The Warriors made a statement on Tuesday night as they routed the Nets by 18 points, improving to 12-2 on the season. The Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers both took care of business on their home courts, getting the victories and covering the spread. Wednesday offers an 11-game slate featuring the Lakers – Bucks and Mavericks – Suns on ESPN. Let’s dive into the best bets to make tonight and overall NBA betting tips for Wednesday, Nov. 17.
Best NBA Betting Picks Tonight | Nov. 17
Cavaliers vs. Nets
The Nets were taken down by the Warriors 117-99 at home in Barclays Center after an embarrassing second half, scoring a total of 41 points. Kevin Durant started the game shooting 4-for-6 for 12 points but turned ice cold in the final three quarters, ending the night 6-for-19 from the field. James Harden had success finding the free-throw line, going 10-for-11 and finishing with 24 points. The Nets will need to shoot better than 38.6% from the field if they want to beat the Cavaliers at home on Wednesday Night.
The Cavaliers have been dealt some tough cards the past week, losing both Colin Sexton (knee) and Evan Mobley (elbow) for the next several weeks. They have already been playing without Kevin Love and Lauri Markkanen, who are dealing with the league’s health and safety protocol. To make matters worse, Jarrett Allen was ruled out for tonight due to an illness. The Cavs have failed to score 100 points in the past four games and will now be without Mobley, who is posting 14.2 points and eight rebounds per game.
With all this injury news, this leaves the Cavaliers extremely short-handed going up against a Nets team looking to clear their minds of yesterday’s performance. While Cleveland won two of three games against the Nets in their series matchup last season, there is not much to use from a statistical standpoint given both rosters will look completely different. The Cavaliers have managed to play through the injuries and fight to some impressive victories thus far, but they will be on the road up against an offense that is making 13.9 3-pointers per game and has an effective field goal percentage of 54.7% — third best in the league.
The Nets have a 3-1 record against the spread after a loss and are 15-5 against the spread in their last 20 home games. Look for Durant to turn it around after a poor night shooting and the Nets to cruise to victory against Cleveland.
Best Bet for Tonight’s Game is Spread: Brooklyn Nets -9.5
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Bulls vs. Trail Blazers
The Bulls start off the season with an impressive 10-4 record, second in the East. Chicago has some quality wins early on, holding opponents to 102.7 points per game. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have created instant chemistry, combining for an average of 52.8 points per game to start the season. The Bulls have been without starting center Nikola Vucevic, who entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols last Thursday. Despite his absence, the Bulls proved they can battle on the road, going 2-1 with double-digit wins over both the Clippers and Lakers.
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The Trail Blazers come into this game desperate to string together two wins after a disappointing 7-8 start. Their success this season has been all at home, holding a 6-1 record in Portland and 1-7 on the road. Damian Lillard returned on Monday after a one-game absence, putting up 24 points, eight assists and four rebounds in 40 minutes of action. Lillard is currently listed as questionable (abdominal) for tonight’s game, but it would not be surprising if he were back in action again on Wednesday. Norman Powell comes into tonight questionable due to an ankle sprain. The Trail Blazers defense has seen its struggles, ranking 26th in defense efficiency while letting up 109.3 points per game.
Chicago has a 10-4 record against the spread, 5-2 on the road. Portland is 6-9 against the spread and 5-2 at home. Even though Portland has won six straight at home, there are question marks around Lillard’s and Powell’s health, which will put pressure on C.J. McCollum in the mid-range game. He will have a tough matchup against the Bulls guards. Chicago has proved they can win on this road against quality opponents, so it is hard to pass up on the Bulls getting points with the momentum going for them on this five-game road trip. Take the Bulls with the points tonight in Portland.
Best Bet for Tonight’s Game is Spread: Chicago Bulls +1.5
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