With a huge slate in the NBA tonight, we don’t run out of value. Here are another three NBA picks to consider for tonight’s games.
Sacramento Kings vs. Indiana Pacers
Friday, February 3, 2023 – 07:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
The Kings and Pacers pulled off a blockbuster trade last season when the Kings sent Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana for Domantas Sabonis. That trade will be talked about almost every time these two teams play from here on out.
Analysis
The Kings dominated in the first game of the two-game series this season. The Kings won 137-114 in an offensive explosion. Nothing’s changed since that game in November. The Kings score 118.3 points per 100 possessions and have shot an effective field goal percentage of 57.4%.
The Kings usually get to the foul line at a high rate and turn the ball over under 14% of the time. Sacramento won’t dominate the glass on the offensive end, but against the Pacers, that could change slightly.
Indiana has allowed 30.3% of offensive rebounds this season. That’s the worst rate in the NBA. The Pacers have also given up a 22.8 free throw rate and have allowed 116.1 points per 100 possessions. The Pacers are only above-average in forcing turnovers, but the Kings are usually good at holding onto the ball.
On the other hand, the Pacers have scored just 113 points per 100 possessions. Indiana has shot a 53.9% effective field goal percentage and is average on the offensive glass. They are also average at getting to the foul line but turn the ball over 15.1% of the time.
The Pick
The Pacers aren’t dominant offensively and won’t grab many offensive rebounds or see the foul line very much. But the Kings have allowed a 55.8% effective field goal percentage. Indiana should get plenty of solid looks in this game.
Therefore, I’ll take the Over 237.
NBA Pick: Over 235.5 (-110) at FanDuel
Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics
Friday, February 3, 2023 – 07:30 PM EST at TD Garden
No, Devin Booker isn’t back yet. Therefore, the Celtics are 10-point favorites at home against a Suns team in jeopardy of falling back to .500 with a loss tonight.
Analysis
The Celtics dominated the Suns back on December 7 with a 125-98 win on the road. Boston is currently on a two-game win streak after knocking off the Lakers and Nets in back-to-back games at home. They’re home again tonight.
The defense for the Celtics has been terrific. They’ve held teams to 111.5 points per 100 possessions and an effective field goal percentage of 53.3%. Teams have had a hard time on the offensive glass and getting to the foul line against the Celtics.
The Celtics are first in the NBA in rebounding and free throw rate, holding teams to 23.9% offensive rebounds and a free throw rate of 17.8.
Meanwhile, the Suns are below average, scoring 113.9 points per 100 possessions. Phoenix also rarely gets to the foul line. On the other hand, the Celtics have been even better offensively, scoring 118.6 points per 100 possessions.
The Pick
With Phoenix fouling at a high rate, the Celtics will get to the foul line and continue to get good looks from the floor as they always do.
Boston has shot a 56.6% effective field goal percentage and has limited turnovers to 13.2%. Take the Celtics -10 at the best sportsbooks.
NBA Pick: Celtics -10 (-109) at SugarHouse
Orlando Magic vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Friday, February 3, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at Target Center
Analysis
Minnesota is coming off two overtime games. The Timberwolves lost the first but won the second game. They have won four of their last five games, but we still don’t know if Rudy Gobert will start and play for them tonight.
Minnesota has missed Gobert on the defensive end. If he’s available, that’ll help. The Timberwolves hold teams to 112.9 points per 100 possessions while earning nearly 16% of turnovers.
They will foul at a higher rate and allow Orlando to get to the foul line more often. But the Magic will still turn the ball at a high rate and likely fail to get great looks.
The Timberwolves are shooting an effective field goal percentage of 56.2%. Turnovers can also get high for Minnesota, and offensive rebounding doesn’t often happen either.
Orlando’s defense has done the little things well. They’ll keep Minnesota from getting many rebounds on the offensive end and keep the Timberwolves away from the foul line.
The Pick
Overall, the Timberwolves should get better looks from the field throughout the game, propelling them to a -5 cover against the Magic.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves -5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
