Nets should be able to find open looks in this one.
Meanwhile, the Nets aren’t so hot themselves defensively. Brooklyn has allowed 118.8 points per 100 possessions, which ranks 28th in the NBA. The Hornets should add plenty of offensive rebounds and more second chances. However, Charlotte also ranks dead last in free throw rate and has shot just a 52.2% effective field goal percentage.
Therefore, I still like the Nets to escape at home and cover the 3.5-point spread.
Pick: Nets -3.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Nuggets have listed Nikola Jokic as a game-time decision. Aaron Gordon is already listed as out. On the other hand, the Grizzlies won’t have Ja Morant or Zach Edey. It’s also possible Marcus Smart will miss tonight’s game due to an illness.
That said, the Grizzlies are still a top-five defense. Memphis has limited teams to a 52.1% effective field goal percentage, forcing nearly 16% of turnovers.
It’s unlikely the Nuggets will get premier looks from the field. However, they’re aggressive enough on the offensive glass and should see the foul line religiously in tonight’s game.
Conversely, the Grizzlies have scored 117.4 points per 100 possessions. That’s also good for sixth in the NBA. The turnovers have been high for the Grizzlies. However, Denver isn’t elite at forcing turnovers in the first place. It’s also likely the Grizzlies win on the offensive glass and earn multiple second chances.
That said, the Grizzlies probably won’t see the foul line much and have still shot just a 55% effective field goal percentage. The Nuggets are an average defense that can at least prevent the Grizzlies from scoring rapidly.
Let’s back the under in this one.
Pick: Under 227.5 Points (-115)
