NBA GAME PREDICTIONS, PICKS & BETTING TIPS

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NBA Picks & Previews

At ScoresandStats, we bring you weekly NBA season coverage, featuring predictions and in-depth matchup analysis in our blog section. These picks are available to all users, no matter your subscription level.

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Latest Picks and Predictions

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Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons Pick & Prediction MARCH 18th 2024

The Boston Celtics will have a chance to improve the NBA’s best record when they face the visiting Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Boston (53-14) was missing three starters but extended its winning streak to five games with a 130-104 victory over the Washington Wizards on the road Sunday. The Celtics played without center Kristaps Porzingis (right hamstring strain) and guards Jaylen Brown (ankle) and Derrick White (hand). Porzingis hasn’t played in Boston’s last five
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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat Pick & Prediction MARCH 18th 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers will look for their second victory in a row Monday when they host the Miami Heat. The Sixers (37-30) struggled for a bit Saturday but pulled away for a 109-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points, Kelly Oubre Jr. added 22 and Buddy Hield had 14 for the Sixers, who played without Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, De’Anthony Melton and Robert Covington. Embiid, the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player,
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Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks Pick & Prediction MARCH 18th 2024

The New York Knicks get a chance to demonstrate just how much their defense has improved when they get a rematch with the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, this time in San Francisco. The playoff hopefuls met Feb. 29 in New York, with the Warriors riding 31 points from Stephen Curry and 25 from Jonathan Kuminga to a 110-99 road win. Since then, the Knicks (40-27) have won five of seven, holding their opponents
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Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Pick & Prediction MARCH 18th 2024

The Minnesota Timberwolves concocted a successful recipe against the Utah Jazz on Saturday to win despite not having Karl-Anthony Towns or Rudy Gobert on the court. Take a whole lot of Anthony Edwards, add a big heaping of Mike Conley and throw in a healthy side of Naz Reid. To keep pace with Western Conference leaders Denver and Oklahoma City, Minnesota might have to rely on a version of that formula Monday night again in
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Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers Pick & Prediction MARCH 18th 2024

Ayo Dosunmu is staying aggressive when his opportunities arise, and the Chicago Bulls could not be more pleased. After erupting for a career-best 34 points in Saturday’s home win against the Washington Wizards, Dosunmu will aim for an encore Monday when Chicago hosts the Portland Trail Blazers. Still without guard Coby White (right hip strain), who missed his second straight game Saturday, the Bulls have seen Dosunmu make the most of increased minutes with a
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San Antonio Spurs vs. Brooklyn Nets Pick & Prediction MARCH 17th 2024

The Brooklyn Nets will look to make some headway in their attempt to move into a spot in the NBA postseason when they square off against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in Austin, Texas. The game is the second of a two-game stint in the Texas capital for the Spurs as a part of their annual regional outreach initiative. San Antonio dropped the first contest of the set in Austin to the Denver Nuggets
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Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics Pick & Prediction MARCH 17th 2024

Teams at opposite ends of the NBA standings will meet Sunday evening when the Boston Celtics visit the Washington Wizards. Boston (52-14) will look to improve on the league’s best record. The Celtics extended their winning streak to four games by beating the visiting Phoenix Suns 127-112 on Thursday. The Wizards (11-56) have lost three in a row, 19 of their past 21 and own the worst record in the NBA. For the Celtics, Jaylen
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Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors Pick & Prediction MARCH 17th 2024

With a chance to create some distance from the Play-in Tournament seeding, the Orlando Magic look to complete a two-game sweep of the free-falling Toronto Raptors when they return home Sunday. Orlando (39-28), the fifth seed in the current Eastern Conference standings, enters play winners of two straight, including Friday’s 113-103 win in Toronto. On pace for their first postseason appearance since 2020 and best record since the 2010-11 season, the Magic have benefited from
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Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat Pick & Prediction MARCH 17th 2024

The Miami Heat turned up their defensive intensity Friday in a much-needed victory and will seek back-to-back road wins over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon. The Heat used a 15-0 run in the third quarter to take control of Friday’s matchup and emerged with a 108-95 win. They snapped a four-game losing streak in the process. “I thought there was a professionalism to the approach (Friday),” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Now we have

Free NBA Picks

The NBA regular season consists of 1,230 games, offering plenty of action from October to April. While not every matchup is a must-watch for casual fans, each game presents valuable betting opportunities for those looking to profit. Often, the best value can be found in games featuring less prominent teams or seemingly unexciting matchups, where under-the-radar performances and market inefficiencies can lead to significant profit potential.

