With six NBA matchups scheduled for Monday, December 16, intriguing opportunities are available to get in on the action on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are the top betting picks for today’s NBA slate.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
Heat at Pistons, 7 p.m. EST
76ers at Hornets, 7 p.m. EST
Bulls at Raptors, 7:30 p.m. EST
Cavaliers at Nets, 7:30 p.m. EST
Nuggets at Kings, 10:00 p.m. EST
Jazz at Clippers, 10:30 p.m. EST
76ers -3 (-115)
The 76ers face adversity with Joel Embiid out after suffering a sinus fracture in Friday’s loss to Indiana. Despite the setback, the 76ers have improved and won four of their last six games. Tyrese Maxey has stepped up in Embiid’s absence and will play a key role in Philadelphia’s offense. The Hornets have struggled recently, losing nine of their last 10 games. With Embiid sidelined, the 76ers will rely on their depth to get past Charlotte. The Hornets’ defensive issues and lack of consistency make the 76ers a strong pick to cover the -3 spread.
Heat -4.5 (-112)
The Heat come into Monday’s game with a four-game winning streak and have been firing on all cylinders offensively, averaging 122.8 points per game during this stretch. Miami has found a good rhythm with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo leading the charge. The Heat’s defense has also been a factor in their success, and they should be able to exploit Detroit’s defensive struggles. The Pistons have struggled with consistency and have fallen short in several recent games. With Miami playing well at both ends of the floor, they should cover the -4.5 spread in this matchup.
Bulls -1.5 (-112)
Chicago is coming off a solid 109-95 win over Charlotte but has struggled with consistency this season. On the other hand, the Raptors have lost four straight games and continue to deal with injuries. Scottie Barnes is sidelined with an ankle sprain, and Toronto’s depth has been tested. Chicago’s depth, led by Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, should prove too much for a Raptors team still trying to find its rhythm. The Bulls are well-positioned to cover the -1.5 spread in this matchup.
Kings -1.5 (-110)
The Nuggets have won two in a row, and the Kings are on a three-game win streak, improving to .500 after a slow start. Nikola Jokic has been dominant for Denver and will be a key factor in this matchup. Sacramento counters with Domantas Sabonis, who has been playing well despite the Kings’ lineup changes. With a home-court advantage and a solid all-around team, Sacramento should cover the -1.5 spread in a close game.
Nikola Jokic Over 48.5 PTS + REB + AST (-120)
Nikola Jokic is averaging 31.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 9.8 assists this season. Over his last five games, he’s been even more dominant, averaging 37.0 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. Jokic has been playing at an MVP level and has already exceeded 48.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists in several games this season. He will be crucial for the Nuggets in their game against Sacramento, and given his recent form, taking the over on 48.5 PTS + REB + AST is a strong bet.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user 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 skills 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.
