We’ve got an exciting nine-game slate in the NBA throughout the day. Therefore, I went to the AI Model and asked for its favorite three bets. Let’s see what it came up with! I also added some analysis beyond just the model’s projections to ensure the bets made sense. Let’s have a day!
Picks Summary
- 76ers -6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Mavericks-Trail Blazers Over 221.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Lakers -2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Utah Jazz
Saturday, December 28, 2024 – 09:30 PM ET at Delta Center
The AI Model believes the Philadelphia 76ers will add a 115-108 victory over the Utah Jazz on the road. The Philadelphia at -6.5 on Caesars, it’s a good time to buy the 76ers per our AI model.
Joel Embiid Might Play!
The Philadelphia 76ers could have Joel Embiid for tonight’s game against the Jazz. He played the most recent game against the Celtics and chipped in 27 points in a stunning win over the Celtics on Christmas Day.
Having Embiid healthy to put up those numbers will be critical down the line. Philadelphia has scored at a very low rate this season but will face a Jazz defense that ranks almost dead last in points per 100 possessions.
Turnover Central For Utah!
The Utah Jazz have turned the ball over 18.6% of the time, while the 76ers have added 17.3% of turnovers. Philadelphia should be able to force many turnovers, which will prevent the Jazz from adding many offensive rebounds in this game.
Take the 76ers at -6.5, especially if Embiid is playing.
NBA Pick: 76ers -6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Saturday, December 28, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center
Our AI Model Dallas and Portland will combine for 226 points in tonight’s showdown. However, Bet365 is carrying the total at 221.5. Clearly, the over has tremendous value in tonight’s game.
Portland Doesn’t Defend!
The Portland Trail Blazers have allowed 118.4 points per 100 possessions. The Blazers have also allowed a 56.2% effective field goal percentage.
In addition, the Blazers are dead last in defensive rebounding and fouling at a super high rate.
The Mavericks should take advantage, even without Luka Doncic. Dallas has already scored 119 points per 100 possessions and has added a 57.6% effective field goal percentage. The Mavericks are also above average on the offensive glass and get to the foul line at a top-ten rate in the NBA.
The Mavericks shouldn’t have any problems offensively tonight.
How Portland Can Stick Around
The Mavericks play much better defense. However, Portland has at least added 30.7% of offensive rebounds.
With Dallas giving up 28.8% of offensive rebounds, the Blazers should earn some second chances and extra shot opportunities. If they do that, they’ll help get this game over the total.
Ride with the AI Model and take the Over 221.5.
NBA Pick: Over 221.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Saturday, December 28, 2024 – 10:30 PM ET at crypto.com Arena
The AI Model suggests the Lakers will earn a 114-110 win over the Kings at home. Yet, the Lakers are only -2.5 against the spread per Caesars. That’s the play.
The Kings Fired Their Head Coach!
The Sacramento Kings fired Mike Brown after starting the season 13-18. He’s only one year removed from being the NBA’s Coach of the Year. Many people in the NBA described the firing as spineless.
Therefore, the Kings will have Doug Christie as the interim head coach and will no longer have Brown on the sidelines. Despite the recent struggles, that likely won’t help moving forward.
The Kings have been solid offensively this season, scoring 115 points per 100 possessions. They’ve also limited turnovers to 13.3% and get to the foul line at a high rate.
Just don’t expect the Kings to get to the foul line much in this game since the Lakers have held teams to a 17 free throw rate this year.
The Lakers Will Sniff The Line Way More!
The Los Angeles Lakers lead the NBA in free throw rate offensively. The Lakers have added a 22.2 free throw rate, and the Kings have allowed a 20.2 free throw rate. Los Angeles will add plenty more points from the foul line and should be able to get quality looks from the floor.
After all, the Kings have allowed an effective field goal percentage of 54.9%, while the Lakers have shot an effective field goal percentage of 54.4%.
The Lakers do many things just slightly better than the Kings right now.
Take the Lakers at -2.5 at home.
NBA Pick: Lakers -2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
