While the start of the 2023-24 NBA season is still months away (Tuesday, October 24) and the beginning of the 2024 postseason is 264 days off, the available NBA futures have been expanded to include make/miss the playoff odds for all 30 teams in the league.

The table below lists the opening make/miss playoff odds for all NBA teams. The 16 teams which qualified for the 2023 postseason are listed in bold.

NBA Make/Miss the Playoff Odds 2023

The shortest odds on the board belong to the Boston Celtics (-6000), who have made the playoffs in nine straight seasons and reached at least the conference finals in three of the past four. The C’s are closely followed by the reigning NBA-champion Denver Nuggets (-4000), who have claimed a top-three seed in the Western Conference four times in the past five years.

Notably, one team – the Portland Trail Blazers – are off the board and will likely remain so until the fate of star guard Damian Lillard is decided.

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Longest NBA Playoff Odds

Only three teams are seen as truly massive longshots to qualify for the 2024 NBA postseason. The longest odds on the board belong jointly to the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards at +1100.

The Wizards parted ways with longtime franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal this offseason, signalling the start of a true rebuild. Even with Beal suiting up for 50 games last year, the Wizards still finished with an ugly 35-47 record, five games back of qualifying for the play-in tournament.

The Spurs, of course, added Victor Wembanyama with the #1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, but remain in the midst of their own rebuild. San Antonio finished last season with a brutal 22-60 record, tied with the Houston Rockets for second-worst in the NBA. They also owned the single-worst point differential in the league at -10.1, nearly two points worse than the 29th-ranked team (Detroit Pistons, -8.2).

Joining the Spurs and Wizards at the bottom of the board are those same Pistons, who owned the dubious honor of holding the worst record in the entire NBA in 2022-23, going a horrendous 17-65. No team has finished with a worse record since the 2015-16 “Trust the Process” Philadelphia 76ers, who went 10-72. (The 2018-19 New York Knicks also went 17-65.)

Oddsmakers are expecting a modicum of improvement from the Pistons this season, as long as they can stay a bit healthier. Cade Cunningham, the 2021 first-overall pick, only managed to play 12 games last year.  Jaden Ivey, the fifth pick in the 2022 draft, showed promise as a rookie, finishing third on the team in scoring (16.3 PPG) while hitting at 34.3% from three. Ivey was sixth in 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year voting.

Best Odds Among Last Year’s Non-Playoff Teams

On the whole, oddsmakers aren’t expecting a lot of turnover in the 2024 playoffs compared to the 2023 edition. Of the 16 teams that reached the postseason last year, 15 are odds-on favorites to do so again. The only team that is favored to miss out in 2024 after qualifying in 2023 is the Brooklyn Nets, who of course traded Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns midway through last season.

Among the 14 teams that missed the 2023 NBA playoffs, the best odds for a reversal of fortune in 2024 belong to Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks at -220. The Mavs finished 38-44 last year, two games back of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the final play-in berth. It was a season marred by injuries in Dallas, though. Doncic missed 16 games, while Kyrie Irving – who’s been re-signed – only managed to suit up for 20. Third-leading scorer Spencer Dinwiddie also missed 29 games.

Even with all the injuries, Dallas still finished with a positive point differential (+0.1) and, with better injury luck this season, figure to improve significantly. The Mavericks had reached the playoffs in three straight seasons before last year, including reaching the conference finals in 2021-22. Last year also marked the first time since Doncic’s rookie season that Dallas didn’t make the playoffs.

The post Opening NBA Playoff Odds – See Make/Miss Odds for All 30 Teams appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

More changes are coming in the Association in 2023-24. The first ever NBA In-Season Tournament will take place later this year, with the event running from November 3rd to December 9th. Each team will play on Tuesdays and Fridays in the group stages (games will count towards regular season record) with the “Final Four” scheduled for Dec. 7th and 9th in Las Vegas.

Each conference has been broken into three pods, with five organizations in each. Below, we’ll dive into the odds for the groups and provide some early predictions.

NBA In-Season Tournament Group Odds

With the tourney still many months away, there isn’t any clear favorite in any group except for the Celtics, who sit at -105 NBA odds.

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East Group A Prediction

Group A in the East is an intriguing one but to be brutally honest, the winner will likely be either the 76ers, Cavaliers, or Hawks. Philly sits as the slim favorite at +195 but that could change depending on what happens with James Harden. The guard is adamant about being traded, although the Sixers are still hoping they can convince him to stay. If they do strike a deal, it’ll be vital for Daryl Morey to find a new co-star alongside Joel Embiid.

Cleveland meanwhile has their core intact with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. JB Bickerstaff’s squad was fourth in the East last season but unfortunately disappointed in the playoffs, losing in the first round to the New York Knicks.

Our group for the inaugural In-Season Tournament! #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/2HRSwP6gm9

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) July 9, 2023

As for the Hawks, they still have their star duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. However, John Collins was traded to the Jazz and Clint Capela could be on the move as well. No one is safe on the roster except for the backcourt starters.

Right now, the best bet in this group is the Cavs with so much uncertainty surrounding the other two Group A contenders.

Pick: Cavaliers +220

West Group A Prediction

Group A in the West could be considered the best of the lot in both conferences. The star-studded Suns, led by their new Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, sit as the slim favorite ahead of the Lakers at +135.

Phoenix has all the pieces to succeed in every way imaginable. It simply comes down to staying healthy. It will be interesting to see how Beal fits beside KD and Book, but by the time this event rolls around, there should be chemistry. The bench also got stronger, signing the likes of Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe, and Keita Bates-Diop. The Suns have the fourth-best NBA Championship odds for a reason.

The Lakers have low-key had a fantastic offseason, not only retaining Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell but also signing Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish. LeBron James just announced he’s coming back for Year 21 as well. With him and Anthony Davis healthy plus so much complementary talent around them, the sky is the limit for Darvin Ham’s group.

"Damn it, if they didn't win, who did? No one had a better offseason than the Los Angeles Lakers."

The offseason winner is clear for @KendrickPerkins 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/DZSM7B0XDM

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 10, 2023

The Grizzlies are always a threat but it’s important to note that Ja Morant won’t be able to play in the NBA In-Season Tournament due to his suspension. Regardless, Memphis is capable of performing without him, especially with several notable additions this summer. They traded for Marcus Smart which is absolutely huge and signed veteran Derrick Rose. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr can carry the load, but don’t sleep on the supporting cast.

It would be foolish to pick anyone in this pod except for the Suns. While I think the Lakers and Grizzlies can give them a run for their money, it won’t be enough.

Pick: Suns +135

The post NBA In-Season Tournament Group Odds & Picks appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

By the end of Monday, we will officially have a winner in this year’s edition of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The Houston Rockets and the Cleveland Cavaliers will meet at the Thomas & Mack Center, with tip-off scheduled for 9 PM ET. Keep reading for the NBA Summer League final odds and prediction.

Both teams were convincing in the semifinals. Houston dominated the Utah Jazz, winning 115-101 on Sunday. As for the Cavs, they took care of the Brooklyn Nets in overtime by a score of 102-99.

NBA Summer League Final Odds

The Cavs come in as a 3.5-point favorite in the final with -155 NBA odds for an implied win probability of 60.78%. The Rockets meanwhile sit at +135 and have a 42.55% chance of coming out victorious. Neither team has ever won the Summer League.

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Rockets Offense is Thriving

There’s been no better offensive team in Vegas than Houston. They were averaging just a tad under 110 PPG entering Sunday’s clash with the Jazz and that scoring production continued. Cam Whitmore continued his impressive tournament as he erupted for 25 points, while Nate Hinton also had 27.

A big reason for the Rockets’ success in the Sin City was Jabari Smith Jr, who went nuclear in his two appearances, averaging 35.5 points per night. Tari Eason balled out and first-rounder Amen Thompson showed promise before an ankle sprain. However, Smith and Eason were shut down and Thompson was ruled out last week. That opened up an opportunity for Whitmore in particular.

Nate Hinton and Cam Whitmore lead the @HoustonRockets to victory!

Hinton: 27 PTS | 5 REB | 5 STL
Whitmore: 25 PTS | 4 AST | 2 BLK#NBA2KSummerLeague championship game TOMORROW at 9pm/et on ESPN 🏆 pic.twitter.com/71zLSIwgMB

— NBA (@NBA) July 17, 2023

The former Villanova standout was expected to be a potential lottery pick last month but fell to 20th overall and he’s shown exactly why he’s such a special talent. In five games, Whitmore has posted averages of 20.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 46.5% from the field.

With Whitmore and Hinton continuing to make their presence felt, the Rockets have a real chance at winning Sunday if they can put together another dominant performance. But, it won’t be easy against a stout Cavs team who has barely allowed over 85 points per contest in Vegas.

