The NBA closes out 2024 with a six-game slate. We’ve got two games in the afternoon but another four at night. To give everyone some time to get their bets in, I have two bets for the later games.
Let’s get to it.
Tuesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time this season. The Timberwolves have not been exactly what many expected to start the season.
That said, they’ve won three consecutive games, including a six-point win, a one-point win and a two-point win. However, Minnesota still isn’t blowing away opponents. Although they have had some clutch shooting lately, they will eventually lose if they continue to play tight, close games.
Meanwhile, the Thunder are everything the Timberwolves want to be. Oklahoma City has won 11 straight games and currently leads the Western Conference by five games. The Thunder have won three of their last four games by double digits and are doing it without Chet Holmgren.
The Thunder defense still leads the NBA in points per 100 possessions, defensive effective field goal percentage and turnover percentage. With Minnesota scoring at a below-average rate offensively, Oklahoma City should continue to play elite defense, especially at home.
On the other hand, the Thunder have not consistently reached the foul line and have not dominated the offensive glass. They’ll struggle in those areas again tonight. In addition, the Timberwolves have limited teams to a 53.1% effective field goal percentage. Oklahoma City won’t get the easiest of looks, either.
I’m on the under in this one.
Pick: Under 216.5 Points (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have just four losses throughout the season. They have scored the most points per 100 possessions and lead the NBA in effective field goal percentage (60%).
Cleveland has also kept turnovers down but isn’t elite on the offensive glass or at getting to the foul line. Still, if Cleveland is going to shoot a 60% effective field goal percentage, winning extra possessions on the offensive glass isn’t exactly needed.
That said, the Lakers are one of the best teams at limiting foul shots on defense but aren’t good at winning rebounds on the defensive glass. Don’t be surprised if the Cavaliers add more second chances and shoot a high percentage from the floor.
Ultimately, the Lakers will likely add more foul shots. But that’s about the only thing the Lakers will be better at in this game. Even on the road, the Cavaliers should get the job done and cover a 4.5-point spread. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are questionable, which doesn’t help the Lakers.
Pick: Cavaliers -4.5 (-105)
