Tonight, we have 11 NBA Cup group play matchups. This will be the final day of group-stage matchups in the NBA Cup. After today concludes, we’ll know which teams have made it into the quarter-finals. Those games will begin next week.
With that in mind, here are a couple of picks for tonight’s games.
Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks
The Orlando Magic are still without Paolo Banchero. That’s hurt their offense this season. After all, the Magic have only scored 111.8 points per 100 possessions. They’ve hit just a 52.6% effective field goal percentage and have turned the ball over 15.1% of the time. While the Magic get to the foul line at a high rate, the Knicks don’t usually foul at a super high rate. In addition, the Knicks are very good at limiting teams on the offensive glass.
On the other hand, the Magic have limited teams to 105.7 points per 100 possessions. Orlando’s defense is one of the best in the NBA. While they’ve allowed a higher free-throw rate, Orlando has held teams to 24.6% of offensive rebounds while gaining 17.6% of turnovers.
The Magic will have a tough task when facing the Knicks. The Knicks have shot a 58% effective field goal percentage and have only turned the ball over 12.2% of the time. If Orlando can make the Knicks slightly uncomfortable, they’ll stick around in this game.
Since it’s an NBA Cup game, I expect some good defense from both sides. Let’s back the under.
Pick: Under 216.5 Points (-115)
Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings
The Houston Rockets are 15-6 on the season. However, the offense has shot a 50.5% effective field goal percentage, which ranks 28th in the NBA.
Ultimately, the Rockets have kept turnovers down and dominated the offensive glass, which has allowed them 114.9 points per 100 possessions. However, Houston might not have as much success on the offensive glass as in other games. They’re taking on a Kings defense that has limited opponents to only 25.3% of offensive rebounds per game.
If the Rockets can’t add many second chances, they’ll have trouble keeping up with the Kings on the road.
Meanwhile, Sacramento’s free-throw rate is 21.4. That ranks fourth in the NBA, which is really good. The Kings will take on a Rockets defense allowing a 20.6% free-throw rate. It’s more likely the Kings will get to the foul line at a higher rate.
I’d also expect the Kings to shoot a little better at home. For one, the Kings have added a 55.1% effective field goal percentage. In addition, Sacramento has scored 115.8 points per 100 possessions.
I like the Kings to escape with a win. You can take the Kings at +1.5 (-115) or be a bit bold like me and grab the Kings to win outright on the Moneyline.
Pick: Kings Moneyline (+100)