Cavs’ Young Core is Looking Solid

It’s well known Cleveland has a great core at the NBA level with the likes of Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. That being said, there appears to be some intriguing pieces on their Summer League roster, too.

Isaiah Mobley, the brother of Evan, has been their star in this tourney. He was the difference-maker Sunday against the Nets, posting an impressive stat line of 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, doing a little bit of everything. Emoni Bates and Sam Merrill also did their part with 20 and 19 points, respectively.

ISAIAH MOBLEY CALLED GAME 😤 pic.twitter.com/iavQTyFYkV

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 16, 2023

Cleveland owns the best point differential of any team in Vegas at +11.4 and as previously mentioned, held oppositions to a mere 86.4 PPG. Mobley, Bates, and Merrill have all performed well in the Summer League and if that happens again Monday, the Cavs have a serious shot at winning a ring, especially with the Rockets missing a few key players. We already know they will play lockdown defense.

Rockets vs Cavaliers Pick

No 2023 first-round picks, no problem. Cleveland is shining in Vegas and I just think they have a little bit more firepower than the shorthanded Rockets, despite the brilliance of Whitmore. However, it could be a real battle. That’s why I’m eyeing the moneyline.

Pick: Cavaliers moneyline (-155)

The post Rockets vs Cavaliers NBA Summer League Final Odds & Picks (Monday, July 17) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Sunday is officially the last full slate of NBA Summer League games before the championship on Monday. In total, 16 teams will take the floor but two semifinals are about to be the center of attention. The No.1  seed Cleveland Cavaliers will clash with the  No. 4 seed Brooklyn Nets, while the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets meet the No. 3 seed Utah Jazz.

The Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks, Spurs, Thunder, and Pistons are some other squads in action. 76ers vs Pelicans begins the slate at 3:30 PM ET, followed by the first semifinal at 4 PM ET between the Cavs and Nets, which should be very entertaining. Keep reading for the NBA Summer League predictions.

NBA Summer League Odds – Sunday, July 16th

The biggest favorite on the docket is the Rockets, laying 4.5 points against the Jazz. The Cavs and Blazers are also favored by three points in the NBA odds versus the Nets and Heat, respectively.

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Nets vs Cavaliers Pick

After losing their first Summer League game, Brooklyn has won three straight and looked really solid in the process. They’ve got an impressive 10-point differential and just beat the Raptors in OT on Thursday by a score of 99-94. The entire starting five finished in double figures, led by Jalen Wilson with 17 points. Coincidentally enough, the Nets’ only defeat came to the Cavs. Two of their three victories came by more than 15 points, too.

Brooklyn clinches the fourth seed in the #NBA G League semifinals, a rematch against the top-seeded #Cavaliers at 4 pm on Sunday. #Nets

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) July 15, 2023

The Cavs are thriving in Vegas and come into the semis with a 4-0 record. Emoni Bates is looking like he could possibly be the best shooter in this draft class, Sam Merrill is balling out, Isaiah Mobley is making an impact, and Sharife Cooper has shown glimpses of brilliance. Cleveland took down the Bulls Thursday and has averaged 96.8 PPG in the Summer League, one of the best marks of any team. Oh, and they’ve barely allowed over 80.

I can’t bet against the Cavs with how they’re playing. Plus, Cleveland covered against the Nets at the start of the tournament.

Pick: Cavs -3 (-110)

Jazz vs Rockets Pick

The Jazz joins the Rockets and the Cavs as the only teams with perfect records. Utah, which is in a rebuild of some sort, has received some promising performances from youngsters. Johnny Juzang was the star Thursday against the Suns, pouring in 24 points on an efficient 7 for 16 clip from the field. Luka Samanic also scored 22 points and drained 4 of 8 triples. The Jazz are scoring 101.8 PPG.

Houston might’ve shut down Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr while Amen Thompson is sidelined with an ankle issue, but the organization is shining on the Summer League stage regardless. First-round pick Cam Whitmore, who fell to 20th overall last month, is showing he can be an impact player for the Rockets.

Cam Whitmore went off again 😳 26 points 8 steals ( ties SL record) 52 FG% .. he should’ve never went 20th @JordanRichardSC pic.twitter.com/x6mLtlsRkk

— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) July 14, 2023

Whitmore showed out for 26 in a win over the Dubs Thursday and is averaging 19.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He’s also registered 3.5 steals per night. The former Villanova standout is a big reason Houston has scored more than any other Summer League team (109.8 PPG).

Both squads are giving up nearly 100 PPG. Hammer the over here. Expect offense.

Pick: Over 186.5 points (-110)

The post NBA Summer League Predictions, Picks & Odds for Sunday, July 16 appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Saturday will be the final day of regular NBA Summer League games before the semifinals and final take place on Sunday and Monday, respectively. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets are officially in the playoffs after going 4-0 thus far and both will have a day’s rest Saturday.

Among the matchups here are the Hornets vs Timberwolves, Warriors vs Raptors, Bucks vs Kings, and Wizards vs Bulls. Below, find the odds and two of our NBA Summer League picks.

NBA Summer League Odds – Saturday, July 15

The Hornets will be looking for their first victory but they’re a 3-point underdog against the Timberwolves. The Bucks and Kings sit at 2-2, which is why there is no clear favorite in that matchup. Warriors vs Raptors is an interesting one too as neither squad has yet to collect a W in Sin City.

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Hornets vs Timberwolves Pick

It’s been a rather disappointing showing for the Hornets in Vegas, failing to win a game. They fell to 0-4 with a loss to the Pelicans on Thursday.

Lottery pick Brandon Miller has looked respectable though, averaging over 17 PPG. James Bouknight scored 28 against New Orleans. Saturday is a chance for Charlotte to finish Summer League on a high note, but Miller is officially done.

Brandon Miller is being shut down for the remainder of Summer League pic.twitter.com/7PjlzG4vNK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 13, 2023

Minnesota isn’t doing much better, sitting at 1-3. After winning their first outing, the Timberwolves have lost three in a row. The Kings beat them by 13 on Thursday. They’ve shot just 26.5% from three-point land in the tournament.

Charlotte is averaging under 80 PPG and Minny is barely putting up 92. This feels like the perfect opportunity to hammer the under.

Pick: Under 179.5 Points (-110)

Warriors vs Raptors Pick

This affair will see another pair of winless teams go to battle. The Dubs have scored 94.8 PPG but are giving up more than 100. They just got blown out by the surging Rockets by a score of 118-101.

Defense has been non-existent for Golden State in Vegas, unfortunately. It’s not like a lot of these guys are going to get minutes at the NBA level once the season starts, but going 0-4 and potentially 0-5 is certainly not ideal.

Summer Raptors can't catch a break. After coughing up a 17-point lead in yesterday's loss, they erased a 17pt deficit today only to lose in OT. They fall to 0-4 and are now shooting 26-for-122 (21%) from 3 in Vegas with 1 more game to go this weekend. Gradey Dick sat out today.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) July 13, 2023

The Raptors, at 0-4, just fell to the Brooklyn Nets and prior to that, the Detroit Pistons, but there were some positives.

First-round pick Gradey Dick balled out and showed why he could be a special player for Toronto for years to come, pouring in 22 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. A very promising performance. Dick is sitting for the final game of Summer League, though.

No Dick and no Markquis Nowell. I like the Dubs.

Pick: Warriors -1.5 (-110)

The post Today’s NBA Summer League Picks & Odds (Saturday, July 15) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Another eight games are on the docket in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on Friday, July 14th. Among the teams taking the floor are the unbeaten Utah Jazz, the Los Angeles Lakers, the OKC Thunder, and the New York Knicks. Below, we’ll lay out the full NBA Summer League odds and provide three picks for Friday’s games.

NBA Summer League Odds – Friday, July 14

Chet Holmgren and the Thunder are one of the biggest favorites of the day, laying 3.5 points against the Washington Wizards. The surging Jazz meanwhile sit as a 5-point favorite in the NBA odds against the Phoenix Suns.

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Thunder vs Wizards Pick

It’s well known OKC has one of the best young cores in the Association and that’s been on full display in Vegas. Holmgren is balling out with 20.5 PPG and 9.5 RPG so far while rookie Cason Wallace is also making his presence felt. The Thunder just beat up the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday behind a 25-piece from Chet.

Chet Holmgren's presence was felt on both ends of the court tonight 🔥

25 PTS | 9 REB | 5 BLK#NBA2KSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/RTkSgkDVGn

— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2023

The Wizards are 1-2 in the Summer League and have been absolutely awful at shooting the basketball, draining a mere 25% of their three-pointers. Washington also lost last time out, falling to the Victor Wembanyama-less Spurs. Xavier Cooks scored 16 points.

OKC has looked good and they’ve covered in both of their wins. I like them here.

