Betting Opportunities for Dec 16th, 2024

Dec 16, 2024

Hey Basketball Fans,

There are six games today. I’m traveling today and short on time, so these picks are based on my gut feelings and looking at the prediction model with the probability.

Here are the predictions for today's money line.

PHI (7-16) (107.2 - MAE 3.2 - 42.5% Win Prob) at CHA (7-18) (95.0 - MAE 4.0 - 57.5% Win Prob)

Pick PHI

Philadelphia is the stronger pick due to its superior offensive metrics. Over the last seven days, it has had a higher PPG (107 vs. 95), FG% (43.5% vs. 35.7%), and 3P% (40% vs. 17.4%), alongside a significantly better Offensive Rating (109.2 vs. 90.5). With Charlotte’s struggling offense and Philadelphia’s offensive dominance, the 76ers are well-positioned to secure the win despite the Hornets’ slightly better defense.

CLE (22-4) (115.4 - MAE 4.6 - 63.6% Win Prob) at BKN (10-15) (119.0 - MAE 8.0 - 36.4% Win Prob)

Pick MIA

Miami is the clear favorite due to their dominant offensive performance, highlighted by higher PPG (114 vs. 99), FG% (48.2% vs. 42.9%), and 3P% (40.6% vs. 18.9%) over the past week, coupled with a significantly better Offensive (112.9 vs. 98.0) and Defensive Rating (103.0 vs. 123.0). With a Total Strength score nearly double that of Detroit’s, Miami is strongly positioned to secure a decisive win.

CLE (22-4) (115.4 - MAE 4.6 - 63.6% Win Prob) at BKN (10-15) (119.0 - MAE 8.0 - 36.4% Win Prob)

Pick

Cleveland is favored to win due to their strong balance between offense and defense, as evidenced by their superior Defensive Rating (107.1 vs. 127.4) and Total Strength (19.38 vs. 14.65). Despite Brooklyn’s slightly better shooting percentages (FG% 45.7% vs. 39.6%, 3P% 37.7% vs. 30.0%) over the last week, Cleveland’s efficiency and defensive edge make them better positioned to secure the victory.

CHI (11-15) (109.2 - MAE 6.4 - 63.5% Win Prob) at TOR (7-19) (105.6 - MAE 6.8 - 36.5% Win Prob)

Pick CHI

Chicago is favored to win due to their defensive dominance, as shown by their significantly better Defensive Rating (90.5 vs. 115.9) and higher Total Strength (19.12 vs. 14.41) over the last week. Although Toronto has an edge in shooting efficiency, particularly from three-point range (35.8% vs. 27.5%), the Bulls’ ability to limit scoring opportunities positions them as the stronger team in this matchup.

DEN (13-10) (120.9 - MAE 4.8 - 59.9% Win Prob) at SAC (13-13) (111.3 - MAE 6.9 - 40.1% Win Prob)

Pick DEN

Denver is favored to win due to its dominant offensive efficiency, highlighted by its superior PPG (120 vs. 111), FG% (54.5% vs. 40.2%), and strong Defensive Rating (92.5 vs. 111.2). These factors contribute to its significantly higher Total Strength (21.72 vs. 17.62). With Denver excelling on both ends of the court, its balanced performance gives it a clear edge over Sacramento.

UTA (5-19) (125.2 - MAE 7.7 - 61.1% Win Prob) at LAC (14-12) (98.6 - MAE 12.9 - 38.9% Win Prob)

Pick UTA

Utah is favored to win due to its explosive offensive dominance. The Jazz averageerage 126 PPG with an outstanding FG% (55.8%) and 3P% (56.4%), far surpassing the Clippers’ 98 PPG, 44.6% FG%, and 34.1% 3P%. The Jazz’s elite Offensive Rating of 132.6 reflects their scoring efficiency, giving them a significant edge in this matchup.

However, the Clippers could pull off an upset if they leverage their relatively stronger defense (Def Rating: 112.1 vs. Utah’s 141.1) to disrupt Utah’s offensive flow. By capitalizing on their defensive stability and improving their offensive consistency, L.A. has a path to challenge the Jazz in a closer-than-expected game.

Here are your player prop bets, which incorporate historical betting odds. Good luck.