Wednesday offers up an action-packed night of NBA. There are nine games scheduled across the league. Mavericks – Knicks and Nets-Bulls will be showcased on ESPN. Health and safety protocols are still prevalent across the league, so continue to monitor player updates throughout the day. Let’s dive into the best NBA bets, picks and overall NBA betting tips for Wednesday, Jan. 12.
NBA Best Bets: Game Tips & Expert Betting Predictions
Heat vs. Hawks Best Bets
The Miami Heat travel to Atlanta on Wednesday to complete their six-game road trip against the Hawks. These two teams will be playing back-to-back games, with the second game taking place in Miami on Friday. Despite losing several starters to injuries and COVID protocols, the Heat have managed to win seven of their last nine games and hold a 25-15 record. The Hawks head back to Atlanta for one game before traveling to Miami for the rematch on Friday. Atlanta is coming off a six-game road trip where they posted a 2-4 record away from home. The Hawks are desperate for a win on their homecourt after losing their last eight games inside State Farm Arena.
Miami will be without Jimmy Butler as he continues to nurse an ankle injury that has forced him to miss the last two games. Bam Adebayo (thumb) and Markieff Morris (neck) remained sidelined for Heat. Dewayne Dedmon (knee) is questionable for Wednesday. He was able to get a practice in on Tuesday but will be a game-time decision. If he is unable to go, Omer Yurtseven will get the start. Yurtseven has been an absolute monster on the glass, grabbing 16-plus rebounds in each of the last four games. The Heat rank fifth in offensive efficiency and average 108.4 points per game. Their defense has posed challenges for opponents, ranking eighth in defensive rating and allowing opponents 49.4 rebounds per game, the fewest in the league.
The Atlanta Hawks have a lot of question marks heading into Wednesday night. Cam Reddish (ankle) and De’Andre Hunter (wrist) are questionable. Lou Williams has been inactive the last two games but may be activated if Reddish and Hunter are unable to go. Do not sleep on the fact that Clint Capela (ankle) is doubtful, as he will be a huge absence in the paint and pick-and-roll game for the Hawks. Trae Young leads the team in scoring averaging 28 points per game. Seven other players average double figures on the Hawks roster. Atlanta ranks third in offensive rating, averaging 110.8 points per game. The Hawks defense continues to be a pain point this season, and Miami has been tearing up bad defenses. Atlanta ranks 27th in defense rating on the season. Opponents are averaging 111.5 points on 46.7% shooting against them.
Both offenses are capable of putting up points, but this game will come down to the defensive advantages, which favors Miami. The Heat have led by double digits in their last four games without Butler. Miami is 6-4 against the spread in the first half in their last 10 games, with an average margin of 7.3 points. Atlanta has started off games slow going 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 games, with an average margin of negative-6.7. Lay the points with Miami in the first half.
Best Bet for Tonight’s Game: Miami Heat First Half +1
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Mavericks vs. Knicks Best Bets
The New York Knicks host Dallas on Wednesday where the Mavericks will attempt to extend their winning streak to seven games. Dallas is 22-18 on the season, good for fifth in the Western Conference. New York is 20-21 and last in the Atlantic Division, six games behind the first-place Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 111-96 on Monday and have won three of the last four.
New York has allowed opponents to score fewer than 100 points in six of their last eight games. The Knicks struggles have come on the offensive side of the floor. New York is averaging 98 points per game over their last three on 43.4% shooting. Julius Randle is leading the team in scoring, rebounding and assists, with averages of 19.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. Randle will look to find his shot after struggling mightily over the last two games, shooting 7-for-26 from the field and 1-for-11 from 3-point range. Kemba Walker enters Wednesday questionable with a knee injury that has forced him to miss the last six games. If he is unable to suit up, Alec Burks and Immanuel Quickley will likely see increased minutes.
Luka Doncic posted a triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in Sunday’s win over the Bulls. Doncic was a game-time decision due to an ankle sprain, but this did not seem to have any impact on his overall performance. Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out of Wednesday’s games, as he is in the league’s health and safety protocols. The Mavericks has played well on defense this year, ranking sixth in defensive rating and holding opponents to the third-fewest points per game. They are also holding opponents to 51.8 rebounds per game, limiting second-chance opportunities.
Dallas is the top under team this season, going under the game total in 65.8% of their games this season. New York is another squad that has covered the under in 58.5% of their games thus far. These teams rank bottom two in the league in pace. Neither team shoots the ball a lot, averaging 86 attempts each per game, so points will be at a premium tonight. While the total is set extremely low, have confidence in taking the under knowing it is going to be a slow-tempo game on Wednesday night inside Madison Square Garden.
Best Bet for Tonight’s Game: Total Under 205.5 Points
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