NBA Preview: Our Picks For This Week’s Games 12/19-12/22

Joel Embiid (Google Images)

With six days before Christmas, it is time to take a look at the NBA schedule for the week, with a look at three games worth betting on.

Toronto Raptors @ Philadelphia 76ers–Monday–7 pm ET

The Raptors are colder right now than an icicle on the North Pole. The Raptors (13-17), losers of five straight, play a 76ers squad (16-12) that has won four games in a row. Joel Embiid of Yaounde, Cameroon is averaging 33.3 points per game, while James Harden of Bellflower, California is averaging a double-double, 22.4 points per game, and 10.6 assists per game.

Our Pick

Go with Philadelphia, which is the 7.5 point favourite. Also take the over of 219.5, as the Raptors have been involved in games with more than 220 points in seven of their last eight. Toronto got spanked 126-110 to a Warriors team without three-point wizard Stephen Curry on Sunday, and now they are on a second game of a back-to-back.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns–Monday–9 pm ET

The Lakers (13-16) are playing better as of late, and in that time they have won three of four. However with Anthony Davis out with an ankle injury he suffered on Friday in a convincing 126-108 Lakers win over Denver, the Lakers will be in tough on Monday in the Arizona desert, as they are on the second game of a back-to-back. The Suns (18-12) lead the Pacific Division by one game each over the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings.

Our Pick

Feel comfortable in taking the Suns at -9.5. Phoenix has six players averaging double digits in points per game, with shooting guard Devin Booker leading the team with 28. The over-under seems a little high at 231, as the Suns have only averaged 226.2 points per game in 2022-23, so I would take the under. Join Our Championships Competition Members Can View Hub Here

Charlotte Hornets @ Sacramento Kings–Monday–10 pm ET

Charlotte all of a sudden has the worst record in the NBA at seven wins and 23 losses for a dreadful winning percentage of .233. The Hornets are losers of eight straight, and their win prior to the streak was only a one point win over the Wizards.

Our Pick

The Kings are 16-12, and only 2.5 games back of the first place Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference. Led by De’Aaron Fox, who has 22.6 points per game, Sacramento is worth taking here as the 9.5 point favourite. The total line is extraordinarily high at 240.5, so take the under. Charlotte played Denver tough on Sunday in losing 119-115, but will be in tough against a Kings team that is 8-4 at home.

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