Here are some of the free picks for NBA games this week:

NBA BASKETBALL
NBA
2024-10-18 20:00
Open
NEW YORK LIBERTY
3 PICKS
MINNESOTA LYNX
NBA
2024-10-22 19:30
Open
NEW YORK KNICKS
1 PICKS
BOSTON CELTICS
NBA
2024-10-22 22:00
Open
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
1 PICKS
LOS ANGELES LAKERS

How to Gain Access to Expert NBA Picks

Interested in accessing top-tier NBA picks? Consider signing up for our handicapper services, where you’ll find a curated selection of picks from professional experts.

Our Starter tier provides access to a limited number of picks and consensus betting data. If you’re looking for more, the Starter Plus, Classic, and Premium tiers offer increasing levels of access to expert picks.

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You can also choose to purchase individual picks directly from a handicapper for a one-time fee.

For the best value, we recommend the Classic package, which gives you nearly full access to our services and delivers expert NBA picks each week.

How to Select the Right NBA Handicapper: Key Qualities to Consider


Choosing the right NBA handicapper is crucial for anyone looking to gain an edge in sports betting. The best handicappers provide consistent value through well-researched picks, transparency, and insights that go beyond surface-level analysis. 

Here’s a breakdown of the essential factors to keep in mind when selecting the ideal handicapper for your needs:

Consistent Track Record of Success

A top-tier handicapper should have a proven, documented history of success. Look for consistency over time rather than focusing solely on a few standout wins. While occasional losses are inevitable, a reliable handicapper will show long-term profitability and openly present their past performance.

Beware of handicappers who cherry-pick their results to only show big wins. The best professionals provide detailed records of their picks, showcasing both wins and losses over multiple seasons, giving you a transparent view of their betting performance.

In-Depth Analysis Backed by Research

An effective handicapper relies on data-driven research and analysis—not just gut feelings or popular trends. They should evaluate games based on a wide range of factors, including statistics, team matchups, player injuries, coaching strategies, and the latest betting market shifts.

Additionally, a quality handicapper explains the reasoning behind their picks, offering insight into their decision-making process. This level of detail demonstrates that they’ve put in the necessary work to provide well-informed predictions, rather than quick guesses.

Transparency and Honesty

Transparency is a hallmark of a trustworthy handicapper. This means being upfront about both wins and losses, providing full explanations for each pick, and never overpromising unrealistic results. If a handicapper guarantees a specific win rate or promises huge returns with no risk, it’s a major warning sign.

A reliable handicapper is aware of the uncertainties in sports betting and sets realistic expectations. They should also be willing to answer any questions you have about their methods and openly share their approach to betting, whether the outcomes are positive or negative.

Specialized Expertise in NBA Betting

Choosing a handicapper who specializes in NBA betting is key. A handicapper who focuses on multiple sports may lack the in-depth knowledge needed to provide high-quality NBA predictions. NBA-specific handicappers stay current with team news, player performance trends, coaching styles, and market factors that influence game outcomes.

Their specialized expertise allows them to make informed predictions based on a deep understanding of the league, giving you a better chance to capitalize on their insights.

Promoting Responsible Betting and Money Management

A good handicapper not only helps you place smart bets but also emphasizes responsible betting. They should guide you in managing your bankroll effectively, offering tips on betting within your limits to ensure long-term success.

Rather than encouraging risky bets or chasing losses, responsible handicappers focus on steady growth and maintaining a disciplined betting approach. By following sound money management principles, you’ll be better positioned for sustained profitability over time.

 

Our Best NBA Handicappers

At ScoresandStats, we have an excellent selection of NBA handicappers to follow. With several to choose from, you’ll find a variety of picks that offer great value. Below is a look at some of our top current NBA handicappers:

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To get a closer look at each handicapper’s stats for a particular sport, you can visit their profile to see which wagers they’ve won and lost. Here’s a look at the recent NBA stats for Mario Deluca:

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Deluca is proving to be a top handicapper for the NBA this year as they’ve made a profit of over $2,000 in the last 30 days. They primarily bet on totals and spread bets, and have seen plenty of success in identifying opportunity wagers.

Kyle Parker is another NBA handicapper who has seen plenty of success. His recent bets are below:

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Parker has primarily been providing picks for totals bets, and has made over $1,100 betting on the NBA this season.

How NBA Handicappers Find Value: Key Factors in Making Predictions

NBA handicappers use a combination of data analysis, trends, and market insights to identify value in betting lines. The goal is to find games where the odds don’t accurately reflect the likely outcome, giving bettors an edge. 

