There are plenty of big matchups on tonight’s NBA slate, including LeBron James and the Lakers playing in Cleveland against the Cavaliers.
I’ll touch on that game and another for my NBA best bets. Check it out below.
Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are 4-0 to begin the season. Although the defense isn’t doing well on the glass, the Cavaliers have still held opponents to 105.7 points per 100 possessions. Cleveland has also held teams to a 49.2% effective field goal percentage and forced 18.3% of turnovers.
Even at home, the Cavaliers likely won’t win many turnovers against the Lakers. Los Angeles has only turned the ball over 12.8% of the time this year. In addition, the Lakers have grabbed 30.2% of offensive rebounds. The Lakers should have success on the offensive glass and easily add second-chance points.
Ultimately, the Lakers are above average in every significant offensive category. The Cavaliers can force tough shots, but second-chance points will hurt.
On the other hand, Cleveland has shot a 60.5% effective field goal percentage. That won’t change tonight, with the Lakers already allowing teams to shoot a 55.7% effective field goal percentage. The only way to stop the Cavaliers is to hope they have a terrible shooting night. After all, the Cavaliers have only hauled in 25.9% of offensive rebounds.
Again, the Lakers should win on the glass on both ends of the floor. While the Lakers will likely take more shot attempts with second chances, the Cavaliers should shoot a higher percentage. Therefore, I like the Over 225.5 in this one.
Pick: Over 225.5 (-105)
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs have struggled offensively to begin the year. They have scored just 106.8 points per 100 possessions, thanks to a high number of turnovers and a low effective field goal percentage.
The only way for the Spurs to stay close in tonight’s game against the Thunder is to dominate the glass. The Spurs aren’t tremendous on the offensive glass, but they have still earned 31.3% of offensive rebounds, which at least ranks 9th in the NBA right now.
On the other hand, the Thunder have allowed 33.3% of offensive rebounds-That’s 25th in the NBA on defense, which isn’t good. However, everything else the Thunder do is terrific. Oklahoma City has held its opponents to 92.2 points per 100 possessions. That’s not sustainable, but for now, it’s a metric I have to share.
Opponents have shot just a 42.9% effective field goal percentage, and the Thunder have grabbed 20% of turnovers per game this season. They’re also not giving up many foul-shot attempts.
Conversely, Oklahoma City has turned the ball over below 10% of the time. The Spurs are also no threat to force a high rate of turnovers. Still, the Thunder have shot an effective field goal percentage of 49.5% and have hauled in just 25.3% of offensive rebounds with a limited amount of foul shots.
Neither team is very appealing offensively right now. I’ll take the Under 221.5.
Pick: Under 221.5 (-105)
