The excitement of the holiday weekend is real and the marquee sports matchups of the weekend are nearly here. But before we make it to Saturday’s Christmas Eve NFL games and Sunday’s Christmas Day NBA games, there are plenty of other games to pay attention to.
There are 11 games slated for this Wednesday night in the NBA, with more than a few interesting matchups worth tuning in to watch. With interesting matchups come interesting bets to make, and we’ve got the perfect one to consider making for each of the 11 games on the night’s slate.
All odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference are getting ready to battle in what should be one of the better games of the week. The Cavs are really good and incredibly fun, and with the addition of Donovan Mitchell, their ceiling is also incredibly high.
But after getting punished by the Memphis Grizzlies on national television last week, the Bucks responded with back-to-back impressive wins to move into first place in the conference standings. For that reason, I think they will make another statement on Wednesday night with a win over Cleveland to prove they are indeed the best team out East.
Bucks moneyline is the way to go.
Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
One of the less-talked-about but quietly great moves of the past NBA offseason was the Philadelphia 76ers shipping off an injured Danny Green to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for De’Anthony Melton, who enhances Philly’s bench.
Thanks to injuries and seizing opportunities, Melton is in the Sixers’ starting lineup and playing some good basketball. He’s made at least three threes in five of his last six games, including eight against the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month. He’s a good bet to make at least three again tonight.
Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks
A lot of the attention the Atlanta Hawks have drawn this season has been negative — injuries, the Trae Young-Nate McMillan episode, Dejounte Murray taunting players, etc. And to top it off, the Hawks are just above .500 at 16-15.
But one thing on the court that isn’t negative is Murray’s production. His fit with Trae Young? Questionable. But he as an individual has provided the scoring, playmaking and, most importantly, the defense that Atlanta had hoped for when. trading for him. Murray’s missed a few games due to injury but in the 26 times he’s taken the court, he’s recorded at least two steals in half of them. Bet on him to do so again against the Bulls.
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics
I’ll get straight to the point with this one. Tyrese Haliburton is leading the NBA in assists per game (10.7) and has 20 games this season of at least 10 assists, yet his assist prop for the night is set at over/under 8.5. Be smart and make the easy bet by taking the over. Don’t think twice about it.
Golden State Warriors vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are rolling. They’ve won six in a row and 10 of their last 11 games as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are looking like the duo many expected them to be when they teamed up years ago. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have lost six of their last eight and will be without Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and more tonight against Brooklyn. I’d bet on the Nets to cover the spread.
Toronto Raptors vs. New York knicks
The 2022-23 season is not going as planned for the Toronto Raptors. But things were off to a solid start once upon a time, which is also when O.G. Anunoby had put forth some Defensive Player of the Year-caliber games early on in the season before the team started tailing off.
Anunoby’s defense is still good despite the team playing poorly, and he could continue being a thief on Wednesday night. He’s recorded at least two steals in all but one game this month, so consider betting the over on his 1.5 steals.
Orlando Magic vs. Houston Rockets
Betting on Eric Gordon to make more than 1.5 threes has become my go-to bet when wagering on the Houston Rockets. Gordon is a known marksman from beyond the arc who is unafraid to let it fly. So long as he remains a starter and his minutes are somewhere in the twenties, there’s always the chance he’ll drain multiple.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are winners of three-straight games as Anthony Edwards has upped his game to seemingly unlock the offense. They beat the Dallas Mavericks by double digits on Monday to drop the Mavs to 3-11 on the road this season.
I have no faith in the Dallas figuring out how to win away from home, and with the Timberwolves having found the formula that has them looking like the team they were a season ago, the bet I’m comfortable making is Minnesota at the moneyline.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 20 (!) games this season with at least 30 points and 18 games with more than 30. Coming off of back-to-back 35-point outings, his over/under is at 30.5 against Portland tonight. Take the over.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
Not that the Los Angeles Lakers’ title chances were ever high, but Anthony Davis’ new injury surely puts a damper on those plans. No one player can fill the void Davis leaves behind, but there is a player who can step into that role and do what he can to provide to the team. That player is Thomas Bryant, who’s scored 21 points and 16 points (twice) since eDavis’ injury.
The tall and energetic center will match the energy and athleticism of the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night and I’m excited to watch how he continues to benefit as a scorer around the basket from playing alongside LeBron James. Fifteen or more points should be achievable.
Charlotte Hornets vs. LA Clippers
You’ve always got to pay extra attention to the injury report when getting ready to bet on the LA Clippers. And since the final report isn’t yet out, we’ll focus on their opponent.
The Charlotte Hornets have the second-worst record in the NBA, but have health issues with injuries to LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward throughout the season. They’re both back from tonight’s matchup in Los Angeles and I think Ball puts on a show. Will it result in a win for the Hornets? Probably not. However, him scoring more than 21.5 points should be a win for bettors if they bet the over.
