The NBA season is a third in the books and teams look to get on a run heading into the start of the 2024 calendar year. There are five games scheduled for Christmas day with the rivalry of the Lakers and the Celtics highlighting the action.
Boston Celtics versus Los Angeles Lakers
In this classic matchup between organizations with the most NBA titles, the two teams are heading in opposite directions. Boston is first in the Eastern Conference and 5-1 over their last six, while Los Angeles is “dead” after four straight losses and 10th in the Western Conference. The Celtics are road favorites with odds of -121 to +114. Both teams are trending in games “over” the line and the score prediction is Boston by 122-109 with 70 percent confidence. Boston is +28 to +10 on the Power Ranks Indicator and is consistently near the league’s top. The teams have been trending in games “over” the line, so I see Boston taking this one by a comfortable margin in a game “over” the line.
Milwaukee Bucks versus New York Knicks
Both teams come in “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and the Bucks are +29 to +21 on the Power Ranks Indicator. Milwaukee is 2-0 versus the Knicks this season, both at home. The Bucks are favorites with odds of -138 to +130 and the score prediction likes Milwaukee by 119-110 with nearly 80 percent confidence. The teams have been consistent with regard to their favorite/underdog status. I like Milwaukee to take one on the road against the Knicks in a game “over” the line.
Golden State Warriors versus Denver Nuggets
The Warriors are on a three-game winning streak but are still a game below .500, while the Nuggets have won six of their last ten and are third in the Western Conference. Denver is a home favorite with odds of -196 to +183. The teams are trending on opposite sides of the over/under line and the score prediction is 124-117 in favor of Denver with 79 percent confidence. Denver won by three at home in the first meeting between the teams this season. Denver has a decided edge on the Power Ranks Indicator and both teams have been stable. I like Denver by six points or less, but I will pass on the over/under bet.
Philadelphia 76ers versus Miami Heat
Philadelphia comes in with the third-best record in the NBA behind MVP play from Joel Embiid. Miami is sixth in the conference and 6-4 over their last ten games. The odds are dead even at -103 and both teams are trending in games “over” the line. Philadelphia is “burning hot” versus “average up” and +26 to +18 on the Power Ranks Indicator. Philadelphia has been among the most stable teams in the league, according to the Team Volatility Oscillator. The score prediction has Philadelphia by nine with a game total of 229 points. I like Philadelphia to continue their hot play but pass on the over/under bet.
Dallas Mavericks versus Phoenix Suns
Dallas enters play sixth in the Western Conference and Phoenix is ninth. The Mavericks are “average down” versus “ice cold down” but Phoenix is a home favorite with odds of -186 to +174. The teams are trending in games “under” the line but the score prediction is for Dallas to win by 11 with 231 points put on the board. The teams will be making their first appearance against each other this season. Be aware that the Suns have been only moderately consistent with regard to their favorite/underdog status. I like Dallas in a road upset in a game “under” the line.
Upgrade now and follow the winners!
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.
