NBA Preview: Our Picks For This Week’s Games 12/16-12/18
December 17, 2022

As we head to the mid-point of December, there are some exciting games on the NBA schedule. Here are three teams worth taking.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Oklahoma City Thunder–Saturday–8pm ET
The Grizzlies became the best team in the West last night after a dominant 142-101 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Just how good were the Grizzlies in this one? At one point, they had a 50-point lead, the largest lead during a single game this season. Ja Morant had a triple-double (25 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists).
Our Pick
With the Thunder (11-17) on the second game of a back-to-back, go with Memphis (19-9). Go with the over total as well once the total score line odds are disclosed.
Join Our Championships Competition Members Can View Hub HereDallas Mavericks @ Cleveland Cavaliers–Saturday–8 PM ET
This game has significance because it features two of the game’s brightest stars–Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell. This is Mitchell’s first full season in Cleveland since being traded from the Utah Jazz. Doncic is leading the NBA with 33 points per game, while Mitchell is seventh in the NBA with 29.2 points per game.
Our Pick
We continue with the premise of going against the team who is on the second game of a back-to-back. In this case, it is Dallas (14-14), who are playing host to Portland on Friday, and then are playing in Cleveland (18-11) on Saturday. Take the Cavaliers. Join Our Championships Competition Members Can View Hub Here
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Washington Wizards @ Los Angeles Lakers–Sunday– 9:30 pm ET
The Wizards (11-18) are not playing good basketball right now at all. They just gave up a record 98 points in the paint to the Denver Nuggets in a 141-128 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. The Lakers (11-16) are 5-5 in their last 10, and starting the year only winning six of their first 17 games.
Our Pick
The Lakers had their most impressive game of the year earlier this month when they upset the Milwaukee Bucks 133-129 on the road. Many are saying that was the best game of the year, as Anthony Davis had 44 points, while LeBron James and Russell Westbrook had double-doubles. The Wizards are on the second game of the back-to-back, however it is a little easier as they don’t have to change locker rooms. They will have played the Los Angeles Clippers the day before. Picking the Lakers is the way to go.
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