NBA Picks and Parlays: 3 Free Bets for Wednesday Night Action
NBA Picks and Parlays
With the NBA having just one postponement on Wednesday night, there will be several opportunities to get a bang for your buck. With 12 games on the slate, the options will be there to find teams to go all-in on and then cash in the winnings.
Continue reading, as we run through three teams that you cannot skip out on betting. You can do as you like, but the decision would be wiser if it was one of agreement.
Cleveland Cavaliers over the Detroit Pistons
It has been a bit of an odd start to the year for Cleveland, currently sitting at 8-9. Last week, the Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets twice in three days, sending shockwaves through the New York City subway system and to all believing them to be a Superteam.
The Cavs let them know who was in charge and made sure Kyrie Irving remembered just what the franchise was capable of.
They have come back by losing twice in a row, once to the Lakers and the other time to the Celtics. The Cavs fought their tails off against Los Angeles despite Collin Sexton shooting 6-of-18. It’s that fact that makes their chances of winning this one strong.
The Pistons haven’t exactly figured out how to best get minutes for their rookies, with coach Dwane Casey giving heavy minutes instead to veterans like Wayne Ellington and Mason Plumlee.
Cleveland and Detroit went to double overtime in what was the second game of the season for each club. The Cavs were incredible in crunch time, as they were able to emerge with the win.
That game marked the only time this season Kevin Love was able to close out a game, as he’s been limited to just two contests overall. It’s a bummer he hasn’t been around, but he is just a few weeks from a return.
Cleveland is going to be without Larry Nance Jr., most likely, as he deals with a wrist injury. But the Cavs were winning games with small forward and centers playing point guard just a few weeks ago.
They’re favored by two points here and will be winners. Detroit is having a brutal season, with Jerami Grant as its lone consistent bright spot. Bet on Cleveland.
Current Line: Cavs -2.5
Live NBA Odds Check for updates
Note: There are a few sportsbooks that are offering Cavs at -2.5 including DraftKings, BetRivers, and Unibet
New Orleans Pelicans over the Washington Wizards
Even though there are some obvious glaring holes on the Pelicans roster, they do know how to generally beat up on weaker teams. This is still true despite what happened against Minnesota just recently.
When you have Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson on your team, the chances are that you will be competitive and fill up the scoreboard with countless points. The Pelicans still haven’t figured out how to best use their backcourt, yet they’re decently effective.
As players start to get out of health and safety protocol, things should get a little more fluid there. But Bradley Beal seems to be by himself right now, with Russell Westbrook struggling mightily these days.
The Wizards play a Swiss cheese brand of defense, where teams just fill it up all night when they go against them. There’s a great chance that happens again, with Williamson and Ingram having career nights against them.
It is truly surprising that Scott Brooks still has his job, but perhaps they want to wait until the end of the year so they can at least have a little continuity as they try and become a winning ball club once again.
With the recent rumors, it would be great to see both Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick start playing good ball. The two of them can fill it up when their shot starts to fall, and if other teams want them, they may as well start to show out so they can boost their trade stock.
Ball being traded would actually be a huge surprise, especially given his tight relationship with Ingram, but basketball is a business at the end of the day.
New Orleans is favored by seven points and should have no issue taking care of business.
Current Line: Pelicans -7.5
See Current NBA Odds for any updates. This line opened at -7, and if you are thinking a parlay, BetMGM has the best money line bet at -303
Denver Nuggets over the Miami Heat
$5 to you if you can name the Miami Heat starting lineup from the last few games. It has been a revolving door in the first five for the Heat as injuries and health and safety protocol has decimated their depth chart.
They have used several of their two-way players in big situations in recent games, which is a big part of why they’re currently sitting at 6-10 after two losses in a row to the Brooklyn Nets.
Denver has a great chance to capitalize and pick up its 11th win of the year. Michael Porter Jr., in just his third game back after missing several weeks, scored 30 points and grabbed eight rebounds the other night.
If folks didn’t believe he was back, they have no reason to doubt it anymore. You’ve got Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. And you have this star named Porter Jr., who is ready to go back to dominating.
Denver has a lot of stout defenders on its bench, namely JaMychal Green and PJ Dozier. Dozier became more of a household name after his great effort in a playoff performance a season ago.
He wound up playing the entire fourth quarter against the Lakers in what was a very narrow defeat. He has continued to see minutes, even with Will Barton coming back and playing a large role.
The way that Denver can make sure to earn a win here rests in the hands of their superstar. Jokic is going to have to deal with Bam Adebayo, an assignment that isn’t fun for anyone.
But, he’ll be ready to go right at him, making sure to make all of the proper, winning plays. Jokic is a prime MVP candidate for his strong play in 2020-21.
Denver will beat the Heat, as Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler remain out of the lineup.
Current Line: Nuggets -5.5
There hasn't been any change in this line since it opened. However, BetMGM has the best Moneyline odds at -200.
Derek Hudson
Derek is a long time sports bettor who grew up in Providence, RI. Derek is data driven and believes the key to betting the sportsbooks is finding an edge in analytics. Derek is happily married and has two young boys. Derek will bet on anything if you let him.
