We roll into the holiday weekend fresh off a 2-0 Wednesday night with ten games on the docket. None of these games are bigger than the one in Denver with the Nuggets hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder. We find some value elsewhere as the Knicks and Magic square off in Orlando. Heck, even a rough game between the Nets and Wizards in DC. We have plenty to choose from, be it the best side or total to play, and as always, we’ll get a little help from OddsShopper’s tools! Here are the best NBA side and total bets for Friday, Dec. 29.
Best NBA Bets Today: Sixers-Rockets Picks, Side Bets & More
Best NBA Side Bet: Sixers-Rockets ML
One of the game’s best players will sit tonight as Joel Embiid rests his ankle in Houston. The Rockets are a different team at home; an actual team capable of winning games. They have a favorable matchup anytime the Sixers are without the reigning MVP and will look to build on their 12-4 home record. This will be Embiid’s third straight game he will miss, as the Sixers lost to Miami before roughing up the Magic. A lot falls on the shoulders of Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris to fill the scoring void.
It’s night and day different from home to away for Houston but their defense has been more consistent. They give up the 2nd fewest points per game across the entire league and get a gift with Embiid resting. Houston has dropped their last two games, most notably dealing with Dillon Brooks’ absence, and come in with a nice buy low number of +110. While the Rockets were slowed down at home by the Suns and Pacers, they still have a better matchup tonight without Embiid. The loss of Brooks on the defensive side is just less of a loss than the NBA MVP.
Expect a slower game where possessions are critical as the Rockets stop their home skid.
Best NBA Side Bet: Houston Rockets +110 at PointsBet
Best NBA Total Bet: Grizzlies-Clippers O/U 239.5
The biggest question at the time of writing this is whether Ja Morant plays through an illness tonight in Los Angeles. The Grizzlies come off a blowout loss in Denver last night where they were hammered 142-105. Right away expect some positive regression from a defensive standpoint even if Morant is out sick. The biggest issue Memphis has, or had without Morant, is scoring the basketball. They still sit 13th overall in limiting opponents points per game and take on a Clippers team with plenty of issues in their own right.
LA saw a nine game winning streak snapped the same time Kawhi Leonard went down with a hip injury. He too is questionable to play tonight although not looking as good as Morant. Both could play and both can help on the defensive side. Neither of these guys are going to come in and change the flow of this game, they are just better scorers than anyone else on their respective teams. This total shouldn’t jump much higher if either or both players are ruled in, however expect it to dip if someone – or both – sits.
Both teams need to cleanse their recent performances and that starts on the defensive side of the floor. Take the under.
Best NBA Total Bet: Under 225.5 110 at BetRivers
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