We had a rough start to the New Year with Tuesday's best bets. Getting caught in two blowouts that forced starters to play significantly fewer minutes than normal is never fun, but that happens this time of year in the NBA.
Wednesday's card features 12 games. Let's bounce back with our best bets.
Bucks @ Pacers (+3.5, O/U 257)
Wednesday night is the fifth time the Pacers and Bucks will meet this season. The matchup has turned into a mini-rivalry as Indiana holds a 3-1 record against Milwaukee.
The Pacers have success against the Bucks because they're explosive offensively and like to push the pace. Indiana has the NBA's top-ranked offense, while Milwaukee ranks in the bottom 10 defensively. The Bucks' transition defense is particularly poor, which the Pacers have exploited.
The good news for Milwaukee is as bad as its defense is, Indiana's is even worse. The Pacers have the league's third-worst defensive rating.
It's always a high-scoring affair when these teams meet. Giannis Antetokounmpo exploded for a career-high 64 points in the Bucks' lone win against Indiana this season.
After Milwaukee lost to the Pacers two days ago, I trust that the Bucks' offensive firepower will be enough to keep up with - and outlast - Indiana's historically great offense.
Pick: Bucks -3.5
Clippers @ Suns (+3.5, O/U 231.5)
Kevin Durant is out for the Suns on Wednesday night. Although Bradley Beal is back, Phoenix still has serious depth concerns. Durant's absence only hurts the team's cause.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are completely healthy and one of the league's hottest teams. They've won three straight and have the NBA's third-best offensive rating over the last 10 games.
This spread would likely be around a pick'em if Durant was playing. Los Angeles has significantly more talent and depth than a Suns group missing Durant.
Pick: Clippers -3.5
Collin Sexton: Over 17.5 points
Although Collin Sexton averages 15.6 points this season, he has a favorable matchup against a horrific Pistons defense Wednesday night.
Detroit allows the second-most points to point guards this season behind only the Spurs. Sexton scored 19 against the Pistons earlier this campaign.
After a rough start to the season, Sexton had an exceptional December, averaging 21.1 points on 14 shot attempts per game. He's scored at least 18 points in 10 of the last 12 contests.
Odds: -110 (playable to -120)
Tyler Herro: Over 33.5 PRA
Since Tyler Herro returned from injury in mid-December, he's recorded at least 33 combined points, rebounds, and assists in five of the last seven games.
Although he was much-maligned throughout the summer as his name frequently came up in trade rumors, Herro is having the best season of his career for the Heat.
He's adopted an elevated role as both a scorer and playmaker. Herro is averaging career highs in points (23.4), assists (4.5), and rebounds (5.5).
Against the Lakers on Wednesday night, he'll have an even bigger role in the offense as Jimmy Butler is sidelined with an injury. That means the ball will be in Herro's hands more to score and create for his teammates.
Odds: -115 (playable to -125)
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @soshtry for more betting coverage.
