Today’s NBA slate is a little slimmer than previously scheduled, with three games postponed due to severe weather conditions in Atlanta and ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
The rest of the slate is set to carry on as scheduled, though, and there is still plenty of action to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook for the remaining matchups.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
- Jazz at Suns, 5 p.m. EST
- Raptors at Pistons, 7 p.m. EST
- Grizzlies at Timberwolves, 8 p.m. EST
- Heat at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. EST
Here are my top betting picks for today’s NBA card:
Jazz +11 (-108)
The Phoenix Suns are coming off a solid 123-115 victory against the Atlanta Hawks in which they shot 57.6% from the field. However, they recently made several significant changes to their lineup, including moving Bradley Beal to the bench. Beal has averaged 20.0 points over his last three games, and in Thursday’s win, he came off the bench for the first time. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer also decided to bench Jusuf Nurkic, leaving Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro to take on center duties. Phoenix has been solid offensively with Kevin Durant setting the tone, but these changes raise questions about their consistency.
Utah has struggled but has been competitive despite injuries. Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen have been key contributors for Utah. Markkanen is shooting 46.7% from three on 30 attempts over his last two games, and Sexton has scored at least 20 points in six of his previous seven games. Utah has faced injuries and illnesses, but it hasn’t prevented them from staying competitive. Given Phoenix’s recent lineup changes and Utah’s growing confidence, the Jazz should be able to cover the +11 spread.
Pistons -5 (-112)
The Detroit Pistons had their five-game winning streak snapped by the Golden State Warriors in a 107-104 loss. Despite their late-game push, Malik Beasley’s potential game-tying three fell short. Cade Cunningham had 32 points, including 25 in the second half, and has been a standout performer for Detroit. The Pistons’ offensive structure revolves around Cunningham, and their ability to rally from significant deficits shows a growing team mentality. With Cunningham’s leadership, they should have what it takes to bounce back after Thursday’s loss.
The Toronto Raptors, meanwhile, have been struggling. Despite a strong game from Scottie Barnes with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in a 132-126 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they’ve now lost four straight games. Toronto’s inability to close out games has contributed to their slump. Given Detroit’s momentum and Toronto’s ongoing struggles, the Pistons should be able to cover the -5 spread.
Timberwolves -1.5 (-112)
The Minnesota Timberwolves come into this game riding a three-game win streak, most recently defeating the Orlando Magic 104-89. Despite a slow start, Anthony Edwards led the charge in the second half with 21 points. Minnesota has had a streaky season, alternating between wins and losses, but they are trending upwards with their recent performances. Their balanced approach with players like Edwards, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid should give them the edge in this matchup.
The Memphis Grizzlies have also faced challenges, particularly with Ja Morant returning from a shoulder injury. Morant scored 27 points in his return against the Houston Rockets but struggled with his shooting, going just nine-of-22 from the field. Memphis’ turnover issues have also been a significant concern, with the team averaging the second-most turnovers per game in the league. With Morant still working his way back into form and Memphis struggling with consistency, the Timberwolves should cover the -1.5 spread at home.
Heat -4.5 (-108)
The Miami Heat are coming off a 97-92 win over the Utah Jazz, with Tyler Herro leading the way with 23 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. adding 20. Despite the absence of Jimmy Butler due to suspension, the Heat have managed to stay competitive on their current road trip, now 2-1 after their win over the Utah. Jaquez has significantly stepped up, averaging 16.8 points in Butler’s absence.
Portland, on the other hand, has struggled in recent games. They suffered a painful 117-111 loss to the Dallas Mavericks despite holding a 10-point lead with under five minutes to go. Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe each scored 22 points, but Portland couldn’t close the game out. The Trail Blazers have shown inconsistency in finishing games, and Miami’s strong defensive identity should help them cover the -4.5 spread.
Ja Morant Over 22.5 Points (-115)
While Morant is still getting back into a rhythm after being sidelined due to a shoulder injury, his scoring ability remains a key asset for Memphis, especially in matchups against defenses that struggle with dynamic, explosive guards. His 27-point outing in his return from injury shows that he is rounding into form after his shoulder-related absence.
Something to consider: Morant has averaged 25.4 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in 11 career games against Rudy Gobert. With Minnesota’s defense vulnerable against explosive guards like Morant, he should be able to surpass the 22.5-point mark. Expect Morant to be aggressive in scoring and take advantage of Minnesota’s defensive lapses.
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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.
