With nine NBA matchups scheduled for Saturday, December 28, bettors have a busy night ahead with several intriguing opportunities on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
- Heat at Hawks, 3 p.m. EST
- Thunder at Hornets, 6 p.m. EST
- Knicks at Wizards, 7 p.m. EST
- Bucks at Bulls, 8 p.m. EST
- Suns at Warriors, 8:30 p.m. EST
- Pistons at Nuggets, 9 p.m. EST
- 76ers at Jazz, 9:30 p.m. EST
- Mavericks at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. EST
- Kings at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. EST
Here are my top betting picks for today’s NBA card.
Bulls +4 (-112)
The Bulls, on a three-game losing streak, will face the Bucks for the second time in six days. Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) and Damian Lillard (calf) for multiple games each, the Bucks have managed to stay competitive thanks to strong performances from Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton. Lopez and Middleton combined for 42 points in Milwaukee’s 112-91 win over the Bulls earlier this week.
Chicago has kept pace with solid play from Zach LaVine (22.3 points), Nikola Vucevic (20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds), and Coby White (17.7 points). Milwaukee’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, especially in their 111-105 loss to Brooklyn. With the Bucks struggling defensively and the Bulls’ key players stepping up, Chicago is well-positioned to cover the +4 spread at home.
Suns +6.5 (-110)
Phoenix has struggled recently, including a 98-89 loss to Dallas where they were limited to just 14 points in the second quarter. However, Kevin Durant continues to shine, most recently scoring 35 points in a loss to the Warriors. The Suns are still without Devin Booker (groin), but Durant’s play has kept them competitive.
Golden State, meanwhile, has been struggling in the absence of Stephen Curry, who missed Friday’s 102-92 loss to the Clippers. The Warriors’ offense has faltered without Curry’s leadership, and Phoenix, despite missing Booker, has the depth to challenge Golden State. With the Warriors lacking offensive consistency, Phoenix should cover the +6.5 spread, especially with Durant playing at a high level.
Nuggets -5.5 (-112)
The Nuggets have been in strong form thanks to another MVP-caliber season from Nikola Jokic. Jokic is averaging 30.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists, and his all-around dominance has helped keep Denver competitive.
The Pistons, who are coming off a successful road trip, face their toughest test yet with a high-altitude matchup in Denver. Detroit has been led by Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 24.2 points and 9.7 assists per game. Cunningham, along with Jalen Ivey and Malik Beasley, has kept the Pistons competitive, but slowing down Jokic will be a tall order. Denver’s offense is one of the best in the league, and with Detroit’s defense ranked near the bottom, the Nuggets should cover the -5.5 spread.
Mavericks -4.5 (-112)
The Mavericks have somehow thrived without Luka Doncic this season and are 7-2 in his absence, including a 98-89 win over Phoenix on Friday night. Kyrie Irving has stepped up, and Dallas continues to win with a balanced offensive attack. The Mavericks were able to beat Phoenix despite playing without Dereck Lively II and Doncic, with multiple players stepping into larger roles.
Portland, meanwhile, has struggled, winning just one of their last nine games. In their previous matchup, Dallas blew out the Trail Blazers 132-108, with Doncic scoring 27 points. With Irving already committing to play despite being on the second night of a back-to-back, Dallas should cover the -4.5 spread on the road.
Kings +1.5 (-112)
The Kings, now under interim head coach Doug Christie, will face the Lakers, who could be without Anthony Davis due to an ankle sprain. Sacramento has struggled, dropping five straight games, but the firing of head coach Mike Brown could spark some urgency in the team.
Despite the struggles, De’Aaron Fox continues to lead the Kings with 26.6 points per game, and Domantas Sabonis (illness) is questionable for the game. Sacramento is coming off a tough loss to Detroit in which they saw a 19-point lead evaporate in the fourth quarter. The Lakers have won four of their last five games, but their success could be hindered if Davis is unavailable. With the potential for a new sense of urgency and the uncertainty around Davis, Sacramento is a threat to cover the +1.5 spread.
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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.