NBA predictions, picks today: Can Nuggets survive Knicks without Nikola Jokic?

As soon as once more, we cashed on simply certainly one of our three NBA bets in opposition to the unfold on Tuesday, nailing the beneath between the injured Grizzlies and Pelicans however falling quick on the Jazz and Nets. Who noticed the Kings’ 153-point explosion coming in opposition to one of many league’s greatest defenses over the past couple of weeks?

Alas, we’re again on the grind for Wednesday’s slate, which encompasses a whopping 10 video games for the midweek bettor. Right here’s a have a look at which groups we’re betting at BetMGM:


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NBA Wednesday odds, strains, picks (by way of BetMGM)

  • Magic +6.5 vs. Timberwolves
  • Mavericks -5.5 vs. Rockets
  • Knicks +2.5 @ Nuggets

Magic vs. Timberwolves prediction and evaluation

Getting into this season, I had excessive hopes for the Timberwolves and their new-look lineup that includes two elite massive males. A month later, I’ve seen sufficient to know that is an absolute lure to put this many factors on the highway in opposition to a staff with related underlying metrics.

That will sound exhausting to imagine, nevertheless it’s true: Minnesota has solely outscored Orlando by 1.2 factors per 100 possessions this yr, with each groups boasting near-identical effectivity metrics on offense and protection. That in all probability says much less in regards to the Magic than it does in regards to the Timberwolves, who've been among the many NBA’s largest disappointments to this point.

Sunday’s win in opposition to the Cavaliers – who have been with out Donovan Mitchell or Jarrett Allen, amongst others – was simply the second win for this staff in its final eight video games, with the opposite coming in opposition to the embarrassingly dangerous Rockets. I simply don’t see the hole between these two groups that oddsmakers do.

Magic vs. Timberwolves choose

Magic +6.5 (BetMGM)

Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic
NBAE by way of Getty Photographs

Mavericks vs. Rockets prediction and evaluation

Talking of these lowly Rockets, few groups have been a greater wager to persistently fade than Houston, which is 6-7 ATS on the yr regardless of persistently dealing as a large underdog.

That features a 3-6 ATS run over the past 9 video games with 5 double-digit losses in that span, together with two straight losses by at the least 13 factors. It’s straightforward to see why: the Rockets rank twenty ninth in web score (-8.6) with the fifth-worst offense and second-worst protection on a per-possession foundation getting into Tuesday.

The Mavericks enter this one with out celebrity Luka Doncic (relaxation), who was surprisingly dominated out within the hours earlier than tip-off. Nonetheless, Dallas has been a top-10 staff all yr lengthy and has the supporting expertise to emerge victorious in opposition to one of many worst rosters within the NBA.

Mavericks vs. Rockets choose

Mavericks -5.5 (BetMGM)

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Nuggets vs. Knicks prediction and evaluation

How will the Nuggets look with out Nikola Jokic? That’s the massive query hanging over Tuesday’s tilt with the reigning two-time MVP getting into the COVID-19 protocols forward of this matchup with the Knicks.

Traditionally, Jokic’s absence has been dangerous information for Denver, which owns a difficult 2-6 document with out its celebrity middle over the past 4 seasons. It’s not like these video games have been shut, both: the Nuggets have been outscored by seven factors on common in these eight contests and scored fewer than 110 factors in all however two of them.

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks
NBAE by way of Getty Photographs

With ahead Aaron Gordon (sickness) additionally questionable to play on Thursday, that offers the Knicks a large benefit down low, whereas guard Jalen Brunson ought to have a discipline day in opposition to Denver’s defensively challenged backcourt. Don’t be stunned to see an outright upset right here.

Nuggets vs. Knicks choose

Knicks +2.5 (BetMGM)

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