The best NBA bets from BetDeluxe get underway at midday as Utah and New Orleans prepare for battle.
The NBA preview goes through all the bets and plays you need to be on today!
utah @ new orleans
january 4th 12:00pm
It’s another intriguing NBA battle in the betting when the New Orleans Pelicans fight it out against the Utah Jazz.
Jazz has won eight games in a row from late November to mid-December then they won six games in a row to close out December.
They have been in a wonderful touch and their scoring reserves certainly help the matters.
But the Pelicans, for all the inexperience and youthfulness in its squad, they have been playing inspired basketball since the turn of November 2021.
New Orleans has already beaten the Jazz once already this season, but the market sided heavily with Utah on that occasion.
Tha Jazz also has a very strong 9-6 winning record against the spread as away favourites and that is a trend we want to be with here.
Suggested Bet: Utah Jazz -9.5 at $1.89
denver @ dallas
january 4th 12:30pm
The Denver Nuggets (18-16) are slight underdogs (by 2.5 points) to extend a three-game road win streak when they visit the Dallas Mavericks (17-18).
Both teams have had eerily similar records against the spread this season with the Nuggets holding a 16-20 record, while the Mavericks hold down a 15-19 record.
The big factor in this one might be the Mavericks missing Kristaps Porzingis after he was placed into the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
His form leading into the new year had been very strong and missing his point-scoring ability and strength on the boards is likely going to give the Nuggets a big advantage.
Nikola Jokic could very well take this game into his own hands and deliver a big blow to the Mavericks on the road.
Suggested Bet: Denver Nuggets +2.5 at $1.97
miami @ golden state
January 4th 2:00pm
The Heat face a tall task on Monday on the road against the NBA’s best team so far this season when they get set to face Golden State on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Having to deal with a depleted roster is only going to make matters worse while with just five full-time players, especially against a strong Warriors team which defeated the Jazz on Sunday.
Golden State has a particularly good record when starting favourites at home having covered the spread on 13 out of 18 times this season under that situation.
The Heat, in all probability, will find it too hard to deal with Stephen Curry and company as they look to hold fort atop of the Western Conference.
Suggested Bet: Golden State Warriors -10.5 at $1.90
minnesota @ la clippers
January 4th 2:30pm
Two teams looking to improve their playoff position will square off on Monday when the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
Even without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers are still finding a way to win and keep their season alive.
Eric Blesdoe was prolific with 28 points in the upset victory over Brooklyn and is it the type of form that will help the Clippers beat teams like the Timberwolves as they wait for George and Leonard to return.
Minnesota will likely have a tough time on offence given the Clippers have the sixth best defence in the league for points conceded.
Despite losing six of their last nine games, the Clippers have rebound to win two of their last three and look to have well and truly put that poor patch of form behind them.
Suggested Bet: LA Clippers -2.5 at $1.91
