Usually, there aren’t many games on Thursdays in the NBA. But we’ve got eight on tonight’s slate. Let’s take advantage at the top-rated sportsbooks and bet on three of them. Here are the best bets for tonight’s NBA slate using the AI Model.
And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice, featuring today’s Nuggets vs. Cavaliers and Kings vs. Grizzlies games!
Picks Summary
- Bulls ML (+110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Grizzlies -3.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
- Warriors +3.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Chicago Bulls vs. San Antonio Spurs
Thursday, December 05, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Frost Bank Center
The AI Model thinks the Chicago Bulls will add a 120-117 win against the San Antonio Spurs tonight. As two-point underdogs, the best bet is backing the Bulls on the moneyline.
No Victor Wembanyama For The Spurs
San Antonio will be playing tonight without young star center Victor Wembanyama. That should hurt the Spurs, who already have a below-average offense, scoring 112.5 points per 100 possessions. Additionally, the Spurs will struggle on the glass even more now, especially since the Bulls have held teams to 25.3% of offensive rebounds per game this year.
While the Bulls are not a good defense, the Spurs should still have some issues without their star player.
Chicago’s Above Average Offense
The Chicago Bulls have scored 114.2 points per 100 possessions and shot an effective field goal percentage of 57.1%.
That’s good for fifth in the NBA. It’s not really talked about much, but the Bulls have a high-quality offense that can score against anyone. This team won’t get to the foul line often and might not add many offensive rebounds. But shot-making is a skill this team possesses.
The Pick
Ride with the Bulls at +110 with the AI Model.
NBA Pick: Bulls ML (+110) at Bet365
Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Thursday, December 05, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at FedExForum
Our AI Model believes the Grizzlies will defeat the Kings 123-119. The Grizzlies are currently a 3.5-point favorite, which is still good enough to cover against the spread.
Can The Kings Sustain Good Offense?
The Sacramento Kings are a top-eight offense in the NBA, scoring 116.1 points per 100 possessions. However, they’re facing a Memphis defense that ranks 6th in the NBA in points per 100 possessions. After all, the Grizzlies have allowed just a 52% effective field goal percentage this season. The defense has also added nearly 16% of turnovers per game.
It’s hard to imagine the Kings having much success offensively against this Grizzlies defense.
Memphis Should Get Better Looks
The Memphis Grizzlies should get better looks on the offensive end in this game. For one, the Grizzlies have scored 118.1 points per 100 possessions. Secondly, the Grizzlies have shot an effective field goal percentage of 55.9% and will face a Kings defense that allows a 55.3% effective field goal percentage.
The Grizzlies might struggle on the offensive glass more than usual. However, if Memphis gets those good looks, they’ll drop.
The Pick
Grab the Grizzlies at -3.5.
NBA Pick: Grizzlies -3.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors
Thursday, December 05, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Chase Center
The AI Model thinks the Warriors will only lose to the Rockets, 112-111. Golden State is currently a 3.5-point underdog, meaning the best value on the slate is the Warriors against the spread.
Can The Warriors Survive Without Their Stars?
The Golden State Warriors won’t have Draymond Green or Steph Curry. However, the AI Model still likes the Warriors to do the job at home.
The defense should still be elite. After all, the Warriors rank 4th in defensive points per 100 possessions and have held opponents to a 51.4% effective field goal percentage. This is key, especially since the Rockets have shot an effective field goal percentage of just 50.6%.
Golden State won’t earn a high rate of turnovers but should also keep the Rockets from dominating the glass on the offensive end like they normally do.
More Great Defense From Houston
The Houston Rockets should be just as good defensively as the Warriors. Houston has held teams to 106.7 points per 100 possessions and a 50.7% effective field goal percentage.
That said, the Warriors have still shot a higher effective field goal percentage. That’s what this game will come down to. The Warriors will shock the Rockets without their best players.
The Pick
I’m taking the Warriors at +3.5.
NBA Pick: Warriors +3.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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*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.
