|
|
With eight games on the NBA slate, the board has plenty of value. I asked the AI Model for its favorite three bets and listed them with analysis below. Let’s have a big night! Don’t miss out on any action at the top-rated sportsbooks!
Picks Summary
- Suns -6.5 (-140) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Heat-Jazz Over 223.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Lakers -8.5 (-110) at Bet365
Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns
Thursday, January 09, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Footprint Center
The AI Model thinks the Suns will earn a 122-115 victory over the Hawks at home. With the Suns at -6.5 via Bet365, the best play for this game is backing the Suns against the spread.
The Suns Should Prevail!
The Phoenix Suns have allowed 116.3 points per 100 possessions, which ranks 23rd in the NBA and isn’t a great number.
However, the Suns have at least held teams to a 54.4% effective field goal percentage and have allowed 27.3% of offensive rebounds, which isn’t bad at all.
The Suns can prevent the Hawks from excelling in these areas, which would shut down the Hawks’ offense, which is typically good on the offensive glass.
It’s All About the Shot-Making
The Suns have added a 55.5% effective field goal percentage this season. That ranks 10th in the NBA, which is obviously above average.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have given up a 56.1% effective field goal percentage and rank 28th in defensive effective field goal percentage.
It’s very likely the Suns get a lot of great looks and cover against the Hawks tonight. Grab the Suns at -6.5 and thank the AI Model when it hits!
NBA Pick: Suns -6.5 (-110) at Bet365
Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz
Thursday, January 09, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Delta Center
Our AI Model thinks the Jazz and Heat will combine for 225 points in tonight’s matchup. You can find the total at 223.5 via Bet365, meaning the Over is the best play on the board for this matchup.
Miami Will Still Score Without Jimmy Butler?
It’s probably likely that Jimmy Butler will never put on a Miami Heat uniform ever again. But the Heat are still good enough offensively without him.
After all, the Heat have scored 113.5 points per 100 possessions and have limited turnovers to 13.5%. Miami also ranks 4th in the NBA in free throw rate, which is helpful.
Meanwhile, the Jazz have allowed 118.5 points per 100 possessions and have grabbed just 11.5% of turnovers. Miami should get a high rate of shots in tonight’s game. That’ll only help them score at a positive rate.
Can Utah Limit Turnovers Slightly?
The Utah Jazz have a turnover problem. This year, they’ve given up 18.5% of turnovers per game.
If the Jazz can just drop that rate down slightly and shoot at an average pace with a high offensive-rebounding rate, they’ll stick around and score at a solid rate, too.
The Jazz rank third in the NBA in offensive rebounding and third in the NBA in free throw rate. They’ll do the little things right. It’s just a matter of holding onto the ball. Take the Over and trust the AI Model here.
NBA Pick: Over 223.5 (-110) at Bet365
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, January 09, 2024 – 10:30 PM ET at crypto.com Arena
The AI Model suggests the Lakers will add a 116-107 victory at home against the Charlotte Hornets. Los Angeles is -8.5 against the spread and is projected to win by nine. Take the Lakers here.
Can the Hornets Do Anything Right?
The Charlotte Hornets have scored just 107.8 points per 100 possessions per game this season. They’ve also shot an effective field goal percentage of 50.6% and have turned the ball over 16.3% of the time.
The Hornets have even struggled to get to the foul line this season. Ultimately, the Hornets are good on the offensive glass, but many missed shots and turnovers don’t help.
The Lakers will give up many offensive rebounds. However, Los Angeles ranks third in the NBA in defensive free throw rate. Charlotte won’t add many points at the foul line and should also still shoot poorly from the field.
The Lakers are Much Better Offensively
Los Angeles ranks No. 1 in the NBA in free throw rate. The Lakers have also added 114.3 points per 100 possessions, which is way better than what the Hornets have done.
Los Angeles would add many second-chance points, but they’ll shoot a much better percentage from the field against the Hornets. Side with the AI Model and take the Lakers at -8.5.
NBA Pick: Lakers -8.5 (-110) at Bet365