Pick: Thunder -3.5 (-110)

Mavericks vs Pacers Pick

The Mavs sit at 2-1 in Vegas but they just shut down promising second-year guard Jaden Hardy for the rest of the tournament, which certainly changes things for Jared Dudley’s squad. He was averaging 23 PPG. Hardy just scored 21 in an OT victory over the Warriors on Wednesday, too.

The Pacers have been led by Bennedict Mathurin, one of the best young players in the Association who is getting in some more reps before Year 2 while Andrew Nembhard also played the first two games. Both are being shut down now though, which means Jarace Walker is one of the main options. The first-round pick showed out Wednesday in a loss to OKC, registering 20 points and grabbing nine boards.

Dallas has won two straight. I think they’ll ride the momentum.

Pick: Mavericks moneyline (+125)

Jazz vs Suns Pick

Utah is shining in Vegas with a perfect 3-0 record, beating the Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Clippers. Keyonte George has been the standout performer, but he just suffered an ankle sprain Wednesday and is likely out for the rest of the tournament. Ochai Agbaji and Luka Samanic both scored 14 points in a win over the Nuggets.

While you were sleeping last night, Keyonte George added another play to his summer highlight reel. (via @utahjazz) pic.twitter.com/r5kNBcgjwx

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 13, 2023

The Suns are 1-2 and just lost to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. They scored only 73 points and to be honest, don’t have a ton of talent that is even going to play at the NBA level considering how stacked Phoenix’s roster is.

The Jazz are hot. They will cover.

Pick: Jazz -5 (-110)

The post NBA Summer League Odds, Predictions & Picks (Friday, July 14) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is back at it on Thursday as numerous G-League players and rookies look to make their mark in front of scouts. In total, we have eight contests on the docket, with Cavaliers vs Bulls getting the action started mid-day. The Warriors, Bucks, Rockets, and Heat, among others, will all take the floor, too. Keep reading for the NBA Summer League odds and picks.

NBA Summer League – Thursday, July 13

The unbeaten Cavs are one of the biggest favorites Thursday, laying 5.5 points against the Bulls. Heat vs Bucks could be an interesting contest considering Miami is favored by just 1.5 points in the NBA odds.

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Cavaliers vs Bulls Pick

Cleveland is absolutely cruising in the Summer League with a 3-0 record. They’re averaging 100 points so far, which is top five in Vegas, while holding two of their three opponents to under 80 points. That defensive identity is very much present. Isaiah Mobley, Emoni Bates, Sharife Cooper, and Sam Merrill are all balling out. The Cavs have beaten the Raptors, Grizzlies, and Nets.

🏀 FINAL SCORE THREAD 🏀

Sam Merrill catches fire from three to help lift the @cavs to victory! #NBA2KSummerLeague

Emoni Bates: 21 PTS, 5-8 3PM
Craig Porter Jr.: 12 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Isaiah Mobley: 8 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST pic.twitter.com/47TZNPClX8

— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2023

The Bulls sit at 2-1 and have shot the ball extremely well from long range, draining 40.4% of their triples. Chicago is coming off a big 107-99 win over the Sacramento Kings, with Javon Freeman-Liberty going off for 28.

Cleveland could be the best team in the Summer League. But, the Bulls have looked decent, too. The moneyline looks like the best pick.

Pick: Cavs moneyline (-210)

Heat vs Bucks Pick

Miami’s Summer League squad owns a 1-1 record, taking down the Celtics and losing to the Suns. While this tournament is a chance for young players to get out the jitters and learn, the Heat is averaging over 20 turnovers per game. Not good. Big man Orlando Robinson has been their best player through two outings.

Milwaukee has notched victories over the Nuggets and Suns but did lose their most recent contest to the Nets by a disappointing score of 92-71. Just like Miami, the Bucks are coughing it up far too often, averaging over 22 turnovers.

The Bucks seem a tad inconsistent right now. I’d take Heat with the points.

Pick: Heat -1.5 (-110)

Hornets vs Pelicans Pick

All eyes have been on second-overall pick Brandon Miller, who put on a show Tuesday night in a slim loss to the Blazers. The former Alabama standout scored 26 points on 8 for 15 shooting from the field, while Nick Smith showed out for 33. Despite the two carrying the load, it wasn’t enough. Charlotte is now 0-3 in Vegas. Not ideal.

The Hornets first round picks showed up and showed out tonight 💪

Nick Smith Jr. (33 PTS)
Brandon Miller (26 PTS) #NBA2KSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/C98Eqdyn3Y

— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2023

The Pels might be shooting a mere 26% from deep, but they’ve still managed to find some success in the Sin City. New Orleans has compiled a 2-1 record, taking down the Suns and Warriors. The Timberwolves handed NOLA their only loss. Dyson Daniels is the leading catalyst offensively, averaging 15 PPG.

Both of the Pelicans’ wins came by more than 3.5 points. I like them to cover. The Hornets’ struggles will continue in the Summer League.

Pick: Pelicans -3.5 (-110)

The post NBA Summer League Picks & Odds for Thursday, July 13 appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

NBA Summer League play proceeds on Wednesday, July 12th with a busy slate of eight games. Among those matchups are Lakers vs Celtics, Clippers vs Grizzlies, Thunder vs Pacers, and Raptors vs Pistons, among others. The Purple and Gold and the Jazz are the only unbeaten teams that will be in action here. Continue reading for the full NBA Summer League odds and previews.

NBA Summer League – Wednesday, July 12

The Pistons are the biggest favorite of the day, laying 4.5 points against the winless Raptors. The Lakers are also sitting at -3.5 NBA odds against the C’s as they look to move to 3-0.

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Clippers vs Grizzlies Pick

The Clippers are 1-1 through two Summer League games in Vegas, losing their first to the Utah Jazz on Saturday before beating the Sacramento Kings on Monday evening. Xavier Moon, who saw some playing time with LA last season, is balling out, scoring 44 points through a pair of outings. Jordan Bowden also added 18 in the win over the Kings.

Memphis is also 1-1, grabbing a convincing victory over the Bulls and then getting blown out by the Cavaliers. Leading the way offensively has been Kenny Lofton Jr, who scored 23 in the Vegas opener. Although it is just Summer League, the Grizz will be motivated to respond Wednesday after losing by 23.

Kenny Lofton Jr. gone be a problem 💪🏾

pic.twitter.com/P3DXmWBkfx

— D’Courtland Christian (DC) (@Dcrealspill) July 4, 2023

I do believe Memphis is going to respond. That was an embarrassing defeat. Take the spread.

Pick: Grizzlies -2.5 (-110)

Raptors vs Pistons Pick

Not a great start for Toronto in Sin City, sitting at 0-2. First-round pick Grady Dick has struggled and as a whole, no one is really standing out. Losses to the Bulls and Cavs were rather lopsided, too. Undrafted rookie Markquis Nowell, who starred in March Madness, has shown moments of brilliance, though.

The Pistons have one of the best young cores in the Association and that’s also been evident in the Summer League. Jaden Ivey, James Wiseman, and Jalen Duren are all getting reps in Vegas, while lottery pick Ausar Thompson is finding his footing. He’s even a long shot in the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year odds. Detroit has beaten the Magic and fell to the Rockets thus far.

I love how much NBA talent is actually on this Pistons roster. They should handle the young Raps with ease.

Pick: Pistons -4.5 (-110)

Lakers vs Celtics Pick

Los Angeles is absolutely rolling with undrafted signee Colin Castleton looking like he could be the next Austin Reaves. The former Florida standout is averaging 15.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 4.0 APG. Talk about versatility. He was key in the Lakers beating up the Hornets and the Warriors. Max Christie has also looked good.

Colin Castleton has been absolutely HOOPING in Summer League 👀

15.8 PPG
8.3 RPG
4.0 APG

23-of-33 FG

Did the Lakers find another undrafted gem? 🤔

(via @Kjpistons)pic.twitter.com/ZP6SS8EhAU

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 10, 2023

Most of the Celtics’ talent clearly sits on their NBA roster. Boston’s Summer League squad is 0-2, losing to the Heat and the Wizards. The C’s will be hoping to avoid another disappointing outcome, but it won’t be easy against the red-hot Lakeshow.

I’m loving how LA is playing in Vegas. I expect them to take care of the Celtics.

Pick: Lakers -3.5 (-110)

The post NBA Summer League Odds & Predictions for Wednesday, July 12 appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The NBA Summer League in Vegas continues on Tuesday, July 11th, with a total of six contests on the schedule. While Victor Wembanyama has been shut down for the remainder of the tournament by the San Antonio Spurs, there are still some very exciting matchups to keep an eye on not just from an entertainment standpoint, but also as a bettor. Below, we’ll lay out the NBA Summer League odds and three previews and picks.

NBA Summer League Odds – Tuesday, July 11

As you can see, there are really no huge favorites in any games here because the Summer League is so unpredictable. The Thunder at -195 NBA odds against the Rockets are the biggest favorite of the day with Chet Holmgren leading the way.

