With seven NBA matchups scheduled for Monday, December 30, bettors face another exciting slate filled with intriguing matchups. Here are my top betting picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for today’s NBA action.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
Bulls at Hornets, 7 p.m. EST
Knicks at Wizards, 7 p.m. EST
Clippers at Pelicans, 8 p.m. EST
Nuggets at Jazz, 9 p.m. EST
Cavaliers at Warriors, 10 p.m. EST
76ers at Blazers, 10 p.m. EST
Mavericks at Kings, 10 p.m. EST
Clippers -5 (-108)
The Clippers are well-positioned to cover the -5 spread against the Pelicans. Despite missing Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have managed to stay competitive, with Norman Powell stepping up as the primary scorer, averaging 24.2 points per game in Leonard’s absence. Los Angeles is in solid form, having just secured a 102-92 victory over the Warriors, where they showed resilience, maintaining their lead even as Golden State mounted a late-game surge.
New Orleans continues to struggle without their key players, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who remain sidelined. The Pelicans have now lost nine straight games and have been unable to establish any real offensive or defensive consistency. With New Orleans facing a tough uphill battle to overcome their injuries and inconsistency, the Clippers should comfortably cover the -5 spread, especially with their depth and current momentum on their side.
Nuggets -7 (-108)
The Denver Nuggets are poised to dominate against the Utah Jazz, who have struggled throughout the season with only seven wins in 30 games. Led by the MVP-caliber play of Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are strong on both ends of the floor, boasting one of the most potent offenses in the league. Denver has already defeated Utah twice this season, with Jokic continuing to set the tone with his all-around excellence.
While the Nuggets have faced some defensive inconsistencies, particularly with Aaron Gordon sidelined due to injury, their depth and Jokic’s ability to control the game should be too much for a Jazz team still in a rebuild. Utah has struggled to string together wins, and with their lack of experience and depth, they will likely fall short once again. Denver should cover the -7 spread on the road.
Mavericks +4 (-120)
Despite Luka Doncic’s absence, the Mavericks have thrived, going 7-3 without their superstar guard. With Kyrie Irving leading the charge, the Mavericks continue to play solid team basketball, including a recent win over the Suns. Irving dropped 46 in a loss against Portland, but it was on the second night of a back-to-back without Doncic, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Dante Exum.
The Mavericks will get Washington back since his suspension is over, and they are 19-6 when he plays this season. On the other hand, Sacramento is reeling, having fired head coach Mike Brown after disappointing losses. With the Kings in disarray and the Mavericks showing resilience, Dallas should be able to cover the +3.5 spread on the road, even on the second night of a back-to-back.
76ers -6 (-115)
The 76ers are playing their best basketball of the season, having won three straight games, including a crucial 114-111 victory over the Jazz. Joel Embiid has been the driving force behind the momentum. His scoring ability and elite defense have made it difficult for opponents to find any rhythm. Tyrese Maxey has also been playing high, averaging 32.3 points in the 76ers’ last three wins, providing crucial support to Embiid.
Portland, while showing some signs of improvement, remains inconsistent, struggling to find sustained success and a winning identity. Despite an uptick in play from players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers aren’t well-suited to handle Embiid. With Embiid’s presence inside and the 76ers’ offensive flow coming together, Philadelphia should be too much for the Blazers to overcome to cover the -6 spread against Portland.
Cavaliers -4.5 (-110)
The Cavaliers enter Monday’s game on a six-game winning streak, playing some of the best basketball in the league. Their offense has been nothing short of prolific, with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley forming one of the most dynamic trios in the league. Mitchell, leading the charge with 23.6 points per game, has been unstoppable, while Garland’s playmaking and Mobley’s versatility have elevated the team’s offense to new heights. Cleveland’s scoring depth has been evident beyond their top options.
Golden State continues to struggle with consistency, particularly on the defensive end, despite the efforts of Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga, who have been the team’s lone reliable scorers. The Warriors’ defense has allowed them to slip in recent games, and they’ve had difficulty stopping teams with high offensive output. With Cleveland firing on all cylinders offensively and the Warriors’ defensive vulnerabilities, the Cavaliers should be well-positioned to cover the -4.5 spread on the road.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.