NBA weekly betting preview: Thunder will shut down red-hot Jokic
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The NBA card this week is loaded, starting with a pair of games on Tuesday. Let's dig into all the big matchups and dish out a couple of best bets along the way.
Tuesday
Thunder @ Nuggets (-10, 220.5); 9:00 p.m. ET
Basketball Reference's 2020-21 MVP leader entering Tuesday is Nikola Jokic, who's averaging a triple-double so far this season to the tune of 25 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game. The Nuggets big man was an assist shy of yet another on Sunday in a loss to the Jazz.
Jokic's PRA (points + rebounds + assists) total is at 44.5 for Tuesday's game against the Thunder. Frankly, I like the under in this spot.
The Thunder have done a solid job at defending bigs on the glass this season, allowing the fourth-fewest rebounds to centers. The Thunder are also 6-1 against the spread in the last seven road games and have cashed seven of the last nine unders away from home, so we could potentially be in for a low-scoring game.
Pelicans @ Jazz (-6, 217.5); 9:00 p.m. ET
The Jazz's defense has been lights out. Utah's up to No. 6 in the league in defensive rating after allowing an average of 92.5 points per contest over the last four. The Jazz are on a 5-0 run against the spread, while their 9-4 overall record is good for tops in the Northwest.
I'd be looking to fade the Pelicans, who are just 2-6 ATS in the last eight as road underdogs and 1-4 ATS in the last five on one day of rest.
Wednesday
Magic @ Timberwolves (NA); 8:00 p.m. ET
This is a bad spot for the Magic. Not only are they riding a three-game losing streak, they're on their fourth of a five-game road stand.
Orlando's struggling to fill the bucket, scoring more than 100 points just once over its recent 1-5 ATS skid. The Magic own a 6-8 record, but because they've been outscored by 87 points, they're really playing like a 4-10 squad.
The Timberwolves haven't shot 44% or better from the field in three straight. This could be a nice buy-low spot against Orlando's defense, which ranks No. 21 in efficiency.
Pistons @ Hawks (NA); 7:30 p.m. ET
This isn't the most intriguing matchup on paper, but bettors should consider playing the Hawks on the first-half spread.
Atlanta's done a solid job at getting out ahead early this season. The franchise ranks No. 6 in first-half scoring margin, outscoring opponents by 3.6 points per game. Detroit is getting outscored by 1.2 points in the first quarter and owns the third-worst first-half margin in the NBA.
Thursday
Lakers @ Bucks (NA); 7:30 p.m. ET
Two title hopefuls meet on Thursday when the Lakers travel to Milwaukee to play the Bucks.
There's no spread and total available as of Tuesday, but bettors should expect a low-scoring game: L.A. has gone under the total in eight of the last nine away from home.
LeBron James and the Lakers have met Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks twice. Both meetings have sailed comfortably under the total, missing by at least 10 points.
(Odds source: theScore Bet)
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.