Top NBA Pick: Pelicans -12.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
With ten games on the NBA slate tonight, we’ve added three best bets that you should consider tailing to earn some profit. If we can hit at least two of these three bets, we’ll finish the night with profit. That’s the goal every night at our main offshore sportsbooks!
Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Madison Square Garden
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are currently game-time decisions for the Knicks.
Without Brunson last game, the Knicks fell to the Orlando Magic, 98-94. He’s needed. But it sounds more likely that he’ll be available for this game.
New York has added 119.2 points per 100 possessions with a 32.9% offensive rebounding rate. That rebounding rate is the top in the NBA. New York also has a free throw rate of 21.5, which could get even higher against the Rockets, who have a defensive free throw rate that ranks 28th in the NBA.
The Knicks won’t get the easiest looks from the field.
Offensive rebounds won’t come easy, either. However, the Knicks should essentially add a bunch of points from the foul line. That will help. On the other hand, the Rockets aren’t nearly as effective on the offensive glass. They’re also not going to dominate at the foul line, with the Knicks holding teams to an 18.7 free throw rate.
Houston will limit turnovers, but still shoot an effective field goal percentage of 53.6%, which isn’t very ideal.
With the Rockets scoring just 114.6 points per 100 possessions, it’s unlikely Houston will escape the Knicks at Madison Square Garden tonight.
Let’s take the Knicks at -5.5.
NBA Pick: Knicks -5.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Smoothie King Center
The Charlotte Hornets are just 8-29 this season.
They should get better over time after LaMelo Ball came back from a long hiatus. Still, the Hornets haven’t even looked that great with Ball on the floor, losing their last two games by massive deficits.
The Hornets have scored 110 points per 100 possessions and have shot a 52.3% effective field goal percentage. Charlotte is unable to get to the foul line at a high rate and will likely turn the ball over at a high rate against the Pelicans.
New Orleans will earn many turnovers, get a bunch of stops, and limit second-chance points, as the Pelicans have given up only 26.8% of offensive rebounds.
Charlotte’s offense doesn’t match up well tonight. Realistically, the defense doesn’t either. Charlotte has allowed 121.7 points per 100 possessions with an effective field goal percentage of 58%. The Hornets have also allowed a 21.8 free throw rate, which is 23rd in the NBA.
The Hornets might earn a higher rate of turnovers, but the Pelicans will connect on a bunch of shots tonight.
Take the Pelicans in a rout.
NBA Pick: Pelicans -12.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center
The Portland Trail Blazers have already ruled out Shaedon Sharpe for the rest of January. Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Malcolm Brogdon or Deandre Ayton will even play in tonight’s game for the Blazers.
Portland is just 10-29 on the season and has had some really bad moments this season.
The defense has allowed 119 points per 100 possessions and has given up an effective field goal percentage of 57%. They have also allowed 30% of offensive rebounds and a free throw rate of 21.8, which is also in the bottom ten defensively.
While the Nets don’t always take the highest quality looks, Brooklyn has done well at limiting turnovers and has earned 29.3% of offensive rebounds.
Realistically, if Portland can’t force turnovers, the defense is toast. Against the Nets, the probability that the Blazers stack turnovers is low.
The Blazers are the worst offense in the NBA, scoring 108 points per 100 possessions with an effective field goal percentage of 50.1%. They are solid on the glass, but with the Nets limiting opponents to 26.1% of offensive rebounds, the Blazers will be limited with second-chance points.
Although Portland beat the Nets earlier this season, the Nets should get revenge tonight.
Back Brooklyn at -6.5.
NBA Pick: Nets -6.5 (-110) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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