The NBA only has four games on the slate tonight. However, two of those four games will be on national television in a doubleheader on TNT.
Here are some of the best bets to consider for those two electric games.
Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of ESPN BET | All wagers are for 1 unit
Los Angeles Lakers @ Milwaukee Bucks
First, it should be noted that LeBron James is doubtful for this game. However, Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo should be good to go, as they are both listed as probable.
The Lakers have been very inconsistent on the defensive end. It took all 150 points to defeat the Pacers last time out after allowing 134.3 points per 100 possessions in that game. The Lakers won’t force many turnovers but are good for limiting foul shot attempts, with or without LeBron in the lineup.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will also get their fair share of foul shots. They lead the league in foul shot margin and should win the battle this time around, too. The Lakers have still been consistent on offense, getting good looks and scoring at a high rate.
The Bucks won’t get to the foul line often. However, the team has shot at least a 56.7% effective field goal percentage in five consecutive games. The offense has also been better on the offensive glass and continues to limit turnovers at a solid rate. However, despite the defensive effort against the Thunder last time out, the Bucks haven’t really been very good defensively lately.
Since March 6, the Bucks have allowed at least 116.9 points per 100 possessions in seven of their last nine games.
Therefore, I’ll gladly back the Over 232.5 in this one.
Bet: Over 232.5 (-105)
Dallas Mavericks @ Sacramento Kings
The Kings have been terrific on the defensive end of the floor. They’ve limited teams to a 48.8% effective field goal percentage in five of their last eight games. It starts with forcing tough shots and ends with earning a very high rate of turnovers.
For example, in Sacramento’s last two wins, the Kings earned at least 13.7% of turnovers on defense and gave up no more than 8.3% on the offensive end. That will help them win games.
However, the offense has struggled to consistently make shots. In consecutive games, the Kings have shot an effective field goal percentage of 51.8% or worse. They’ll be active on the offensive glass and consistently get to the foul line, but the shot-making hasn’t been there.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are shooting the ball better, but not significantly better. Dallas won’t dominate the offensive glass and likely won’t see the foul line as much as Sacramento.
However, defensively, the Mavericks have held teams to under 100 points per 100 possessions in three of their last seven games. The defense has been really good for the Mavericks, holding teams to a low effective field goal percentage and offensive rebound rate.
Therefore, I’m on the Under in this game.
Bet: Under 234.5 (-115)
