Picks against the spread tonight
Suns (-3) @ Knicks
Celtics @ Bucks (-10.5)
Jazz (-5.5) @ Pelicans
Magic @ Clippers (-11.5)
Nuggets (-3.5) @ Warriors
Some of these lines are, well, ahhhh favorable to say the least. Specifically the Suns and Nuggets. I mean, Denver will be without Paul Millsap, Jamal Murray and Gary Harris, but the Warriors haven’t won a game Dec. 27, 2019. The Nuggets are very deep and still have their best player in Nikola Jokic. They should still beat Golden State easily.
The Suns won’t have Kelly Oubre Jr. but that’s about it. The Knicks have lost six of seven games and are playing PUTRID defense. Devin Booker should feast and Phoenix only has to cover 3.0 points.
The Bucks and Clippers have tougher matchups, but we know both the Celtics and Magic are dealing with injuries, so I think the title contenders prevail at home and coast to easy wins. The Jazz-Pelicans game should be the closest tonight. Brandon Ingram and Derrick Favors should play, but still not Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick for NOLA. I think that’s the difference, plus Utah is just in too good a form right now on a 10-game winning streak.
There is usual a short slate on Thursday’s and it’s no different this week with just five games to place bets on tonight. There are a few things to track leading up to lock as we shake off a forgettable Wednesday card. The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum on Wednesday night and its now looking uncertain if Jaylen Brown will play against the Bucks on Thursday. If that’s the case, Boston could be in for another long night against Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The New Orleans Pelicans have a long list of injured players, though Brandon Ingram, Derrick Favors and Jahlil Okafor are all expected to play. JJ Redick and Jrue Holiday are likely to remain out against the Jazz. The Clippers will be without Paul George again, while the Suns won’t have Kelly Oubre Jr. (concussion) against the Knicks at MSG.
Suns @ Knicks (+3, 225.5) 7:30 p.m. ET
Celtics @ Bucks (-9, 223.5) 8:00 p.m. ET
Jazz @ Pelicans (+4.5, 226) 8:00 p.m. ET
Nuggets @ Warriors (+5, 210.5) 10:30 p.m. ET
Magic @ Clippers (-11.5, 217.5) 10:30 p.m. ET
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