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Nets vs Bucks Prediction

The Nets and Bucks meet Tuesday, with Milwaukee laying 2.5 points here. Brooklyn sits at 1-1, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their opener before beating the New York Knicks on Sunday. Armoni Brooks poured in a team-high 21 points in the win, while backcourt mate David Duke Jr scored 19.

The Nets limited the Knicks to under 30% shooting from long range and drained 36% of their triples as well. Turnovers were a problem but thankfully, it didn’t come back to haunt them, only allowing 80 points.

The Bucks are one of five unbeaten teams in Vegas thus far, compiling a 2-0 record. MarJon Beauchamp powered Milwaukee in their first victory over the Nuggets before they took down the Suns. The second-year guard is averaging over 20 PPG through two outings.

MarJon Beauchamp finds himself on the lob! 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/ypr7JzwSqq

— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 9, 2023

Milwaukee has covered in both of their games and continues to look solid. Follow the trends.

Pick: Bucks -2.5 (-110)

Rockets vs Thunder Pick

Houston is another 2-0 team with a plethora of promising young talent. Jabari Smith has been balling in Sin City and so is Tari Eason. However, two are likely done for Summer League, with the Rockets shutting them down. Plus, rookie Amen Thompson just sprained his ankle.

The Rockets beat the Blazers on a Smith buzzer-beater Friday and then took grabbed a victory against the Pistons. Without Eason, Thompson, and Smith though, it’s hard to imagine they will be as dominant. Smith averaged over 30 points in the Summer League.

Jabari Smith Jr: “He can’t guard me, at all!”

38 PTS | 7 REB | 6 AST 🚀pic.twitter.com/sd9rh2KuEq

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 10, 2023

Holmgren was impressive in his Vegas debut last week in OKC’s lone game, pouring in 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He’s also one of the frontrunners in the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year odds behind Wembanyama. But, rookie Cason Wallace really stood out, scoring 20 in 27 minutes. There is a lot of intriguing youngsters on this Thunder roster, even in the Summer League. You can’t count them out.

Houston is without three of their best players. Take that OKC spread with confidence.

Pick: Thunder -5 (-110)

Trail Blazers vs Hornets Pick

Shaedon Sharpe and the Blazers take their 1-1 record into Wednesday’s matchup with Brandon Miller and the Hornets.

Portland dropped a heartbreaker to the Rockets on Friday but bounced back Sunday spoiling Wemby’s 27-point showing with a 85-80 win over the Spurs. Michael Devoe erupted for 29 while Sharpe had a quiet night with only nine points. The bench was productive though with 32 points.

Charlotte is, unfortunately, sitting at 0-2 with defeats to the Spurs and Lakers. Miller, their first-round pick last month, is struggling, averaging just 13 points through a pair of games.

Brandon Miller had 7 fouls and 6 turnovers in his Summer League debut.

Miller is the highest drafted player since at least 2017 with 6 fouls & 6 turnovers in a summer league game. pic.twitter.com/LTesYWQ50w

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 4, 2023

Portland barely covered Sunday and the Hornets are due for a win. I’d at least take Charlotte ATS.

Pick: Hornets +4 (-110)

The post NBA Summer League Odds, Picks & Predictions for Tuesday (July 11) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Perhaps, more than ever, hitting on your draft picks is crucial for success in today’s NBA.

With crippling sanctions against teams that go over the cap — especially in that second apron — any iteration of a super team is going to need cheap, effective talent to make a title run.

And that brings us to Brooklyn Thursday night, where generation next of NBA talent is brought into the league.

Barring a major miracle, we know Victor Wembanyama is going first to the Spurs. From there? It’s pretty wide open.

Let’s run down some of our favorite NBA draft odds, and which way we’re leaning.

We’ll start with the following act for Wemby.

2023 NBA Draft 2nd-Overall Pick Odds

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The Buzz is Brandon Miller

Maybe I’m the only one that thinks it’s hilarious that noted horrendous evaluator of basketball talent Michael Jordan asked that Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson return to Charlotte for a second workout.

The NBA Draft starts at #2 with the Hornets.

Will Charlotte go with G League point guard Scoot Henderson or Alabama freshman forward Brandon Miller?@jkylemann loves the idea of pairing Scoot with LaMelo Ball. pic.twitter.com/nsCONwOuR3

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 18, 2023

Charlotte’s draft record is sketch, and the only real asset on the roster is LaMelo Ball. Scoot-Melo as a backcourt would be a lot of fun, but the Hornets reportedly want the one-and-done Miller.

He averaged 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 37 games for Alabama, including a smooth 38.4% from downtown. Miller’s offcourt baggage is large, but why would that bother Jordan? Talent evaluation aside, this is his swan song before selling off his ownership stake in the Hornets.

Pick: Brandon Miller (-500)

Jaquez Jr Undervalued as Senior

After the first three picks, the rest of the field is very good, with a bevy of plug-and-play options and undoubtedly an all-star or two lurking in the mix.

We’re sharing a few of our favorite draft position player picks, starting with a senior star trying to shake the “too old” stigma.

2023 NBA Player Draft Position Odds

Jaime Jaquez Jr is, at worst, a rotation player for whoever drafts him. He put up 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds for the UCLA Bruins, though he shot just 31.7% from distance on less than three takes per game.

The other thing going against him is his age. As a senior, the 22-year-old is almost automatically considered less appealing than the teenagers in the field, who present better upside.

If Heat culture doesn’t nab him at 18, he slides nicely onto a Memphis roster picking 25th, who need to replace the wing depth that left with Brooks.

Pick: Jaquez Jr OVER 23.5 draft position (-250)

On the same day he got the invite to the #NBADraft green room, Jaime Jaquez Jr. joined @ESPNAshley on SportsCenter LA to talk about the draft, his Mexican-American heritage and more. The @UCLAMBB star and @pac12 Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/aoJMsK5Qmu

— Tyler Drohan (@drohantyler) June 21, 2023

Dereck Lively is a pick-and-roll dream, and the Duke big man could eventually work his way into an offensive hub at the elbow or top of the key in the right environment.

The numbers aren’t there yet, as he averaged just 5.2 points, 5.2 rounds and 2.4 blocks in his lone year with the Blue Devils.

However, after the resurgence of the big man in the playoffs (Jokic, Bam, Davis and Embiid), it might not be more in vogue than to zag for a big, while everyone is zigging for athletic wings.

Unfortunately, the only legit landing spots for him before 11 are with Indiana at no. 7, and Dallas at no. 10.

Pick: Lively OVER 10.5 draft position (-250)

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Amen vs Ausar: Which Thompson Goes First?

They’ll almost surely be the first twin brothers to get selected in the top 10 of the NBA Draft, but it’s more difficult trying to figure out who will get taken first on Thursday night.

2022 NBA Draft Head-to-Head Player Odds

Ausur isn’t ball dominant, makes an impact on both ends of the floor, and can develop his offense, particularly his shooting, in the coming years. He put up 16.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists with Overtime Elite.

Amen is a point guard’s point guard, with a modern athletic twist. While his vision and passing are his greatest strength, he’ll have to work to get his jumper pro-ready. He also averaged 16.3 points with Overtime Elite, with 6.2 assists and 6.4 rebounds.

It probably makes more sense for Houston at no. 4 to take a setup man, but they do have Kevin Porter Jr in the mix, and a potential reunion with James Harden.

Adding another talented wing never hurts, especially one working as a primary ball handler. Ausur’s game translates to more teams, and perhaps a greater shot at going before his bro. Those odds make it worth the gamble.

Pick: Ausar Thompson (+280)

The post NBA Draft Odds, Picks & Best Bets 2023 — Who’s Next After Wembanyama? appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Denver Nuggets are early into their NBA hangover summer after claiming their first title and already there’s a challenger building their roster to dethrone them out West.

That’s after the Phoenix Suns went big-game fishing again, landing all-star guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards.

While the deal is being finalized, it’s expected that Chris Paul, Landry Shamet a pile of second-round picks and some first-round pick swaps are headed the other way.

Not surprisingly, the Suns’ 2024 NBA Championship odds have improved.

2024 NBA Championship Odds

Following the news of the trade on Father’s Day, the Suns have jumped into the third-best odds at +650. They’re looking up at the Nuggets (+475) and the Celtics (+550), while bumping the Bucks to fourth (+700).

Odds as of June 18, 2023, at DraftKings. Claim the DraftKings promo code to bet on the NBA.

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Beal Creates New Big Three

New Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia isn’t messing around. Shortly after completing the purchase of the franchise, he was the driving force in a trade deadline deal that landed Kevin Durant.

After getting bounced by the Nuggets in the second round, they’re taking another big swing with Beal, hoping he, KD and Devin Booker can unleash hell on the league as Phoenix seeks its first franchise chip.

