NBA Picks Monday 12/21/2015 – ORL vs. NYC, IND vs. SA, PHO vs. UTA

9 game slate in the NBA tonight so should be a fun and exciting night of basketball action. While I am sure we all have visions of holiday gifts and New Year surprises dancing through our head as we sit down to make our NBA bets today soon hoping to collect our profits there is still work to be done. Lets keep our heads to the holiday grindstone and see if there is any value to pick up in the NBA tonight and maybe there will be a few extra gifts under the tree for some of us...

Pick #1 - Orlando Magic at New York Knicks

Both these teams scored a 100 or more points in there last game and are relatively healthy. With only a 2.5 spread this one should be a close game with the potential for plenty of free throws down the stretch. What we really like to see here is that both teams score and allow more then the point total (199.1 and 197.3) giving this game a remarkably good chance to be high scoring. Carmelo is playing well of late and Orlando has so many scoring threats they can afford to bring Oladipo off the bench which just goes to show how many offensive weapons they truly have. Expect a lot of points in this one.

Game Time:
Monday, December 21, 2015 7:35 PM

Spread:
705 Orlando Magic +2½ -110
706 New York Knicks -2½ -110

Total:
705 Orlando Magic Over 196 -110
706 New York Knicks Under 196 -110

Betting odds provided by 5Dimes

The Pick:
Over 196 (1 Unit)
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Pick #2 - Indiana Pacers at San Antonio Spurs

When two of the best defensive teams in the NBA get together with a relatively high point total it sure does look tantalizing to bank on the fact that the points ceiling for either team will not be hit (188.4 combined allowed defensive average). With Monta Ellis still struggling to find his feel after offseason right knee surgery, Paul George maybe trying to do too much and a supporting of guys like Miles and Stuckey and Hill who been off a bit this one could turn into a low scoring defense fest. The spurs often make coaching decisions to match there opponents pace and prowess of play so expect slow drawn out game filled with defense. Pacers should have trouble finding the bucket tonight against a talented Spurs team who hopes to cruise to a low scoring win.

Game Time:
Monday, December 21, 2015 8:35 PM

Spread:
713 Indiana Pacers +8½ -110
714 San Antonio Spurs -8½ -110

Total:
713 Indiana Pacers Over 196 -110
714 San Antonio Spurs Under 196 -110

Betting odds provided by 5Dimes

The Pick:
Under 196 (1 Unit)

Pick #3 - Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz

Both of these teams average and allow over 200 points combined per game (201.8 and 202.5) so this game should have no problem hitting the combined 200 point mark. While both teams have been a bit off lately and are dealing with some injuries (most notably Gobert on the Jazz) and coaching changes (most notably Morris on the suns) I think both teams are ready to get out of there slumps and should have no problem scoring against each other. I expect this game to fast paced and think Bledsoe and Knight show up to make a good case for why the one of the best guard duos in the NBA. Hayward and Favors should look to get back on track in this one as well hopefully leading to a lot of points in this potentially close game (4 point spread). Have to go with the averages and points and this one and hope for the best.

Monday, December 21, 2015 9:05 PM

Spread:
715 Phoenix Suns +4 -110
716 Utah Jazz -4 -110

Total:
715 Phoenix Suns Over 198 -110
716 Utah Jazz Under 198 -110

The Pick:
Over 198 (2 Units)

Betting odds provided by 5Dimes

As always bet within your means and bankroll. Enjoy the games!

Picks By TexasMatt