Other than a thrilling Lakers-Raptors contest and an epic postgame rant, Tuesday night was a mundane night around the NBA. Wednesday features 10 games, so there should be more excitement. Here are our four best bets.
Thunder @ Heat (+4.5, 234.5)
The Heat can withstand injuries to their stars, and they have over the last few games without Jimmy Butler. However, Miami is still significantly worse when Butler sits, relying on lesser players - including some younger guys - to carry a bigger load.
That isn't a recipe for long-term success. The Thunder are one of the NBA's best teams. They have the third-best net rating and fifth-best record. Over the last few weeks, Oklahoma City's young group has proved it can beat and out-tough the league's elite.
Even at home, I don't see how Miami's offense keeps up with the Thunder, who have one of the best road records against the spread.
Pick: Thunder -4.5
Clint Capela: Over 10.5 rebounds
Clint Capela has been one of the NBA's best rebounders, collecting 10.8 per game. He's grabbed at least 11 boards in six of his last eight appearances for the Hawks.
The Sixers are typically a good rebounding team, but that's because Joel Embiid anchors the glass. Embiid remains out with a knee injury, which creates some rebounding concerns for Philadelphia. Capela should take advantage of matchups against Paul Reed and the Sixers' smaller lineups.
With that said, Capela is a game-time decision with Achilles soreness. Assuming he plays, the only factor that could hurt this bet is the potential for limited minutes.
Odds: -115 (playable to -130)
Jamal Murray: Over 6.5 assists
Jamal Murray's assist numbers have been inconsistent. He's averaging 6.2 per game, but he's recorded at least seven in four of his last six contests.
He has a favorable matchup against the Jazz's suspect defense, which struggles to stop driving guards. Utah allows the most assists per game to point guards.
Odds: -135
Wizards @ Pacers (-7.5, O/U 252.5)
Yes, the Wizards and Pacers are two of the NBA's worst defensive teams. And they also rank first and second in pace. Those two metrics alone should tell you to take the over on this astronomically high total.
However, consider the circumstances. The Pacers' historically efficient offense isn't the same without Tyrese Haliburton, and this is Indiana's first full game without him since he injured his hamstring Monday. They'll still run a fast-paced offense, but Haliburton makes everything click.
These teams shouldn't have a hard time scoring against each other's dreadful defenses, but Indiana's offense will take a step back, leading to a lower-scoring game than anticipated.
Pick: Under 252.5
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
