The NBA regular season is back in full swing with a loaded slate this Thursday, with a total of 13 matchups on the docket scheduled for today. So, our staff of basketball experts dug into the latest odds and identified all the best betting value on the board for tonight's contests.
Our betting experts have looked over the odds and made 5 NBA picks for today's matchups. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Thursday, December 19.
NBA Best Bets Today, Predictions, Picks: Thursday, Dec. 19
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
| 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Jazz vs. Pistons
By Alex Hinton
To this point, the Pistons have played just three games against the Western Conference, but they have covered the spread in two of them. That will soon change as they have a road trip out west coming up. However, first they will welcome the Utah Jazz to Little Caesars Arena.
The Jazz have lost 14 of their last 16 games and 10 of those losses have been by six points or more. The Jazz have the third-worst net rating (-10.6) this season. They also have the worst defensive rating in the league.
Tonight, they will have to contend with Cade Cunningham, who is coming off his sixth triple-double of the year with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 18 assists against Miami on Tuesday.
Cunningham is averaging 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.7 assists this season. His backcourt-mate Jaden Ivey is doubtful for tonight's game, but that will free up more shots for Malik Beasley.
In his first season with the club, Beasley is averaging 16 points per game, and he has knocked down four triples in five of their last seven games.
At 13-13-1, the Pistons are the better team against the spread compared to the Jazz, who are 10-15 ATS this season. The Pistons already have double digit victories over the 76ers, Nets, and Wizards.
With a chance to beat another bottom-feeder at home before a long road trip, I like the Pistons to cover tonight.
Pick: Pistons -4.5 (-110)
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Warriors vs. Grizzlies
Remember when Draymond Green grabbed Zach Edey's ankle from the ground, causing Edey to fall? I do, and so does Edey.
After missing close to a month of games due to an ankle injury (separate from the above incident), Edey came back in the Grizzlies' last game against the Lakers and looked utterly dominant in his limited minutes.
In fact, Edey posted 13 points and 10 rebounds (8 offensive rebounds!) in 24 minutes of action against Anthony Davis, one of the best centers in the league.
Not to mention, Edey had another impressive outing against the Warriors earlier this season, pouring in 14 points on just eight field goal attempts.
Regardless of whether or not Edey starts, he is clearly not on a minutes restriction after his 24-minute outing in his first game back from the ankle injury, so that's not a concern.
Additionally, the Dubs are undersized and won't be able to keep Edey off the offensive glass, where he will get a ton of putbacks and dunks. This should be an easy one.
Pick: Zach Edey 10+ Points (-105)
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Jazz vs. Pistons
This is my second consecutive best bet submission on the Pistons moneyline, but the first one was +200 and now this one closer to -200.
After a competitive overtime home clash with the Heat, I want to back Detroit again and continue to fade the Jazz, but I do not want to lay the 5 points it would take to cover the spread.
Tobias Harris missed last game. If I knew he was going to be active, I would feel more comfortable laying the -4.5, but since he is listed as questionable, I went with the moneyline for some injury insurance.
I am comfortable with any price in this range, it wont move too far, just keep the risk at 1-unit and bring home a half-unit in return.
Pick: Pistons Moneyline (-190)
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Pelicans vs. Rockets
By Bill Marzano
The 17-9 Rockets are off to a terrific start, and although they have struggled to find consistent offense, they have been very steady defensively and face a 5-22 Pelicans team that has dropped 12 of their last 13 games overall.
The Pelicans have been crushed by injuries and matching up has been very difficult for them at times. This has led the Pelicans to be at the bottom of the league in both offense and defensive scoring.
The Rockets are allowing just 106 per game and have been dominating the boards. Only three teams are holding their opponents to fewer points than the Rockets (Wolves, Magic and Thunder).
This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams, but the Pelicans come in riding a four-game skid and they own a miserable record of 1-13 on the road this year.
Meanwhile, the Rockets are 10-3 at home and are coming off tough loss to the Thunder in NBA Cup semifinals. The Pelicans have lost 15 of their 22 games by double digits. I'll lay the points with Houston tonight.
Pick: Rockets -8.5 (-115)
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Knicks vs. Timberwolves
By Nick Parsons
I think the extra time off following the NBA Cup Final will help lead to this one eclipsing a smaller number down the stretch of this matchup.
The Knicks are now 16-10 following their latest victory over Orlando (100-91).
New York seen the total go under in three straight games, but that fact is significant for us to take note of, as the Knicks have seen the total go over the number in eight of their last 11 following three or more consecutive under results.
The Timberwolves are 14-11 and have won six of their last seven. Six of their last seven have also fallen under the number after their most recent road win at San Antonio (106-92).
Note though, looking back at the situational trends, the Wolves have seen the total fly over the number in four of their last five games when coming off a SU/ATS road win as a favorite in which they held their opponent to 95 or fewer points in. So, I'll take the over here.
Pick: Over 214.5 (-110)
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