Beal has played all 11 seasons of his career with the Wiz, and he’s a capable swing man that’s adept at running off screens for jumpers or running offense with the ball in his hands.

Respectfully observing some Bradley Beal highlights pic.twitter.com/NmuVcdmRlC

— Pull up shoot (@NElGHT_) June 14, 2023

Last year, he put up 23.2 points, 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds on 50.6% shooting  from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.

This will be the most talented collection of teammates he’ll have had in his career, and finding a way to make it all work with cohesion will be key.

Durant is coming off a year where he averaged 29.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 56% shooting, and Booker averaged 27.1, with 4.5 boards and 5.5 dimes, shooting 49.4% from the field.

Health, Roster Construction A Concern

The 29-year-old Beal has not been able to play more than 60 games in each of the last four seasons, as he’s battled a myriad of injuries. Last year, he was shut down the stretch with a knee injury.

After playing back-to-back 82-game seasons, Beal has gone on to miss 121 games over the last four. KD hasn’t been durable either: he’s yet to cross 55 games played in the last three years as he’s been hampered with leg injuries since coming off that ACL tear in 2019.

Suns in 2023 ☀️

-Traded Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson
-Acquired KD
-Eliminated in second-round of playoffs
-Fired HC Monty Williams
-Hired Frank Vogel as HC
-Traded CP3, Landry Shamet
-Acquired Bradley Beal

Moves in the Valley 🏜 pic.twitter.com/3iBs3WpSfA

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 18, 2023

As for Booker, after missing just six games across his first two seasons, he’s hit the 70-game played plateau just once in the next seven seasons.

On top of that, Phoenix was dismantled by a Denver team that was deeper across the board. Beal is a big-name addition, but how the rest of the roster is constructed will be key to see if the Suns are legit.

The only real asset left is Deandre Ayton. If they are able to turn him into two or three useful rotational players, and hit on a few veteran minimum signings, the Suns could be something special.

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Are the Suns Worth A Wager?

I’d never tell you not to bet on the Suns — we know nothing about the rest of the roster, but with those three at the starting point, they’re already a top-3 title pick.

However, there are points of caution before penciling them in to win it all. Part of that is Beal, who, in his 11 seasons in Chocolate City went to the playoffs five times, and played on teams with winning record just four seasons.

However, for a league that’s usually gun shy about going all-in, the Suns are maximizing the prime years they have left in Durant.

I’d monitor how they proceed to build the rest of the lineup, including finding a big man rotation that can hold their own against the Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis types.

If they can do that, perhaps they can contend. Otherwise, we’re in Denver’s title window, and it’s wide open.

The post Suns NBA Title Odds Improve to +650 After Beal Trade appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Nuggets 2023 NBA Championship run was not one that many experts predicted. Denver flew under the radar in the West this season, despite posting the conference’s top record.

Star studded rosters like the Suns, Warriors and Lakers generated all the buzz, but the Nuggets won’t be catching anyone off guard next season. They’ve been pegged co-favorites to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy again by online sportsbooks, just moments after capturing the franchise’s inaugural title.

2024 NBA Championship Odds

Denver and the Bucks boast the shortest price tags in the NBA Championship odds at +460. That’s slightly shorter than the Celtics, the favorites at this point last year, with KD, Booker and Phoenix checking in with the fourth shortest title odds.

There’s certainly no discount to be found by buying the Nuggets at this tag, however, it certainly appears like their winning formula is repeatable.

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Top of the Board

Denver’s entire starting five is under contract for 2023-24, led by Nikola Jokic who’ll once again be a favorite to take home MVP honors. Jokic is the most versatile offensive player in the game, filling up the stat sheet in all three major categories.

As good as he was during the regular season and playoffs, the Nuggets postseason run showcased the talent of the roster around him. Jamal Murray is a star, and one of the top point guards in the league.

The trade for Aaron Gordon has been invaluable, as he has major offensive upside and defends the opposing team’s best player every night. Throw in the exceptional defense of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown, and there doesn’t appear to be a weakness on the roster.

YOUR DENVER NUGGETS ARE THE 2023 NBA CHAMPIONS 🏆#bRINGItIn pic.twitter.com/aOHqbUYwOx

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) June 13, 2023

Nevertheless, a +460 price tag doesn’t offer up much value. The same can be said for the Bucks, who flamed out in the first round of the playoffs. Any team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to be an NBA conference odds contender, but his supporting cast is aging quickly, and has been riddled with injuries over the past two seasons.

As for the Celtics, there’s an argument to be made they should priced longer. There’s a real possibility the team splits up Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, and that uncertainty should entice bettors to stay away.

Speaking of uncertainty, yes the duo of Durant and Booker is among the most potent in the league, but the Suns plan on releasing Chris Paul and have a big decision to make about Deandre Ayton’s future. Throw in a new head coach as well, and we can find better targets than the +700 Suns.

Don’t Sleep on the Heat

Which brings us to Miami. The Heat have now made the NBA Finals in two of the past four seasons, and have been one of the last two teams standing in the East three times during that stretch.

Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are in their primes, while Tyler Herro will be back at full strength after a hand injury derailed his postseason. Erik Spoelstra is one of the NBA’s premier coaches, and we shouldn’t underestimate Pat Riley’s ability to lure another star to South Beach.

Pat Riley has appeared in 25% of every NBA Finals in history 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fAfGbE0m1u

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 8, 2023

The Heat roster has seen plenty of turnover since LeBron James left, but year after year Miami finds itself in contention for a title. The defeat at the hands of the Nuggets emphasized the Heat’s need for another top end scorer, and Riley hasn’t been shy about making a splash via trade or free agency in the past.

Expect Miami to retool this offseason, and vastly outperform their +2500 championship price tag. As of right now that’s the best value on the board, and one that likely won’t last long.

Pick: Miami Heat (+2500)

The post Opening 2024 NBA Championship Odds & Futures Bets to Target appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

If history is any indication, it won’t be long before the Nuggets are hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy. Denver has a commanding 3-1 lead over Miami in the NBA Finals, and only time has a team ever erased a deficit that large in the Championship Round.

Game 5 tips off Monday in Colorado, where the Nuggets are once again big favorite in the NBA odds. We’re not interested in betting against the spread however, as our attention is dialed in on the player props and same-game parlay markets.

Heat vs Nuggets Player Props – Game 5

Our Miami vs Denver player props card starts with a fade of Miami’s Max Strus, who’s displayed some truly horrific shooting numbers during the NBA Finals. His poor performance has also seen his minutes cut, which reduces his potential ceiling.

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NBA Finals Player Prop #1: Max Strus Under 7.5 Points

Strus was shut out in Game 4, much like he was in Game 1. He’s scored three points or less in three of the four games this series, shooting a woeful 16.1% from the field.

After averaging 25 minutes per outing in Games 1 and 2, Strus saw his minutes trimmed to 24 minutes in Game 3 and only 19 minutes in Game 4. He finished 1-of-11 from the field in Games 3 and 4, prompting Erik Spoelstra to look elsewhere for spot up shooting.

Max Strus in the Finals:

4.3 PPG
16% FG
19% 3PT
100% Ass
2 Zero Point Games

IS THIS THE WORST FINALS PERFORMANCE EVER? 🤯🔥💯🤮 pic.twitter.com/LS5F6KaHZl

— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) June 11, 2023

The Heat found that with Duncan Robinson on Friday, and it’s clear Miami would rather have him or Caleb Martin on the floor instead of Strus given his playoff performance.

Pick: Max Strus Under 7.5 Points (-115)

NBA Finals Player Prop #2:  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Under 7.5 Points

You know the old saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”? Well, we’re going to put that theory to the text again in Game 5 when it comes to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

KCP has failed to eclipse seven points in any of the first four games of the NBA Finals, yet online sportsbooks refuse to adjust his points prop. Given the amount of minutes he logs, it’s certainly possible Caldwell-Pope finally gets to eight points in Game 5, but his usage suggests otherwise.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Stats – Last Four Games

KCP is a volume based scorer. He averaged 11 points per game during the regular season, shooting just 46% from the field. If he earns eight shots per start like he did during the regular season, he’ll likely exceed his prop. The good news for us is that he hasn’t been close recently to getting that many looks.

Caldwell-Pope is averaging five shots per game in the NBA Finals, making only 33% of his attempts. There’s too many mouths to feed right now on the Nuggets with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon all playing out of their minds, freeing up KCP to focus on what he does best, which is defend.

Pick: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Under 7.5 Points (-120)

Heat vs Nuggets Same-Game Parlay Picks

Moving over to the same-game parlay streets, where we’re targeting more production from the Denver offense and Gordon.

