A monster Wednesday slate in the NBA is headlined by Celtics-Pacers in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch.
Elsewhere, the Knicks take on the Heat, the Lakers try and bounce back from their first loss of the season in LeBron's old stomping grounds in Cleveland, and Victor Wembanyama takes on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.
Let's get to our best NBA bets today and NBA picks for Monday from the "Buckets" crew.
NBA Best Bets for Today
- Knicks-Heat Over
- Celtics -6.5 vs. Pacers
- Clippers Moneyline vs. Trail Blazers
- Hornets -6.5 vs. Raptors
- Rui Hachimura Under 22.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Knicks at Heat
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 214.5 -110o / -110u | -130 |
| Heat Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 214.5 -110o / -110u | +110 |
The Knicks aren’t defending as well as they have in past seasons, especially after facing some top offenses.
Miami’s taking more 3s and should challenge New York’s rim protection, leading to more scoring chances. I like the over here given the Knicks’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Pick: Knicks-Heat Over 214.5
Celtics vs. Pacers
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -110 | 233.5 -112o / -108u | -300 |
| Pacers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -110 | 233.5 -112o / -108u | +245 |
The Pacers have been one of the more fraudulent teams to start the year, rated higher than they should be based on their preseason hype.
Boston’s defense is relentless, and they’ve handled two Eastern contenders already. At -6.5, this line is favorable before it crosses the key number of 7, which could easily happen by game time.
Pick: Celtics -6.5
Blazers at Clippers
| Trail Blazers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8 -110 | 212.5 -110o / -110u | +250 |
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8 -110 | 212.5 -110o / -110u | -310 |
The Clippers are on the front end of a back-to-back, and they’re showing maturity under head coach Ty Lue, with strong play from Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell.
Portland’s not the team to challenge this version of the Clippers, and I’m avoiding the spread to stick with the moneyline at -340 for a safer investment.
Pick: Clippers ML -340
Raptors at Hornets
| Raptors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -112 | 223 -110o / -110u | +220 |
| Hornets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -108 | 223 -110o / -110u | -270 |
This play is more about regression on Toronto after an overtime loss to Denver.
Charlotte’s been competitive despite its record, and LaMelo Ball’s offense should take advantage of the Raptors' fatigue. Toronto has covered three games in a row, but it's not built to sustain a long streak of covers.
Pick: Hornets -6.5
Lakers at Cavaliers
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -110 | 223 -110o / -110u | +172 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -110 | 223 -110o / -110u | -205 |
This prop seems inflated; Rui’s hit this mark in every game, but Cleveland’s frontline defense with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will limit his chances.
Plus, with LeBron back in Cleveland, I expect him to play more minutes, cutting into Rui’s opportunities.
Pick: Rui Hachimura Under 22.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
