NBA Daily Bests Bets for Tuesday Dec. 23rd
Summary
Two hot teams face off as the New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s 30.3 PPG, host the Minnesota Timberwolves, anchored by Anthony Edwards. Both squads are 8-2 in their last ten games and feature six double-digit scorers. Despite recent high-scoring trends between them, the prediction favors the total points staying under 228.5.
In other key matchups, the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing their third game in four nights, visit the San Antonio Spurs, who recently beat them. With Victor Wembanyama expected to play, the Spurs are predicted to cover the +5.5 spread. Meanwhile, a short-handed Lakers team, missing several stars, is expected to fall to the Phoenix Suns, who are favored to cover the -6 point spread.
It’s a battle of two teams that have been playing well of late, both are 8-2 in the last ten. The Knicks sit 2 games behind Detroit for the Eastern lead while the Timberwolves are fifth in the tough Western Conference.
New York Knicks vs Minnesota Timberwolves 8:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Knicks | +8.5 (-110) | -170 | O228.5 (-110) |
| T-wolves | -8.5 (-110) | +142 | U228.5 (-110) |
New York Knicks (20-8)
The Knicks have won 8 of 9 and are coming off a 132-125 win over the Heat. Jalen Brunson continues to play at an MVP rate after putting up 47 points and 8 assists against Miami and is averaging 30.3 PPG this month. OG Anunoby has contributed well defensively averaging 4.3 REB, nearly 1 block and 1.6 steals this month while adding 15 PPG. New York is fourth in scoring (120.6) and have six players averaging double-digits this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves (19-10)
The Timberwolves have won two straight including beating OKC 112-107 following it up with a win over the Bucks. Anthony Edwards still is the leader for Minnesota as he averages over 28 points a game. Like the Knicks, the T-wolves have six players averaging double-digits including Rudy Gobert who leads the team in rebounds (10.9) and blocks (1.4). The Timberwolves on defense are ranked 10th in points allowed (114.3) and holding sixth best in shooting against (45.9%).
Recent Betting Trends
New York is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games.
The Knicks are 6-3 ATS in the last 9 games vs Minnesota.
Minnesota is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games.
The T-wolves have gone OVER in four of the last six games vs NY.
Injuries
New York: PG Landry Shamet, day-to-day (shoulder), PG Miles McBride, day-to-day (ankle)
Minnesota: No Injuries
Prediction
Over the last few seasons the teams are 3-3 in head to head meetings with that last game with 251 total points back in November. Both offenses have been executing recently and with stars like Brunson and Edwards expect another high scoring game. The Knicks are 16-13 to the OVER while the Timberwolves are 13-16 to the OVER. BEST BET: UNDER 228.5
Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs 8:30 p.m. EST
It’s a battle between the two best teams in the West as the Spurs host the Thunder. San Antonio has won 6 of 7 including snapping OKC’s franchise-record 16-game winning streak earlier this month. Can they upend the defending champs twice in a matter of a few weeks?
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Thunder | -5.5 (-110) | -300 | O234 (-110) |
| Spurs | +5.5 (-110) | +240 | U234 (-110) |
Oklahoma City Thunder (26-3)
The Thunder are playing the second leg of a back-to-back situation after beating the Grizzlies Monday night. Now they start a home-and-home series against San Antonio on Tuesday and Thursday — means Oklahoma City is playing three games in four days. It wouldn’t be a shock to see OKC sit some players in this one in order to showcase the team on Christmas at home.
Shai Gilgeious-Alexander continues his incredible run as he is second in the NBA averaging 32.5 PPG.
San Antonio Spurs (21-7)
The Spurs have some momentum going up against this juggernaut Thunder team after beating them 111-109 in the NBA Cup semis. What was impressive about that win? It was Victor Wembanyama’s first game in a month and he logged only 21 minutes. While Wemby is still considered day-to-day, he’ll want to suit up in the biggest home game so far. The Frenchman averages 24.4 PPG and 12.3 rebounds per game. San Antonio upended OKC in a neutral site game already, can the Spurs do it again on home court?
Recent Betting Trends
San Antonio is 11-10-2 ATS and 17-6 when scoring more than 106 points.
OKC is 14-8 ATS and a perfect 22-0 when allowing fewer than 120 points.
The Thunder are 24-1 SU when favored.
San Antonio are 7-3 SU when underdogs in a game.
Injuries
OKC: SG Alex Caruso, day-to-day (finger), Isaiah Hartenstein, day-to-day (leg), SF Aaron Wiggins, day-to-day (abductor), C Jaylin Williams, day-to-day (heel), PF Chet Holmgren, day-to-day (back), SF Ousmane Dieng, day-to-day (calf), PG Nikola Topic,day-to-day (testicular surgery)
San Antonio: PF, Victor Wembanyama, – day-to-day (calf)
Prediction
The fact these two teams are playing in a home-and-home series suggest both sides want to do well in front of their fans. The fact the Thunder played Monday night, and have to play three games in four nights means there is a chance players will get some rest, load management in this one. The Spurs have won 6 straight, are 10-2 at home and have one of the best defensive players in the league. Give me Wemby and the points here. BEST BET: Spurs +5.5
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns 9:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Lakers | +6 (-110) | +195 | O226.5 (-110) |
| Suns | -6 (-110) | -240 | U226.5 (-110) |
Prediction
While the Lakers have the better record, the play here will be the Suns at home. L.A. is missing two of their best players as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are out with injuries and Rui Hachimura will also sit this one out. LeBron James is still capable of carrying much of the load but without a supporting cast, it’s a tough ask for the aging veteran. The Suns have the fire power with Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks. The lack of offensive power for the Lakers will be the reason the Suns win and cover.  BEST BET: Suns -6
