We’ve got a solid slate of basketball in the NBA tonight. Here are three NBA picks to consider for tonight.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
Monday, February 6, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Capitol One Arena
Game Analysis
The Washington Wizards are starting to fall quickly in the East. They’ve lost two straight games and won’t even have Kyle Kuzma around tonight. Even Bradley Beal is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards, 117-110, at home in overtime. Tonight’s game will be the second of three throughout the season.
Cleveland has won three of their last four games. The lone loss came against the Heat, where they couldn’t score 100 points. The Cavs have scored 115.6 points per 100 possessions while shooting an effective field goal percentage of 55.5%. The turnovers should remain low against a Washington defense that has earned just 12.2% of turnovers this season. Offensive rebounding and second chances might take more work against the Wizards.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are still among the best defenses in the NBA. They’ve held teams to 110.7 points per 100 possessions and are ultimately above average in all key categories defensively. Their Opponents have shot a 54% effective field goal percentage and have given the ball away 15.6% of the time, they only earn 25.5% of offensive rebounds, and have a free throw rate of 20.4. Cleveland’s defense is top-tier.
The Pick
Still, Washington’s about an average offense, shooting an effective field goal percentage of 54.8%. It’s just that two of their best scorers might end up not playing in this game. Therefore, I’m taking the Cavaliers -2, even on the road. They’re the better team getting a one-possession line.
NBA Pick: Cavaliers -2 (-110) at Caesars
Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets
Monday, February 6, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at Toyota Center
Game Analysis
The Kings are still waiting on the status of De’Aaron Fox. He’s questionable but if he plays or doesn’t play, it won’t change my mind here, The Kings knocked off the Rockets in two earlier games. They won by 20 in a 135-115 blowout and 139-114 in a second blowout. The Kings were home in those two games and will be on the road in this one. They have the Rockets figured out, especially on the offensive end.
The Kings score 117.7 points per 100 possessions while shooting an effective field goal percentage of 57.1%. Turnovers are also low, and foul shots are very high, with a free throw rate of 22.7. Sacramento might struggle to earn second chances, but with the Rockets giving up an effective field goal percentage of 55.7% and lacking turnovers, the Kings will get plenty of open looks that they’ll drain.
Meanwhile, the Kings aren’t tremendous on the defensive end. They’re good on the defensive glass, though. That’s simply the one area where the Rockets are good. Houston averages 32.8% of offensive rebounds, but the Kings allow just 25.4% of offensive rebounds on the defensive end.
The Pick
If Sacramento limits second chances for the Rockets, Houston will need help to score consistently. The Rockets have averaged 109.6 points per 100 possessions and shoot a 51.5% effective field goal percentage while turning the ball over 17.1% of the time. It’s chaos in Houston. Back the Kings at -5.5, and if Fox plays, this line will probably even get higher.
NBA Pick: Kings -5.5 (-110) at Caesars
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Monday, February 6, 2023 – 10:00 PM EST at Moda Center
Game Analysis
The Blazers currently have the injury bug. Jusuf Nurkic will be sidelined through the All-Star break with a calf strain. Justise Winslow has an ankle issue that will keep him out. Gary Payton II has been feeling ill and is questionable. Drew Eubanks is also questionable for tonight’s game. On the other hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo is dealing with a knee injury, but it is probable.
The Bucks dominated the offensive glass, earning 28.6% of offensive rebounds this season. They should have plenty of success earning second chances against a Blazers team that has allowed 27.6% of offensive rebounds. Don’t forget that the Blazers are also without their center now.
Portland’s allowing 116.8 points per 100 possessions. They’re just below average in every category defensively. While the Bucks aren’t dominant offensively, they’ll do enough with how good their defense is. They rank first in points per 100 possessions and effective field goal percentage defensively. The Bucks also have limited teams to 24.4% offensive rebounds and a 17.9 free throw rate. They’re ranked second in both of those categories defensively.
The Pick
The Bucks won’t get turnovers at a high rate but should be able to keep Portland away from its offensive averages. Portland earned 117.5 points per 100 possessions and shot an effective field goal percentage of 56.4%. The Blazers also usually get to the foul line at a high rate. But that won’t be the case against the Bucks. Back the Bucks on the road at -4.
NBA Pick: Bucks -4 (-110) at Caesars
