The night before Thanksgiving is always a tricky slate to navigate. We’ve got a ton of injuries that still need to go down and at this point, could see a lot of line movement leading up to lock at 7:00 p.m. ET. But I’m going to try and get ahead of the curve here and give my picks against the spread on DraftKings Sportsbook.
It’s nice we already know Kawhi Leonard (knee) is going to rest tonight, so that at least makes our lives a bit easier. Other than that, Draymond Green and Ja Morant are game-time calls and a handful of other big names are questionable: Rudy Gobert, Clint Capela, Kevin Love, pretty much everyone on the Pelicans ... that last one wasn’t exactly true, but they’re still missing a bunch of key players.
Anyway, let’s get down to business, shall we?
Note: These picks were made based on the lines as of 3:08 p.m. ET. If things change, I may update prior to game time.
Celtics (-8) vs. Nets
Kings (+9.5) at 76ers
Pacers (-2.5) vs. Jazz
Magic (-1.5) at Cavaliers
Hornets (+3) vs. Pistons
Raptors (-10) vs. Knicks
Rockets (-8) vs. Heat
Bucks (-14.5) vs. Hawks
Clippers (-6) at Grizzlies
Timberwolves (+3) at Spurs
Wizards (+7.5) at Suns
Lakers (-6.5) at Pelicans
Trail Blazers (-2.5) vs. Thunder
Warriors (+3) vs. Bulls
I’m going to start out with the last game featuring my Bulls vs. the Warriors. The Bulls are awful and I think it’s only a matter of time before coach Jim Boylen gets the axe. If Draymond is back, gimme the Dubs and the points. No Jimmy Butler for the Heat most likely, so I think the Rockets coast at home, though Miami is a strong opponent. Celtics same deal, should get past the Nets without Kyrie at TD Garden, particularly if Kemba is back and healthy.
No Kawhi isn’t scaring me off the Clippers, especially at that line against a team like the Grizzlies, who could be without Ja Morant. I think LAC is the lock of the night for me, personally. Honestly lock in both LA teams, the Lakers at 6.5 point favorites against the Pelicans is absurd also. Anthony Davis’ return to NOLA and you know LeBron James is going to get up for his boy. The Lake Show has been demolishing opponents.
Some of the higher lines to me are the toughest to pick. The Hawks covered the spread a few nights ago against the Bucks in a 135-127 game, though I think Milwaukee at home will clamp down a bit more defensively, plus Khris Middleton said he’s returning from injury. The Knicks seem sneaky against the Raptors in Toronto getting 10 points. Maybe a trap game before the break for the Raps? The Knicks should have a full lineup after a few guys were deemed questionable. But I’m going to go with the better team.
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Odds and lines subject to change. See website for details.