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NBA Best Bets January 3: Clippers Ready to Gather the Rubble

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James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers looks on during the second half of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on December 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP

Top NBA Pick: Clippers -2.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)

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Clippers -2.5 (-110)
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With 12 games on the NBA slate tonight, we’ve found our favorite three wagers. Let’s earn some mid-week profit at our main offshore sportsbooks!


Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Atlanta Hawks

Wednesday, January 03, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena


Rebound Drama

The Atlanta Hawks don’t play much defense this year. The Hawks have allowed 119.9 points per 100 possessions while giving up a 57.3% effective field goal percentage. Those are both bottom five rates in the NBA. They’re also just as bad on the defensive glass, giving up 29.4% of offensive rebounds.

While the Thunder don’t dominate the offensive glass, Oklahoma City is superior everywhere else. The Thunder have added 120.5 points per 100 possessions and have shot a 57.6% effective field goal percentage. The Thunder have even limited turnovers to 12.1%, which is the best rate in the NBA.

On the other hand, the Hawks are almost as good offensively. While they’ve scored 120.2 points per 100 possessions, Atlanta’s going to dominate the offensive glass and earn a bunch of second chances in this matchup.

The Thunder have given up 31.6% of offensive rebounds, while the Hawks have hauled in 31.2% of offensive rebounds. It’s also likely that the Hawks get to the foul line at a solid rate. The Hawks have allowed a 21.5 free throw rate, while the Hawks have earned a 21.5 free throw rate on offense.

The Thunder are typically good at limiting good-quality looks. But I love Atlanta’s potential with second chances at hitting foul shots.

Therefore, the Over 247.5 is one of the most appealing plays on the board tonight.

NBA Pick: Over 247.5 (-110) at BetOnline

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Over 247.5 (-110)
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Toronto Raptors vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Wednesday, January 03, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at FedExForum


Reinforcements Already Here

The Memphis Grizzlies are certainly a different team than a few weeks ago. Not only did the Grizzlies add Ja Morant back into the lineup, but Memphis also brought back Marcus Smart, who has brought a different dimension to this team.

The Grizzlies are fourth in the NBA in turnover percentage on defense. They’ve also held teams to 114 points per 100 possessions and have allowed a 54.4% effective field goal percentage.

Memphis is weaker on the defensive glass and fouls at a high rate. However, the Raptors aren’t great at getting to the foul line, either. Toronto will have success on the offensive glass, but they’ll also miss a bunch of shots in this game.

On the other hand, Memphis has been the worst offense in the NBA this season. That’s partly because of Morant being sidelined. Memphis is poor at getting to the foul line and has a 51.5% effective field goal percentage, which is 29th in the NBA.

With Toronto limiting second chances and foul shots, it’s hard to believe that the Grizzlies will dominate this game on the offensive end. After all, the Grizzlies only scored 106 against a really bad defense last game when facing the Spurs at home.

I like both defenses to shine in this matchup. Let’s take the Under 231.5 in the first meeting of two between these teams.

NBA Pick: Under 231.5 (-110) via BetOnline

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Under 231.5 (-110)
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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns

Wednesday, January 03, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Footprint Center


Clippers Not Missing a Chance

This will be the first of four games between the Clippers and Suns this season.

The season began slow for the Clippers, but they’re now 20-12 on the season and better than the Phoenix Suns, who everyone had at the top of the standings. Kevin Durant has already been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Clippers. That will hurt Phoenix’s offensive production, which they’ll desperately need.

The Clippers have scored 119.3 points per 100 possessions while adding a 56.5% effective field goal percentage. Los Angeles has limited turnovers to 13.4% and has added a free throw rate of 22.1.

Los Angeles won’t get the highest quality of looks in this matchup. The Clippers might not even get to the foul line at a high rate. However, the Clippers will ultimately get shots up, knowing that the Suns rarely force turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Suns have dominated the offensive glass with 30.1% of offensive rebounds. They’ve also added a 25.5 free throw rate, which is second in the NBA. The turnovers might get higher, and the quality looks won’t be high against the Clippers.

Phoenix will have to rely on second-chance looks and free throws with the time stopped to escape at home. But without Durant, it’s hard to imagine the Clippers letting this game slip away. Let’s take the Clippers at -2.5.

NBA Pick: Clippers -2.5 (-110) at BetOnline

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Clippers -2.5 (-110)
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*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.