The NBA is back at it with a massive slate on Wednesday.
The Thunder take on the reeling Nuggets, the Knicks renew pleasantries with Trae Young and the Hawks, and the Lakers and Grizzlies are sure to talk some trash.
Let's get to our NBA predictions and NBA picks for today from the "Buckets" podcast crew.
NBA Picks, Predictions Today
Lakers at Grizzlies
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 231 -110 / -110 | +100 |
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 231 -110 / -110 | -120 |
"This comes down to 3-point attempt percentage. Both the Grizzlies and Lakers are near the bottom of the league in attempts from 3 per game. I'm fading the shot performance from both teams and expecting a game where defense is prioritized. The number initially opened at 227.5 and saw movement toward the over, but I’m going the other way here."
Pick: Under 231 (-110, bet365)
Pistons at Hornets
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+1.5 -115 | 222.5 -110 / -110 | -105 |
| Hornets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-1.5 -105 | 222.5 -110 / -110 | -115 |
"You guys know I like really gross plays. I'm going with the Charlotte Hornets -1.5 against the Detroit Pistons. This is more of a situational spot. The Pistons are coming off three wins in four games, while Charlotte’s lost three straight. They’re back at home, and these are the weird spots where books seem to have a lean on the favorite."
Pick: Hornets -1.5 (-105, bet365)
Knicks at Hawks
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-7 -110 | 226 -110 / -110 | -270 |
| Hawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+7 -110 | 226 -110 / -110 | +220 |
"The Hawks have covered one game this season. One. I said I would bet them until they covered a game, and then they beat the Pelicans. I’m throwing it out because the Pelicans are that much garbage with their injuries… I project this number closer to 10.5. I love this play. Knicks -7 is your Tommy John's ballsy pick of the night."
Pick: Knicks -7 (-110, bet365)
Raptors at Kings
| Raptors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+11.5 -110 | 238 -110 / -110 | +475 |
| Kings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-11.5 -110 | 238 -110 / -110 | -650 |
"Kings’ first game off of an East Coast road trip… I project this only at Kings -8. I think there are too many points here. The Kings are good. I love them as 'dogs — I had them against Miami on the Moneyline. But I don’t want to lay double digits with the Kings, even at home. The Raptors still have guys that can play. I think this is too many points."
Pick: Raptors +11.5 (-110, bet365)
BUCKETS BONUS "SUPER-GROSS" PARLAY:
- Lakers vs. Grizzlies Under 230.5
- Hornets -1.5
- Raptors +11.5
"Lakers vs. Grizzlies Under 228.5, Hornets -1.5, and Raptors +10.5. This is truly a 'disgusting' parlay of the night. With the Lakers under, Hornets cover, and a Raptors line that I think is a bit too high, this parlay pays out at +595."
Parlay: +595 (FanDuel)