Heat vs Nuggets Game 5 Same-Game Parlay

Our Heat vs Nuggets same-game parlay starts with over 104.5 points for Denver, a number the NBA Championship odds favorites have consistently sailed over at home this season. The Nuggets lead the playoffs in offensive rating, and have scored at least 104 points in all but one of their home playoff dates so far.

Gordon meanwhile, continues to be undervalued by oddsmakers, as he’s having the series of a lifetime. The 27-year-old is fresh off a 27 point effort, and has cleared 20.5 points and rebounds in four of his past five outings. He’s shooting a ridiculous 66.7% from the field, and 71.4% from three against the Heat.

As for the Miami side of this SGP, we’ll be fading Jimmy Butler. Playoff Jimmy is not 100% thanks to a bum ankle, and his offensive play has been uninspiring. Butler is averaging only 20.5 points per game in the NBA Finals, with zero 30 point efforts.

He hasn’t had a 30 point outing since Game 1 versus the Celtics in the East Final, falling below 28 points in seven of his past 10 starts.

Pick: Same-Game Parlay (+280)

The post Game 5 Heat vs Nuggets Player Props to Target appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

For the first time in these NBA Finals, the Larry O’Brien Trophy will be in the building. The Denver Nuggets have the chance hoist him up for the first time in franchise history.

Only the Miami Heat can force him back into the box and back on a flight to South Beach.

After losing home court advantage with their first home loss of the playoffs in Game 2, Denver went to work on the road, taking Games 3 and 4 to set them up for a title celebration with a win at home.

Game 5 goes Monday (June 12) at 8:30pm ET from Ball Arena in Denver, CO. You can watch the game live on ABC.

Heat vs Nuggets Game 5 Odds

As has been the case through the final two rounds of the playoffs, the NBA betting odds are showing zero respect for the Heat, listing them as 9-point underdogs.

Denver’s -454 odds on the moneyline give them an implied win probability of 81.95%. The total has again tumbled, dropping another 1.5 points from last game to settle in at 209.

Only one team in NBA Finals history has overcome a 3-1 series deficit to win it all: the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, who rode LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to an improbable upset of the 73-9 Golden Sate Warriors.

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Heat Swept in South Beach

Miami was competitive in Game 4, but as has been the recurring theme this series, didn’t have the offensive punch to finish off the game, losing 108-95 to push them to the brink.

The game was there for the taking, as Nikola Jokic was forced to the bench after picking up his fifth foul early in the fourth quarter. Miami cut a 13-point deficit to as little as five, but ran out of steam.

Jimmy Butler on if there’s appreciation for what they’ve accomplished so far:

“Not at all. At the beginning of this year we talked about winning a championship…That’s always the goal with the Heat. It’s about winning.”

“It’s about holding that trophy collectively as a unit.” pic.twitter.com/a3LLfx4e82

— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) June 11, 2023

Jimmy Butler had 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Bam Adebayo went for 20 points and 11 rebounds. Duncan Robinson (12), Caleb Martin (11) and Kyle Lowry (13) all scored in double figures off the bench, but it wasn’t enough.

The starting backcourt of Gabe Vincent and Max Strus were milk-carton missing, as they combined to shoot 1-for-10 for two points and five rebounds.

Miami has scored 95 points or less in all three losses. There are no reinforcements on the way, either, as Tyler Herro (hand) still hasn’t been cleared for activity.

Total Nuggets Effort in Game 4

It was a hell of a night for Aaron Gordon to deliver the best game of his postseason career.

With Jokic in foul trouble and Jamal Murray nowhere near as potent as he was in Game 3, Gordon carried the Nuggets with 27 points, seven rebounds and six assists, hitting 11-for-15 from the floor.

They also got a massive boost from Bruce Brown, who scored 21 off the bench on 8-for-11 shooting.

Jokic finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.

Aaron Gordon took OVER in Game 4 🔥

27 PTS (11-15 FG)
7 REB
6 AST

Led the Nugs to victory 👏 pic.twitter.com/Zgw8FID4ru

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 10, 2023

Murray went for 15 points and 12 dimes. While he shot only 5-for-17 from the floor, he became the first person in NBA Finals history to record 10 or more assists in their first four games.

Denver is putting up their lowest point total in a series these playoffs at 107.3, but they’re still shooting 50.8% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.

They’re also holding the Heat to just 98.3 points per game on 42.4% shooting. Miami’s 36.6% mark from distance is what’s keeping them in these games.

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Heat vs Nuggets Game 5 Prediction

Miami is 0-6 against the spread in their last six coming off a double-digit loss at home, and they’re just 1-4 ATS in their last five in Denver.

The Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last six overall, and have been the bet vs the Heat, running a 28-10 ATS mark in the last 38 matchups.

And yet, Miami thrives in these situations. In four road games against the Celtics, Miami was a 7.5-point underdog or higher, and won outright three of those times. They’ve also taken one out of two in the same scenario in the Mile High city.

This may be the end of the NBA season, but there’s a series parlay to have here: expect the Heat to cover, and for the two teams to get more offensive. Game 2 is the only one the teams cracked the over — Miami’s only win this series.

The pick: Heat +9 and OVER 209 points (+244)

The post Heat vs Nuggets Game 5 Odds, Picks & Predictions appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Nuggets took back home court advantage in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, riding a historic performance from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to trounce the Heat.

Denver will now aim to take a 3-1 series stranglehold in Game 4, which tips off Friday in Miami. The Nuggets are once again laying points in the NBA odds, but our focus here will be in the player props and same-game parlay markets.

Nuggets vs Heat Player Props – Game 4

Our Miami vs Denver player props card starts with over 21.5 pts+reb+ast for Aaron Gordon. Jokic and Murray might be getting all the headlines after becoming the first set of teammates to post a triple-double in an NBA Finals game, but Gordon just might be the team’s unsung hero.

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NBA Finals Player Prop #1: Aaron Gordon Over 21.5 Pts+Reb+Ast

Not only is Gordon producing in all three major stat categories, he’s also being asked to guard Jimmy Butler every night. The defensive responsibility hasn’t slowed him down in the slightest, as he’s fresh off a double-double.

Gordon has beaten this line in four straight outings, three times with points and rebounds alone. He’s shooting 63% from the field so far in the Finals, while gobbling up eight rebounds and dishing out three assists per outing.

Aaron Gordon is literally everywhere on this court right now pic.twitter.com/7voWLvsqEt

— PlaybyPlayBark (@playbyplaybark) June 8, 2023

He’s been incredibly reliable from three as well when given the opportunity, and with Jokic and Murray drawing so much defensive attention, expect more open looks for him. He’s 5-of-8 from long range over the last four games, and is shooting 38% from three this postseason.

Pick: Aaron Gordon Over 21.5 Pts+Reb+Ast (-120)

NBA Finals Player Prop #2: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Under 7.5 Points

Our next target is under 7.5 points for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. KCP is a volume based scorer, and that’s not encouraging given his recent usage.

He’s taken only four shots in each of the past two games, making just a single shot on both occasions. He’s fallen under this total in each of the Finals contests so far, shooting only 31% from the field.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Stats – Last Three Games

That’s a far cry from the West Final, when he was a primary contributor. KCP was averaging 11 shot attempts per game versus the Lakers, including seven threes. Against Miami, he’s being counted on for primarily just his defense, taking only five shots per game.

Pick: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Under 7.5 Points (-120)

Nuggets vs Heat Same-Game Parlay Picks

Moving over to the same-game parlay streets where we’ve coked up a three-leg bet that pays out +230 if it hits. The wager starts with the over on a modified total, and like we referenced ahead of Game 2, if the Heat are going to get back into the series it will be thanks to their offense.

Nuggets vs Heat Same-Game Parlay

Miami has not shown the ability to slow down Denver, but then again no one has all postseason. The NBA Championship odds favorites lead the playoffs in offensive rating, and have performed even better as visitors this postseason in that category.

Miami is going to need to score north of 100 points to have any chance at victory, and they have shown the ability to bounce back after a defeat. They’ve followed up five of their eight losses so far with a victory, scoring 105 points in all but one instance.

Bam Adebayo has been their leading scorer in the NBA Finals, but it’s his rebounding prowess we’re targeting as the second leg of our SGP. Adebayo has produced double-digit rebounds in four of his last five starts, and outrebounded the rest of the Heat roster in Game 3 (17 vs 16).

Jamal Murray & Nikola Jokic are the 1st teammates in NBA history (reg. season or playoffs) to each record 30-pt triple-doubles in the same game.

They are also the 1st teammates to each have 30 pts & 10 ast in the same playoff game since Clyde Drexler & Terry Porter in 1992. pic.twitter.com/d73oP0uiUe

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 8, 2023

Our Nuggets vs Heat same-game parlay concludes with over 6.5 assists for Murray, who would be the sure-fire Finals MVP right now if not for Jokic. Murray has double-digit assist totals in three straight starts, and Miami simply doesn’t have a solution for the two man game he and Jokic are running.

