Wednesday features an eight-game slate in the NBA. We have two sides and two player props to target. Let's dive in.
Hawks @ Warriors (-6.5, 234.5)
The Warriors' struggles this season are well-documented. Still, they haven't played in nine days, an unusually long layoff in January caused by two postponements following assistant coach Dejan Milojevic's sudden and tragic death.
It'll be an emotional scene Wednesday night in the Bay Area for players, coaches, and the entire Warriors organization. Aside from the emotional aspect, this extended rest could help rejuvenate the Warriors. They're facing the Hawks, who have the NBA's fifth-worst defense and have lost their last two games by 36 combined points.
Golden State's offense should click at home against a porous defense as it cruises to an easy and much-needed win.
Pick: Warriors -6.5
Suns @ Mavericks (+2.5, O/U 240.5)
The Mavericks desperately need a win after losing three straight and slipping to the eighth seed in the West. The Suns are currently the sixth seed and have a one-game lead over the Mavs.
Desperation mode will kick in for Dallas at home against Phoenix, which has won six straight. The Mavs still possess a top-10 offense but struggle to consistently stop opposing offenses.
Despite the Suns' win streak, they've battled lesser competition over the last week, including narrow wins over the Bulls and a Tyrese Haliburton-less Pacers group. Phoenix's win streak ends tonight.
Pick: Mavericks +2.5
Jusuf Nurkic: Over 11.5 rebounds
One of the Mavs' greatest weaknesses is rebounding. They have the league's third-worst rebounding percentage, allowing opposing bigs to feast on the glass. Dallas also allows the fourth-most rebounds per game to centers.
Nurkic is averaging 10.6 rebounds on the season but has recorded at least 12 in six of the last eight games. There'll be plenty of opportunities to collect boards in Dallas on Wednesday night.
Odds: -120 (playable to -130)
Donovan Mitchell: Over 39.5 points and assists
Mitchell's been the fuel behind the Cavaliers' takeoff during their eight-game win streak. He's been sensational as a scorer and a playmaker. The Cavs head to Milwaukee as 6.5-point underdogs, so it'll be difficult for them to extend their streak.
However, Mitchell has a favorable matchup against a suspect Bucks perimeter defense. The Bucks are going through some turmoil after firing their coach on Tuesday. Although Adrian Griffin's defensive principles made it difficult for the Bucks to defend at a high level, Milwaukee can't adjust its entire defense in a day.
The Bucks' defensive personnel, with Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley guarding the perimeter, is the overarching problem, more so than any scheme. Milwaukee allows the fourth-most points per game to opposing point guards.
Odds: -115 (playable to -125)
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
