Following the first night of NBA Cup play, there is a packed 11-game slate for Wednesday. Here are my top betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook.
The full list of games can be found here:
Pacers at Magic, 7 p.m. ET
Bulls at Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET
Pelicans at Thunder, 7:30 p.m. ET
Celtics at Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET
Cavaliers at 76ers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Pistons at Bucks, 8 p.m. ET
Wizards at Spurs, 8 p.m. ET
Clippers at Rockets, 8 p.m. ET
Grizzlies at Lakers, 10 p.m. ET
Timberwolves at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. ET
Suns at Kings, 10 p.m. ET
Magic +1 (-115)
The Magic will look to extend their perfect home record as they host the Pacers. After a tough road stretch, Orlando has won three straight at home, including a dominant 114-89 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in NBA Cup play on Tuesday. Franz Wagner has been red-hot, scoring 32 points in the win and averaging 20+ points over the last five games.
The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton (35 points, 14 assists) and Bennedict Mathurin (38 points), are coming off a high-scoring 132-121 victory over the Knicks. However, due to injury, they’ll be without Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard. With their depth stretched thin, the Pacers will need big performances from their stars to stay competitive. Despite the Pacers’ recent success, Orlando’s solid defense and home-court advantage give them the edge to cover the spread in this matchup.
Cavaliers -9.5 (-108)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a historic 12-0 start, the best in franchise history and the best in the NBA in nearly a decade. As they visit the struggling 76ers, they look primed to extend their unbeaten run, especially with the Sixers facing multiple injuries. Philadelphia will be without Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) and may also miss Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee) after both struggled in Tuesday’s loss to the New York Knicks.
It remains to be seen if Embiid plays on the second night of a back-to-back. There are obvious risks the medical staff must weigh immediately after returning to competition. Regardless, his season debut was rough, shooting just 2-of-11 and grabbing only three rebounds. With six players scoring in double figures on a nightly basis, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 23.7 points per game, their balanced attack has been unstoppable. With the Sixers shorthanded, the Cavaliers will likely cover the -9.5 spread.
Rockets -4 (-112)
The Rockets bounced back from a brief scare on Monday, pulling away late for a 107-92 win over the Wizards. Alperen Sengun was instrumental, scoring 27 points and pulling down 17 rebounds, continuing his recent solid run. Over the last five games, Sengun has been on fire, averaging 21.2 points on 57.7% shooting.
The Clippers, fresh off a 134-128 loss to Oklahoma City, continue to find their footing without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Norman Powell poured in 31 points against the Thunder, while James Harden and Ivica Zubac have been steady contributors. Despite the loss, the Clippers’ offense is starting to click, with Powell, Harden, and Zubac leading the charge. With Sengun playing at a high level and the Rockets’ offense gaining confidence, they look primed to cover the -4 spread at home.
Bucks -6.5 (-108)
The Pistons and Bucks each started their NBA Cup campaigns with wins and will look to continue their momentum on Wednesday in Milwaukee. Detroit has been in tight contests, with their last four games decided by six points or less, including an overtime win over Miami. Despite recent injuries and adversity, including Tim Hardaway Jr.’s head injury, the Pistons have shown resilience, with Cade Cunningham setting the tone.
Coming off a 99-85 victory over Toronto, Milwaukee will aim to build on its recent defensive improvement. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 23 points, and Bobby Portis added 17 off the bench. With Damian Lillard sidelined, the Bucks shot 56 threes and recorded 16 steals. With Detroit shorthanded and Milwaukee hitting its stride, the Bucks have a favorable outlook to cover the -6.5 spread.
Anthony Davis Over 27.5 Points (-120)
The Lakers face the Grizzlies, aiming for redemption after last week’s 131-114 loss in Memphis without Anthony Davis in the lineup due to a minor eye injury. The Grizzlies, who have thrived despite Ja Morant’s absence, enter the game on a two-game win streak but are still without their star point guard, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart.
Davis is averaging 31.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game on the season, making him a real threat to hit the Over of 27.5 points. Davis put up big numbers in three matchups against the Grizzlies last season, averaging 28.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. The Lakers have been perfect at home so far this season, and with LeBron James facilitating, Davis will likely get ample opportunities to score. Given the Grizzlies’ depleted lineup and Davis’ current form, he’s well-positioned to exceed the 27.5-point mark.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