Here’s a breakdown of how professional handicappers uncover NBA value and the key tools they rely on:

Advanced NBA Statistics and Metrics

Handicappers dive deep into advanced stats to assess team performance beyond just wins and losses. These metrics help provide a clearer picture of a team’s strengths and weaknesses. Key NBA-specific metrics include:

  • Offensive and Defensive Rating: Measures points scored or allowed per 100 possessions, offering insights into a team’s efficiency on both ends of the court.
  • Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): Accounts for the added value of three-point shots, giving a better sense of shooting efficiency.
  • Player Impact Estimate (PIE): Evaluates a player’s overall impact on a game, taking into account points, rebounds, assists, steals, and more
  • Pace: Tracks the number of possessions per game, helping handicappers understand how quickly teams play and how that might affect matchups.

By analyzing these stats, handicappers can pinpoint teams that are over- or under-performing based on traditional measures like win-loss records or point differentials.

Recent Team Trends and Form

While a team’s season-long performance matters, handicappers also look at more recent trends to uncover shifts in momentum or form. Teams that are trending up or down might present value if the betting lines haven’t fully adjusted. Key trends to monitor include:

  • Recent Performance: How well a team has played in its last 5-10 games, particularly against similar competition or in certain conditions (e.g., home vs. away).
  • Injury Impact: Key injuries or returns from injury can have a significant effect on team performance. For example, a star player coming back after an absence can make a team undervalued if the betting market hasn’t caught up.
  • Coaching Adjustments: Changes in strategy or rotations can lead to improved performance that may not be reflected in the betting line right away.

Public Betting and Line Movement

Understanding how the public bets and how sportsbooks adjust lines is another tool NBA handicappers use to find value. By analyzing betting trends, handicappers can spot inefficiencies in the market. Strategies include:

  • Fade the Public: Betting against popular public picks can create value, especially if most bettors are backing one team, causing the line to move in their favor.
  • Sharp Money Movement: Following where professional or “sharp” bettors are placing their money can help pinpoint the smarter side of a game. Sharp bettors tend to move lines based on inside knowledge or advanced analysis, so watching this movement can give insight into where value lies.

Situational Factors in NBA Betting

Handicappers also evaluate specific situational factors that can influence a game’s outcome. These factors are often overlooked but can make a significant difference in a team’s performance. Examples include:

  • Home-Court Advantage: NBA teams often perform better at home due to crowd support, familiarity with the court, and reduced travel. Some teams have particularly strong home-court advantages.
  • Travel and Fatigue: The NBA schedule is grueling, with teams playing multiple games per week, often on back-to-back nights. Handicappers pay attention to travel schedules and rest days, as teams playing several road games in a row or with little rest are more likely to underperform.
  • Altitude and Environment: Teams traveling to high-altitude arenas (like Denver) may struggle more than usual, especially if they’ve had little time to acclimate.

Market Inefficiencies and Overreactions

NBA betting markets aren’t always perfectly efficient, and handicappers capitalize on these inefficiencies. Public perception, media hype, and recency bias often lead to overreactions that distort betting lines, creating opportunities for savvy bettors. Some areas to focus on include:

  • Overreactions to Star Injuries: If a key player is out, the market might overreact, leading to inflated lines. A good handicapper evaluates the depth and adaptability of the team, finding value where others see risk.
  • Recency Bias: Bettors often overvalue recent performances. For example, a team coming off a big win might see its line inflated, making them less attractive from a value perspective.
  • Undervalued Teams: Teams that have underperformed early in the season but are beginning to improve often present great value, as the betting market hasn’t yet fully adjusted to their upward trajectory.

Combining Tools to Find NBA Betting Value

By combining advanced statistics, situational analysis, and market trends, NBA handicappers can uncover value where the odds don’t reflect the true probabilities. Whether it’s spotting a team on the rise, taking advantage of line movement, or finding inefficiencies in the market, professional handicappers use these tools to deliver informed picks to their clients.

NBA Picks Consensus

The NBA consensus data is extremely beneficial information you’ll have access to with our premium membership subscription. The data is pulled from partner sportsbooks to help identify where the public is betting and where the smart money is. This is invaluable for consistent bettors looking to find an edge over sportsbooks and the betting public.

Below is a look at consensus data for an NBA game:

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Sign Up & Win More NBA Bets

NBA handicappers are out there analyzing matchups and making profit from their efforts. Sign up today and join the betting action so you can also enjoy making money from betting on the NBA. All you need to do is create your account, choose your membership, and start finding the handicappers that cover your favorite sports. end an NBA game at the best possible price? Use our exclusive deals to save on NBA tickets.

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