With eight NBA Cup matchups on the schedule for Wednesday, November 20, there’s plenty of action to dive into. Here are my top betting picks for today’s slate on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
Pelicans at Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Bulls at Bucks, 7:30 p.m. ET
Pacers at Rockets, 8 p.m. ET
76ers at Grizzlies, 8 p.m. ET
Trail Blazers at Thunder, 8 p.m. ET
Knicks at Suns, 10 p.m. ET
Hawks at Warriors, 10 p.m. ET
Magic at Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET
Grizzlies +3.5 (-115)
The 76ers are struggling, entering Wednesday’s matchup against the Grizzlies with a 2-11 record. They’ve dropped four straight, including a 106-89 loss to the Miami Heat, which prompted a team meeting. Head coach Nick Nurse pointed to issues on offense, which he believes are putting too much pressure on their defense.
The 76ers are missing key players, with Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) possibly returning. However, Joel Embiid (14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds) has been underwhelming since returning from a knee injury, and Paul George has played just seven games due to his own knee issues.
Memphis has its injury concerns. Ja Morant has missed the last six games with a hip injury, and rookie Zach Edey is dealing with ankle issues. Marcus Smart also missed games due to illness. Despite those setbacks, Santi Aldama stepped up in the loss to Denver with a career-high 28 points and 11 rebounds. With the Grizzlies at home and the 76ers struggling to find consistency, Memphis has a solid chance to cover the +3.5 spread.
Clippers +3.5 (-112)
Riding a six-game winning streak, the Magic will face a tough challenge on the road against the Clippers. After struggling earlier this season, Orlando found its groove, most recently defeating the Suns 109-99 on Monday. Franz Wagner scored a season-high 32 points, and Anthony Black added 20 as the pair combined for 17 assists. Orlando’s defense has been key to their success, with all six wins in the streak coming with opponents held under 100 points. Despite Paolo Banchero’s absence due to an oblique injury, Orlando has thrived, with Wagner averaging a career-high 22.9 points.
The Clippers, also strong defensively, have won five straight at home, including a 102-99 victory over the Warriors. Norman Powell played through a hamstring injury and scored 23 points, while James Harden scored 12 points and 16 assists despite battling illness. Ivica Zubac contributed 17 rebounds in the win.
The Clippers have adjusted well without Kawhi Leonard, who remains out indefinitely with a knee injury. Backed by home-court advantage, the Clippers are well-positioned to cover the +3.5 spread.
Knicks -4.5 (-115)
Once off to a strong start, the Suns have struggled since losing Kevin Durant to a left calf strain on Nov. 8. They’ve dropped five of their last six games, including a 109-99 home loss to the Magic on Monday. Phoenix has faced significant challenges, including injuries to Durant, Bradley Beal (left calf strain), and Jusuf Nurkic (left ankle sprain).
Despite Devin Booker’s efforts, including a 44-point performance in a 120-117 loss to the Timberwolves, the Suns have been inconsistent since Durant’s injury. Booker’s shooting has been off, averaging just 15.7 points on 32.5% shooting in three of the last four games.
The Knicks are riding a three-game win streak as they begin a five-game road trip. Jalen Brunson led the charge in their 134-106 win over the Wizards with 26 points, 11 assists, and five 3-pointers. The Knicks’ offense has been clicking, with Karl-Anthony Towns contributing 24 points and 12 rebounds and a balanced team effort that saw them dish out 37 assists against just eight turnovers. With Phoenix struggling and New York playing well, the Knicks face a favorable outlook to cover the -4.5 spread.
Pacers +6.5 (-112)
The Pacers visit the Rockets after suffering a 130-119 loss to the Raptors, extending their struggles with rebounding and turnovers. The Pacers were out rebounded by 14 and allowed 18 points off 11 turnovers in the defeat. This continues a pattern from last season, when their rebounding issues persisted, ranking them near the bottom of the league. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the need for improvement in these areas.
Meanwhile, the Rockets are coming off a 101-100 loss to the Bucks, ending their five-game win streak. Despite leading by seven points late in the fourth quarter, Houston faltered, failing to close the game. Their inconsistent offense and inability to knock down key shots down the stretch were critical factors in the loss. Coach Ime Udoka noted the Rockets’ defensive resilience and offensive opportunities but emphasized the importance of executing in the final moments. Given the Pacers’ ability to keep games competitive, taking the +6.5 spread seems like a solid bet.
Stephen Curry Over 26.5 Points (-115)
Stephen Curry and Trae Young are set for another exciting matchup when the Warriors host the Hawks. Curry has dominated in his previous five head-to-head contests with Young, scoring at least 30 points each, including a remarkable 60-point outing in February 2023. In that game, Curry hit 10 three-pointers, while Young countered with 35 points, showcasing their ability to light up the scoreboard.
Curry is coming off a 26-point performance in a narrow 102-99 loss to the Clippers. He’s been consistent this season, averaging 23.0 points per game. However, his scoring output against the Hawks has been elevated, with an average of 38.7 points in their last three meetings. Despite a recent loss, the Warriors are motivated to bounce back after a three-game winning streak was snapped, and Curry will be central to that effort.
With Golden State dealing with free-throw struggles and turnovers, Curry’s offensive production will be key. The Hawks’ defense, led by Dyson Daniels—who has been a standout on defense with a league-leading 44 steals—will look to challenge Curry, but given his recent form and history against Atlanta, he seems poised to surpass the 26.5-point mark once again.
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