The NBA returns to a sense of normalcy tonight, with a loaded slate following In-Season Tournament action the past two nights. Be it coming off rest or trying to avoid a slump, there’s plenty to base a narrative or two around some action. There’s always some value popping off with larger slates, even if it’s going to a bad team or game. Here are the best NBA bets for Friday, Dec. 8, choosing a total and a side for today’s slate.
Best NBA Bets Today: +EV NBA Side and Total for Dec. 8
Best NBA Side: Bulls (-1.5) at Spurs
There are no real surprises for the suddenly hot Chicago Bulls tonight in San Antonio. Zach LaVine remains out, and the Bulls remain focused. Coming off their third straight win, they head from Charlotte to Texas to take on a sinking Spurs squad. Despite being down both LaVine and possibly Alex Caruso, the Bulls are still modest 2- to 2.5-point favorites. That is, unless you take them at -1.5 on BetMGM, thanks to our OddsShopper LIVE odds tool.
It’s hard to think the Spurs will ever win again, let alone not tonight. It’s not like San Antonio is without Victor Wembanyama or decimated by injury — they are still getting hammered in the loss column. Chicago’s slow pacing has worked as an early detriment, but it has still managed to curb that in its favor over the past three games. The problem for Chicago has always been scoring more than anything else. Between DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls are at least more top heavy than their opponent.
OddsShopper found Chicago -1.5 at BetMGM despite every other sports book being at -2 or -2.5. It’s best to jump on this now before it continues to climb!
Best NBA Total: Clippers-Jazz O/U 225.5
The Los Angeles Clippers are doing it with defense. The addition of James Harden and subsequent lineup moves haven’t yielded many positive results, at least not on the road. The Clippers are just 3-7 away from Los Angeles but a strong 7-3 at home. But even on the road, and yes, against a bad Jazz team, they will have to rely on a slower pace and stronger defense. They allow the fifth-fewest points per game and still have enough star talent to hang in most contests.
The good news for Los Angeles is it doesn’t matter where the Jazz play — they struggle. The Jazz are horrible on defense, allowing nearly 120 points per game to opponents. The Clippers may get a few extra buckets tonight against that weaker Jazz defense, but Los Angeles isn’t good enough to coast here. The Clippers need to fix their road woes and will rely on what’s gotten them to the winner’s circle far more often — defense. Even if Utah does get up or eventually wins this game, it will come off a grind, not some lights-out performance for the home crowd.
OddsShopper found Under 225.5 at PointsBet despite other sports books carrying 225.
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