Top NBA Pick: Bulls -4.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
We’re back with 11 NBA games on the slate! Many teams were off for three consecutive days due to the NBA In-Season Tournament. But those teams will be back in action tonight! Here are a few bets from our main offshore sportsbooks to consider for tonight’s NBA action.
Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Wednesday, December 06, 2023 – 07:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Unexpected Standings
Nobody saw this coming. The Orlando Magic are 14-6 on the season, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are only 11-9 on the year.
Orlando’s long winning streak came to an end against the Nets on December 2. But they’ve had time to reflect and reset with the NBA In-Season Tournament taking place over the last couple of days.
The Magic aren’t scoring at a super high rate. They’re average on the offensive end, scoring about 115 points per 100 possessions. That’s 16th in the nation. However, Orlando finds success offensively on the offensive glass and at the foul line. The Magic have hauled in about 30% of offensive rebounds and have a free-throw rate of 24.9, which is third-best in the NBA.
Orlando will likely struggle to find good looks against the Cavaliers. They also might turn the ball over at a higher rate, with the Cavaliers earning 15.1% of turnovers this season. However, the Cavaliers have been below average offensively this year. The team has added 111.7 points per 100 possessions, which is 23rd in the NBA.
Meanwhile, the Magic have held opponents to 109.4 points per 100 possessions. Orlando is sneaky good on both ends of the floor. The Magic have forced 16.8% of turnovers and have allowed under 25% of offensive rebounds this season.
The Pick
The Magic are much more consistent than the Cavaliers. Even on the road, I’ll side with the Magic. Even if the Magic don’t shoot well, they’ll win the effort plays. By that, I mean winning on the glass and finding the foul line. I also like the Magic to win the turnover battle.
All of those effort plays lead to a victory.
NBA Pick: Magic +4.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards
Wednesday, December 06, 2023 – 07:00 PM ET at Capitol One Arena
Wizards’ Uphill Battle
The Washington Wizards are just 3-16 on the season. The defense is the worst in the NBA, allowing 123.1 points per 100 possessions. Opponents have shot a 57.9% effective field goal percentage and have gained 32.5% of offensive rebounds against the Wizards. That won’t change against the 76ers.
Philadelphia has earned over 30% of offensive rebounds and has scored 121 points per 100 possessions. Earlier this season, the 76ers defeated the Wizards, 146-128. Philadelphia’s offense can absolutely do the same thing again. On the other hand, the Wizards have earned only 20.7% of offensive rebounds and have not seen the foul line consistently this year.
The Pick
Washington has been good at limiting turnovers and has shot a 55.3% effective field goal percentage. But it’ll be difficult to stay consistent against the 76ers throughout the entire game.
I’ll back the 76ers at -10.5.
NBA Pick: 76ers -10.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls
Wednesday, December 06, 2023 – 08:00 PM ET at United Center
Offensive Struggles Clash
The Charlotte Hornets haven’t been an impressive offense this year. The Hornets should be effective on the offensive glass, but they’ve only scored 114.2 points per 100 possessions this season. Charlotte is still without LaMelo Ball. There’s currently no timetable for him. Therefore, other guys like Terry Rozier will have to step up in his absence.
The Hornets have still gained 28.8% of offensive rebounds. That’ll continue, knowing that the Bulls have allowed 30.1% of offensive rebounds. However, the turnovers could get high against the Bulls, with Chicago earning 16.4% of turnovers per game this season.
On the other hand, the Bulls have only scored 110.9 points per 100 possessions. However, the Hornets have allowed 121.9 points per 100 possessions. On this side of the floor, we’ve got one of the worst offenses and one of the worst defenses competing. If anything, the Bulls should be able to limit turnovers, which would allow for more shots and opportunities to score.
The Pick
The Bulls have only shot an effective field goal percentage of 52%. However, the Hornets have allowed a 57.2% effective field goal percentage.
I’ll ride the Bulls at home.
NBA Pick: Bulls -4.5 (-110) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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