We break down the NBA betting odds for a handful of games on the NBA schedule today, highlighted by a duel between the top two teams in the East and a West Coast battle between the Lakers and a young team eager to make a playoff push. **video
Monique Vág brings you her NBA predictions, picks and betting notes so you can turn a profit on the hardwood.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS AT INDIANA PACERS
UGLY BASKETBALL
Despite their recent offensive struggles, the Pacers are still 10.5-point home favorites against the Hornets. The Pacers have been held under 100 in two straight contests shot just 32 percent from the floor in their most recent game. The Hornets have had struggles of their own, being held to 100 points or fewer in six of their last seven games.
With Jeremy Lamb out for the season with a torn ACL, look for the Pacers offensive struggles to become a permanent issue moving forward. Take Charlotte to keep things close and cover the 10.5-point spread in what projects to be a very low scoring game.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS AT TORONTO RAPTORS
LOCKING DOWN THE BACKCOURT
The Bucks put their 23-5 road record on the line as they take on the Raptors who have been dominant at home this season winning 23 of their first 30 contests. Milwaukee has won 17 of its last 19 games and takes on a Toronto side that has won 17 of its previous 18.
In their prior meeting this season, Fred VanVleet really struggled from the floor shooting 2-10 from the field for 12 points. Expect the Bucks to hold him in check, especially with his recent accuracy issues, and bet Under his points total of 17.5.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER AT CHICAGO BULLS
SLOW OUT OF THE GATE
The Thunder are 7-point favorites as they travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls who finally snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 126-117 victory Saturday versus the Wizards.
The Bulls have really struggled early on in games averaging only 53.9 first half points per game at home. The Thunder have also started slow, especially on the road where they put up just 53.5 first half ppg. Take Under the first half game total of 113.5.
DETROIT PISTONS AT DENVER NUGGETS
TRENDING TOWRDS THE UNDER
The Pistons have lost six straight overall and have been held to 105 points or fewer four times throughout that stretch. Today they take on the Nuggets who surrender only 105.1 ppg at home and have won nine of the last 10 games at home versus Detroit.
With the Under cashing in eight of the last 10 meetings between these two teams, expect much of the same tonight and bet Under the game total of 215.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS AT LOS ANGELES LAKERS
TIGHT DEFENSE AT HOME
The Pelicans currently sit just outside the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Despite the urgency to win games and get into postseason contention, the Pels find themselves in a very difficult matchup today on the road versus the Lakers.
The Pelicans have struggled defensively early on in games, giving up 61.1 first half ppg on the road. This is problematic against a Lakers team that puts up 59.6 first half ppg and allows just 51.3 ppg at home. Bet Under the Pelicans first half team total of 59.5.
