With six NBA Cup matchups on the slate, here are my top betting picks for today’s action on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
Cavaliers at Celtics, 7 p.m. ET
Hornets at Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET
Nuggets at Grizzlies, 8 p.m. ET
Pelicans at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m. ET
Thunder at Spurs, 8:30 p.m. ET
Jazz at Lakers, 9:30 p.m. ET
Hornets +3 (-110)
LaMelo Ball is on a tear, averaging a career-best 29.7 points per game. He’s scored 30+ points in eight of 13 games this season, including a 31-point outing in Sunday’s loss to Cleveland. The Hornets are 2-6 when Ball hits the 30-point mark, with two of those defeats coming against the Celtics and Cavaliers.
The Nets, also struggling in the NBA Cup, are 0-1 after a hard-fought 124-122 loss to the Knicks. Brooklyn is reeling from a 114-104 defeat, where they were outscored 50-24 in the paint. Cam Thomas’ hot streak has cooled, and without Nic Claxton (back), Brooklyn’s defense continues to suffer. With Brooklyn’s recent struggles and Ball’s dynamic impact, the Hornets are primed to cover the +3 spread.
Mavericks -12 (-110)
The Mavericks aim for their third straight win when they host the injury-depleted Pelicans. After four consecutive single-possession losses, Dallas has bounced back with a 110-93 win over San Antonio and a 121-119 victory against Oklahoma City. Luka Doncic is questionable to play with a right knee contusion, but he was on the floor for shootaround.
The Pelicans are struggling with six rotation players, including Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum, being sidelined. They recently lost 104-99 to the Lakers after blowing a 10-point halftime lead. With limited depth, young players like Brandon Boston Jr. and Yves Missi have been thrust into larger roles. With New Orleans undermanned and Dallas looking to get on a roll, the Mavericks are favored to cover the -12 spread.
Cavaliers +5.5 (-108)
Cleveland will aim to stay unbeaten as it faces Boston, looking to become the first team to defeat the Cavaliers this season. The teams last met in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, where Cleveland was eliminated in five games with All-Star Donovan Mitchell sidelined by injury.
Cleveland enters with a 15-0 record, one of only four teams in NBA history to start a season with such a streak. The Cavaliers have been prolific offensively, leading the league with 123.7 points per game. Despite Mitchell not playing on Sunday, they defeated Charlotte 128-114.
Boston, meanwhile, has struggled defensively, allowing a season-high 76 points in the paint to Toronto. To slow Cleveland’s high-powered offense, they’ll need to improve their defense and rebounding. With Mitchell expected to return, Cleveland’s offensive firepower gives them a good chance to cover the +5.5 spread.
Spurs +9.5 (-112)
The Spurs aim to snap a two-game losing streak when they host the Thunder. San Antonio, missing Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell, fell to Dallas 110-93 on Sunday. Zach Collins posted a season-high 20 points, but the Spurs struggled without their stars, particularly in a 20-point third-quarter deficit.
Oklahoma City, coming off a 121-119 loss to Dallas, also faces injuries, notably the continued absence of Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams. Despite 36 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder were out rebounded 53-29. OKC has relied on a small-ball lineup as a result, with Jalen Williams even playing the five for long stretches. With Wembanyama and Vassell’s availability uncertain, the Spurs will rely on their depth and home-court advantage to cover the +9.5 spread.
Yves Missi Over 7.5 Rebounds (+100)
With the Pelicans dealing with significant injuries against the Mavericks, active players will have many opportunities to rack up stats. With Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in the opposing center rotation, New Orleans will need a traditional center to do the dirty work inside. Yves Missi is averaging 6.7 rebounds per game this season, but recently had a three-game stretch with double-figure rebounding performances.
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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.
