Top NBA Pick: Bulls -4.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Tonight’s NBA slate is filled with exciting matchups and numerous intriguing betting opportunities. Here are three top bets to enhance your betting portfolio!
As we delve into tonight’s games, let’s explore the potential standout plays available at top-rated online sportsbooks.
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at Spectrum Center
The Charlotte Hornets are coming into tonight’s game with the worst defense in the NBA. Opponents have scored 122.5 points per 100 possessions and a 58.4% effective field goal percentage.
The Hornets are already tanking. They traded away Terry Rozier to the Heat and likely won’t even have LaMelo Ball for this game, as he’s out with an injury.
While the Bulls don’t always shoot a high percentage from the floor, the Bulls should at least limit turnovers and get a solid chunk of offensive rebounds.
The Bulls are coming off a loss to the Raptors at home and will play in the second game of a back-to-back. They’re 22-26 on the season, and with a few more losses, they could implode this team by the trade deadline.
A simple loss to the Hornets could really force Chicago’s hand. But with the Hornets below average in every offensive category, it’s unlikely the Hornets will stick around in this matchup, even at home. Especially without LaMelo Ball.
Let’s take the Bulls at -4.5 in this one.
NBA Pick: Bulls -4.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The Cleveland Cavaliers have 28 wins, while the Detroit Pistons have only six wins on the season.
It’s very likely that the Cavaliers win this matchup. The major question is if they’ll cover the 12.5-point spread.
The Pistons rank 27th in points per 100 possessions and have added a 53.4% effective field goal percentage. That’s only good for 24th in the NBA. On top of that, Detroit has turned the ball over 15.5% of the time.
Cleveland will dominate them in all three categories. The Cavaliers have held teams to 111.3 points per 100 possessions. They’ve also allowed a 52.8% effective field goal percentage and have forced 14.6% of turnovers.
All of those defensive metrics rank in the top six in the NBA.
On the other hand, the Pistons rank 29th in points per 100 possessions defensively and have forced only 11.6% of turnovers per game this season. The Pistons are also fouling at an incredibly high rate and allowed a 56.3% effective field goal percentage. Detroit should keep Cleveland off the offensive glass for some of the game. But that’s the only thing going for them.
Darius Garland is also expected to make his return for the Cavaliers. He was out with a jaw injury but was averaging nearly 21 points per game before being sidelined.
Let’s back the Cavaliers at -12.5.
NBA Pick: Cavaliers -12.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Phoenix Suns vs. Brooklyn Nets
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – 08:30 PM ET at Barclays Center
Kevin Durant will make his return to the Barclays Center with the Phoenix Suns.
The Nets already played the Suns on the road and earned a 116-112 victory back in mid-December. Both teams are healthier than they were in that game.
Ben Simmons has returned to the floor for the Nets, while Bradley Beal has been playing consistent minutes for the Suns.
Meanwhile, the Suns are one of the more consistent offenses in the league, earning 119.3 points per 100 possessions. Phoenix has shot an above-average effective field goal percentage and has earned over 28% of offensive rebounds. They are also the best when getting to the foul line. The Suns have a free throw rate of 24.5, which is the second-best rate in the NBA.
With the Nets allowing a 20.4 free throw rate, the Suns might figure to get to the foul line at a consistent and constant rate.
Meanwhile, the Nets are a below-average offense. They still do some good things, like limiting turnovers and adding 28.5% of offensive rebounds.
The Nets won’t see the foul line as much as the Suns. However, it’s more likely the Nets will add more offensive rebounds and second chances against a Phoenix defense that has allowed nearly 28% of offensive rebounds.
The Nets also don’t have to worry about the Suns forcing turnovers. They’ve added only 13% of turnovers per game this season, which ranks 23rd in the NBA.
Both offenses should have areas to exploit. I’ll back the Over 234.5.
NBA Pick: Over 234.5 (-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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