With 11 NBA matchups scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, there’s plenty of action to explore on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are my top betting picks for today’s NBA slate.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
76ers at Hornets, 7 p.m. EST
Wizards at Cavaliers, 7 p.m. EST
Bucks at Pistons, 7 p.m. EST
Magic at Knicks, 7:30 p.m. EST
Pacers at Raptors, 7:30 p.m. EST
Jazz at Thunder, 8 p.m. EST
Grizzlies at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m. EST
Spurs at Suns, 9 p.m. EST
Warriors at Nuggets, 10 p.m. EST
Rockets at Kings, 10 p.m. EST
Trail Blazers at Clippers, 10:30 p.m. EST
Magic +4.5 (-112)
The Magic and Knicks are both vying for a berth in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Orlando comes into the game on a hot streak, having won six straight games, including a gritty 100-92 victory over the Nets on Sunday. Despite playing without Paolo Banchero, who’s out with a torn right oblique, the Magic have relied on their deep roster to continue their momentum.
The Knicks have also been impressive, most recently routing the Pelicans 118-85. The Knicks will look to continue building momentum after their dominant victory, with Mikal Bridges contributing heavily. Despite the Knicks’ strong form, Orlando’s overall depth and resilience, combined with its current 12-1 record without Banchero, should allow it to cover the +4.5 spread.
Mavericks -4 (-108)
The Grizzlies are rolling with six straight wins under their belt, and they will look to extend their streak when they visit the Mavericks. Memphis has benefited from Marcus Smart’s return, who is thriving in a bench role and contributing to the team’s defensive intensity. Smart’s scoring and leadership off the bench have been a major asset for the Grizzlies. Dallas, which has won eight of its last nine games, will be bolstered by the return of Luka Doncic, who scored 36 points in his first game back from injury.
While the Mavericks are playing well, Memphis’ defensive execution and Ja Morant’s impact should at least keep it competitive. However, with Dallas being 6-1 when Doncic faces Morant in their careers, this is a tough matchup for Memphis, making the Mavericks a solid pick to cover the -4 spread.
Nuggets -5 (-112)
Golden State will try to snap a four-game losing streak when facing the Nuggets. Despite struggling recently, the Warriors have already clinched a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals and will aim to finish the group stage strong. On the other hand, Denver has alternated wins and losses over its past seven games and has struggled with free-throw shooting, contributing to its recent losses.
Over the years, Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic have played a highly competitive head-to-head matchup, with their career records being 13-13. However, Curry has lost six straight games against Jokic and is 1-8 in this matchup over his last four seasons. With Draymond Green not practicing on Monday and being on the injury report, that’d be a massive negative swing factor that would disadvantage Golden State.
The Nuggets should be able to cover the -5 spread in this matchup against the Warriors. Denver seeks to find some consistency as well. Managing to defeat a tough Western Conference team could be a motivating factor.
Rockets +1.5 (-108)
The Rockets are on a roll and looking to complete a clean sweep of their NBA Cup group with a win against the Kings. The Rockets have won all three of their previous NBA Cup games, and their recent form has been excellent, led by Alperen Sengun, who was named Western Conference Player of the Week after averaging 21.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. Houston’s depth, including strong performances from Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, has helped it be one of the top teams in the West this season.
Sacramento, meanwhile, has struggled in recent games, losing three of its last four, including a tough loss to the Spurs. With Houston’s current winning streak and Sacramento’s recent slump, the Rockets are well-positioned to cover the +1.5 spread.
Franz Wagner Over 37.5 PTS + REB + AST (-120)
Franz Wagner has been outstanding for the Orlando Magic this season, averaging 23.4 points, 5.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds over 22 games. Wagner has excelled in games without Paolo Banchero, averaging 25.1 points, 6.6 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 17 games without his star teammate on the floor. Factor in the Knicks’ struggles to protect the paint without Mitchell Robinson this season, and Wagner’s ability to get into the paint should shine through.
Against the Knicks, Wagner’s all-around impact should continue to shine as he looks to help his team secure a critical win in the NBA Cup. With Wagner’s versatility testing the Knicks’ defense, he has a great chance to hit the over on his combined points, rebounds and assists, which totals 37.5.
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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.