Pick: Same-Game Parlay (+230)

The post Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Game 4 Player Props to Target & Best SGP appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Powered by an historic performance by their dynamic duo, the Denver Nuggets wrestled back home court advantage in the NBA Finals with a Game 3 win in Miami. They lead the series 2-1.

The Heat have now lost three straight at home, and another loss puts them on virtual life support. In Finals history, the list of teams to come back from down 3-1 is the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers. And that’s it.

Game 4 goes Friday (June 9) at 8:30pm ET from the Kaseya Center in Miami, FL. You can watch the game live on ABC.

Nuggets vs Heat Game 4 Odds

The NBA betting odds again favor the West representative. Denver is a 3.5-point road favorite and -184 on the moneyline, an implied win probability of 64.79%.

Game 4 also features a total of 210.5 points, plummeting a full four points from Game 3, as scoring is coming at a premium. Only once in this series has a team scored more than 110 points.

One other interesting wrinkle: this game will be the first time all series there is just a one-day break in between games, as opposed to the two-day breaks in the previous three.

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Jokic and Murray Douse Heat

If the Nuggets had lost, we’d be talking about the lack of production from Denver’s supporting cast. Instead, we’re recapping an absolutely devastating evening from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as part of a 109-94 win.

Jokic was all-world, going for 32 points, 21 rebounds, 10 assists and a pair of blocks. His triple-double was matched by running mate Jamal Murray, who went for 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are the first pair of teammates with triple-doubles in Finals history!

Jokic: 32 PTS, 21 REB, 10 AST
Murray: 34 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST

DEN/MIA Game 4: Friday, 8:30pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/0hLcPvv0zN

— NBA (@NBA) June 8, 2023

It’s the first time in NBA history two teammates recorded 30-point triple-doubles in the same game, let alone the NBA Finals. Murray also became the first player to record 10 or more assists in three straight Finals games since Magic Johnson.

Their efforts covered up a smattering of problems, including an abysmal 5-for-18 mark from three-point range, a lowly 27.8% clip. Michael Porter Jr has gone missing in the Finals, playing just 21 minutes and scoring two points on 1-for-7 shooting.

Denver also  committed 14 turnovers that led to 17 Heat points. Save for a Christian Braun 15-point breakout, the rest of the five Nuggets that saw time had 28 points on 29 shots.

Heat Fade in Second Half

Miami traded blows with Denver in the first half, trailing by just five at the break, but they got outscored 29-20 in a decisive third quarter, and they found themselves down double-digits most of the second half.

Much like in Game 1, Miami couldn’t buy a bucket, shooting just 37% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range. It’s the second time in three Finals games the Heat have scored less than 95 points.

"We will continue to be who we are as a group, as a team."

Jimmy Butler as the Heat look to bounce back in Game 4 to even the series at 2-2.#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV Game 4 tomorrow at 8:30pm/et on ABC! pic.twitter.com/Y6MiS6mlMf

— NBA (@NBA) June 8, 2023

Jimmy Butler led the way with 28 points and four assists, but he was an inefficient 11-for-24. Bam Adebayo,  Miami’s most consistent performer, dropped 22 points, 17 boards and three assists, but also shot 7-for-21. The cupboard was pretty barren after those two.

It appears to have struck midnight for Caleb Martin, as he scored 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting in 32 minutes, while Gabe Vincent had just seven points on 2-for-10. His starting backcourt mate Max Strus hit just one of seven shots, finishing with three points.

There was also a major rebounding advantage for Denver, who grabbed 58 boards to Miami’s 33, a wide -25 margin.

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Nuggets vs Heat Game 4 Prediction

Denver has been the bet in this matchup at Kaseya: they’re now 5-0 against the spread, and are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games overall.

Recent betting trends don’t bode well for the Heat, either. Miami is 0-5 ATS in their last five following a double-digit home loss.

Still, the Heat are a difficult team to handicap, and an even tougher team to bet against. Even though Denver is the better team, with the two best players in the series, it would be so Miami to square things up and make it a best-of-3.

Because of that, we’ll lean on the total, as the teams have gone under twice in three games, and the under has gone 6-1 in Miami’s last seven games. The under is also 4-1 in Denver’s last five on a day’s rest.

The pick: UNDER 210.5 points (-117)

The post Nuggets vs Heat Game 4 Odds, Predictions & Picks (June 9) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Another in a long line of dominant performances from Nikola Jokic moved the Denver Nuggets one step closer to their first-ever NBA championship on Thursday night. A 109-94 win in Game 3 gave the Nuggets a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 on Monday night in Miami.

The opening odds for Game 4 portend a short series. Denver has been listed as a 4-point favorite to take a commanding 3-1 series lead before the series shifts back to Denver for Game 5.

Opening Nuggets vs Heat Game 4 Odds

On the moneyline, the Nuggets are -172 favorites, with Miami opening as a +144 underdog. The game total sits at just 210.5

Denver is currently 10-7 against the spread in the 2023 postseason, while the Heat are 14-7, not counting the play-in tournament.

The NBA championship odds saw a massive shift after Game 3. Denver, which headed into the night at -275, is now a massive -900  favorite to win the 2023 NBA title. Miami faded from +210 to +600.

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Jokic Dominates Game 3

After an uncharacteristically sloppy performance in Game 2, Jokic responded with aplomb on Thursday. The two-time NBA MVP dropped 32 points, along with 21 rebounds and 10 assists for another monstrous triple-double.

Running-mate Jamal Murray also shrugged off a sluggish Game 2 with 32 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds in Game 3, finishing one board shy of his own triple double. Christian Braun (15 points) and Aaron Gordon also reached double figures for the Nuggets.

Nuggets vs Heat Series Results

Miami got a decent performance from their own superstar as Jimmy Butler posted 28 points,  four assists, and two rebounds. But “Himmy” was the only member of the Heat who truly showed up on Wednesday night. Bam Adebayo finished the night with 22 points, but on an abysmal  7-20 shooting. No other Miami player finished with more than 10 points and, as a  team, Miami ended the night just 34-92 from the field (37.0%).

The Heat were also savaged on the glass, ending the night with just 33 total rebounds compared to 58 for the Nuggets.

Expected Line Movement for Nuggets vs Heat Game 4

The point spread for Game 3 opened at Denver -1 and was bet up to Denver -3.5 by tipoff. There is a large contingent of big-time bettors squarely in Denver’s corner. But with this line opening at Denver -4, expect the line movement to head in the opposite direction this time.

The post Opening Nuggets vs Heat Game 4 Odds, Including Point Spread, Moneyline & Game Total appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The NBA Finals shift to Miami on Wednesday for Game 3, with the Nuggets and Heat tied 1-1. Miami overcame the odds in Game 2 on the road to even the series, erasing a big fourth quarter deficit on the strength of some terrific shooting.

Despite the Heat having the momentum, it’s Denver that’s laying points in the NBA odds. Betting against the spread is only one of the many ways to get action down on Wednesday’s contest, and we’re looking to find value in the player props market, as well as the same-game parlay streets.

Nuggets vs Heat Player Props – Game 3

Our Miami vs Denver player props card starts with the under on Jimmy Butler’s point total of 25.5. Butler followed up a dreadful Game 1 performance with a better effort in Game 2, but still fell well short of this total for a second consecutive game.

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NBA Finals Player Prop #1: Jimmy Butler Under 25.5 Points

Butler has actually fallen short of 26 points in four of his past five outings, looking nothing like the Playoff Jimmy we’ve seen at different points this postseason. There’s a couple reasons to believe his underwhelming point totals might continue, starting with who’s guarding him.

Aaron Gordon has guarded Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Butler so far in the playoffs. He’s done a masterful job on all four of them, helping limit Butler to 34 total points in the NBA Finals, on just 39% shooting.

One thing that's been evident the first 2 games is that Jimmy Butler hasnt had a whole lot for Aaron Gordon's defense. Length has bothered him with his ankle from being able to get sufficient elevation on drives and pull ups. Butler's focus the first 2 games has been to largely… pic.twitter.com/SAgGItRRVI

— J Ryth (@KDs1stBurner) June 6, 2023

Butler likes to bully his defenders to create separation and easy looks, but he simply can’t do that to Gordon. The 27-year-old is bigger, longer and stronger than Jimmy, and quick enough to keep Butler in front of him.

Also working against Butler is his nagging ankle injury that’s clearly bothering him more than he’s letting on. Over his last seven contests he’s averaging only 20.7 points, with three contests under 16 points, and zero 30-point efforts.

Pick: Jimmy Butler Under 25.5 Points (-105)

NBA Finals Player Prop #2: Kevin Love Over 4.5 Rebounds

Our next target is the over on 4.5 rebounds for Kevin Love. The veteran forward was inserted into the starting lineup in Game 2, and performed admirably with a 6 point, 10 rebound effort in just 22 minutes.

Love’s promotion was an effort by the Heat to add more size, and seeing how well it paid off should encourage Miami to run it back in Game 3. Love was +18 in Game 2, and has eclipsed 4.5 boards in 12 of his 13 playoff outings this season when he’s logged at least 14 minutes.

Kevin Love on Spo saying Love should’ve started in G1: “I have the most trust in our coaching staff.”

“Whenever he calls my name it’s on me, being a pro, to be ready. Certainly going small in that Boston series was necessary & you know Caleb was incredible, he got the job done.” pic.twitter.com/xJX1qLaVPD

— alex (@tropicalblanket) June 7, 2023

His Game 2 performance prompted Heat coach Erik Spoelstra to say he should have started Love in Game 1 as well, which suggests Love should log plenty of minutes on Wednesday.

Pick: Kevin Love Over 4.5 Rebounds (-175)

Nuggets vs Heat Same-Game Parlay Picks

Denver head coach Mike Malone was disgusted by the team’s Game 2 effort, and wasn’t shy about it after the game. That should light a fire under the Nuggets and we expect them to bounce back in Game 3 to reclaim the series lead.

Nuggets vs Heat Same-Game Parlay

The Nuggets have won their last three road playoff games, and we’ll start our Denver vs Miami same-game parlay with them on the moneyline. We’ll also back them to eclipse 105 points, a feat they’ve accomplished in nine of their past 10 playoff games.

Nikola Jokic and the NBA Championship odds favorites have performed better offensively as visitors than in Denver, posting an absurd 120.3 offensive rating on the road during the postseason.

The Heat’s strategy is clearly to limit Jokic’s playmaking, resulting in even more distribution work for Jamal Murray. The Canadian has 20 assists through two games of the NBA Finals, and we’ll bank on him dishing out at least six dimes in this SGP.

Finally, let’s round out the parlay with over 4.5 assists for Butler. His lack of scoring has not hampered his assist numbers, as he’s produced at least five dimes in nine straight starts.

Pick: Same-Game Parlay (+270)

The post Game 3 Nuggets vs Heat Player Props & Same-Game Parlay for Wednesday appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

With a mighty fourth quarter surge that led to a win in Game 2, the Miami Heat may have just flipped the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets.

The first team to beat Denver on their home court, Miami returns home for two games, with a chance to bend the 1-1 series in their favor.

However, much like it’s been for most of the playoffs, oddsmakers still aren’t sold on the Heat, pegging the visiting Nuggets as 2.5-point road favorites in the NBA betting odds.

At -160 on the moneyline, Denver has an implied win probability of 61.54%. The game also features a total of 214.5, down slightly from Game 2, when the over hit in Miami’s 111-108 win.

Game 3 goes Wednesday (June 6) at 8:30pm ET from the Kaseya Center in Miami, FL. You can watch the game live on ABC.

Nuggets vs Heat Game 3 Odds

Denver is just 4-3 on the road in these playoffs, and have just a +4.1 point differential away from Ball Arena. The biggest issue is defensively, where they surrender 10 more points per game on the road (113.4) than they do at home (103.1).

Miami is 6-2 at home in the postseason – they’ve lost two straight at Kaseya coming into Game 3.

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Jokic Alone in Game 2

Unlike Game 1, when the Nuggets moved in rhythm and unified in a 103-94 win, Nikola Jokic needed to play lead guitarist, with plenty of solo riffs to keep his team in it.

He finished with 41 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. While he was unstoppable, Miami successfully turned him into a singular force, rather than an all-around maestro that picked the Heat apart with ease last game.

Nikola Jokic (41 PTS, 11 REB) with a remarkable Game 2!

Denver will look to bounce back in Game 3 and secure a 2-1 series lead 🍿

DEN/MIA Game 3:
Wednesday, 8:30 PM ET on ABC pic.twitter.com/z2LryrxZe6

— NBA (@NBA) June 5, 2023

The four dimes were a playoff low, and he also committed five turnovers. Denver was 7-13 during the regular season when he went sub-8 assists.

Denver is now 0-4 all time in playoff games when Joker tops 40+. It’s happened three times in this run.

Perhaps it’s as simple as improved play from the others. Jamal Murray was ineffective for much of the game, with a pair of late 3-balls bringing him to 18 points and 10 assists.

Michael Porter Jr’s jumper has abandoned him: he’s now 3-for-17 from distance in the series, and had just five points and six boards in Game 2, while whiffing on several defensive assignments.

Heat Get Multiple Contributions in Win

We don’t know if Jimmy Butler is hurt or worn down, but he’s yet to find his A-game in the Finals. Still, he impacted the Game 2 win. While he shot just 7-for-19 from the field, Butler finished with 21 points, nine dimes and four boards.

Fortunately, the Heat again got multiple meaningful contributions down the roster. After shooting 40.9% from the field and 33.3% from three in Game 1, Miami improved to 48.7% from the field and a scorching 17-for-35 from distance (48.6%).

Duncan Robinson has the GUTS. #WINNING pic.twitter.com/rpsYu9KNNC

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) June 5, 2023

Bam Adebayo had 21 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Kevin Love’s move into the starting lineup stabilized the defense, and stopped Aaron Gordon punishing mismatches. Love added a couple of threes and grabbed 10 boards.

Max Strus bounced back from a brutal 0-for-10 opener by drilling four first-quarter triples, while Gabe Vincent shined with a team-high 23 points, powered by a 4-for-6 mark from downtown.

The biggest impact, however, came from a Duncan Robinson 4th-quarter spurt that quickly erased an 8-point deficit. He scored all of his 10 points in that run, part of Miami blasting Denver 36-25 in the final frame.

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Nuggets vs Heat Game 3 Prediction

It’s Denver’s turn to bounce back, and they’re pretty comfortable at South Beach, going 4-0 against the spread in their last four visits. They’re also a staggering 26-10 ATS in their last 36 head-to-head meetings with the Heat.

Miami has thrived as a home ‘dog, though, going 4-0 ATS in these playoffs.

And yet, I just can’t pull the trigger on the spread, as Denver is still, to me, the superior squad.

With the Nuggets’ better effort in Game 3, I do think Miami can keep pace – they’ve gotten good looks in every game, and it’s just a matter of making them.

The over is 5-2 in the last seven matchups at Kaseya, and I think the trend continues as these teams go toe-to-toe in a dynamite Game 3.

The pick: OVER 214.5 points (-117)

The post Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Game 3 Odds, Picks & Predictions (June 7) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

After herculean effort on Sunday night, the Miami Heat have evened the 2023 NBA finals against the Denver Nuggets at one game apiece ahead of Game 3 on Wednesday evening.

Oddsmakers don’t love Miami’s chances of actually taking a lead in the series, though, listing the Heat as one-point home underdogs in the opening line for Wednesday’s Game 3 at the Kasaya Center in Miami, FL.

Opening Heat vs Nuggets Game 3 Odds

The opening moneyline slightly favored the Nuggets at -115 with Miami coming back as -105 home underdogs. The game total opened at 217.

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Game 2 Was a Topsy-Turvy Affair

Sunday’s Game 2 was one of ebbs and flows. Miami raced out to a 21-10 lead only to find itself down 15 midway through the second quarter. Jimmy Butler and company hung tough, trimming the deficit to six by halftime. Denver managed to stretch its lead to eight by the end of the third, but was undone by 15-2 Heat run at the start of the fourth.

Miami’s torrid start to the final quarter proved decisive as the Heat held on for a 111-108 win.

Miami’s win was spurred by a balanced attack. Gabe Vincent led the way with 23, while Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo both added 21. As a team, the Heat were a scorching 50% from beyond the arc (17-34), mitigating their 38-31 disadvantage on the glass.

Suiting up for the first time since Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, Kevin Love chipped in with six points, ten rebounds, and two steals in 22 minutes of action.

Nuggets vs Heat Series Results

Nikola Jokic once again spearheaded the Nuggets’ attack with 39 points on 16-28 shooting from the field (57.1%). But he was more careless with the ball than usual, notching just four assists while committing five turnover.

Jamal Murray, who’s averaging 27.6 PPG in the postseason, had something of a quiet night, with just 18 points on 7-15 shooting from the floor.

Odds to Win NBA Championship Undergo Huge Shift

The odds to win the 2023 NBA title moved significantly after Miami’s Game 3 win (as eight-point underdogs). Miami was a +550 longshot heading into Game 2, and is now +220 to win its first title since 2013. Denver was -750 on average after taking a 1-0 lead, but dropped to -265 after the Game 2 setback.

Nuggets vs Heat Series Odds

The post Opening Nuggets vs Heat Game 3 Odds – Nuggets Open as One-Point Road Favorites appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.