NBA Daily Bests Bets for Thursday Dec. 18th
Summary
The New York Knicks, riding a six-game win streak and led by Jalen Brunson’s hot scoring, face the Indiana Pacers, who are missing key players and struggling in close games. Despite the Knicks’ form, the prediction favors Indiana to cover a +5.5 point spread, anticipating a potential letdown from New York.
In other games, the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, host the Orlando Magic. Denver is favored, but Orlando is expected to keep the game close, covering +8 points. The late game between the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns is predicted to be a high-scoring affair, with the best bet being the over on the point total.
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers 7:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Knicks | -5.5 (-110) | -170 | O224.5 (-110) |
| Pacers | +5.5 (-110) | +142 | U224.5 (-110) |
New York Knicks
After winning the NBA Cup this week, the Knicks look to continue their winning streak as they head to Indiana. New York seeks its 7th straight win, sixth in league play, as they continue a fabulous run of late, going 9-1 in the last ten games. The Knicks have been led by their two superstars recently, as NBA Cup MVP Jalen Brunson is averaging 40.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 59.3% over the past 10 games. Additionally, Karl-Anthony Towns is scoring 22.4 points per game with 11.9 rebounds and adding 3.2 assists.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have lost two in a row, including getting blown out by the worst team in the NBA, the Washington Wizards, this week. Still without some key players, the Pacers have leaned heavily on Pascal Siakam of late as he is averaging 23.8 PPG, 6.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while Bennedict Mathurin is averaging 15.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 33.3% over the past 10 games. The Pacers have been able to hang in games, but fourth-quarter letdowns have hurt them as Indiana is 3-13 in games decided by ten points or less.
Recent Betting Trends
New York is 6-0 ATS in its last 6 games.
The Pacers are 4-2 ATS in the last 6 games vs NY.
The Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Indiana is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games as underdogs.
Injuries
Pacers: Obi Toppin: out (foot), Ben Sheppard: day to day (calf), Aaron Nesmith: out (knee), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (Achilles).
Knicks: Landry Shamet: out (shoulder), Miles McBride: out (ankle).
Prediction
The Pacers have had a nice stretch off after that loss to Washington, as they had four days to rest before this rematch of last year’s Eastern Final. While they have just 6 wins this season, Indiana always shows up for games against New York. And with the Knicks riding high after winning Cup play, you’d think too much partying and a letdown game is in order here. BEST BET: Pacers +5.5
Orlando Magic vs Denver Nuggets 9:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Magic | +7.5 (-110) | +245 | O234.5 (-110) |
| Nuggets | -7.5 (-110) | -305 | U234.5 (-110) |
Orlando Magic
Orlando has alternated wins and losses over the last six games and sits fifth in the Eastern Conference. Paolo Bencharo remains a key player with others injured (Suggs, Wagner) and is averaging 20.9 PPG and 7.9 rebounds.  Guard Desmond Bane is contributing 19 PPG, and the Magic are 14th in scoring (117.9). Defensively, they are eighth in points allowed (114.1 PPG) and seventh when it comes to blocks (5.5). Â
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are rolling, winners of five straight and 7-3 in the last ten games. Denver is led by who else but Nikola Jokic, who has averaged a triple-double this season and has been on fire in his last ten, putting up 39.0 points and 15.0 rebounds. Denver is No. 1 in the NBA, averaging 125.6 PPG while allowing 116.2 PPG. Â
Recent Betting Trends
Orlando is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games.
The Magic are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. Denver.
Orlando is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games against the Nuggets.
Denver has gone OVER in 9 of the last 10 games.
The Nuggets are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games.Â
Denver is 15-10 ATS this year.
Injuries
Nuggets: Christian Braun: out (ankle), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring).
Magic: Franz Wagner: out (leg), Moritz Wagner: out (knee), Jalen Suggs: out (hip), Colin Castleton: day to day (thumb).
Prediction
The Nuggets have a better road record (12-2) than home (7-4) this season. Four of their last five home games have been decided by 5 points or less, and they lost three of those games. Orlando is just 5-6 on the road but has kept their last two road games close, winning one by three points and losing by six to New York. Nuggets win, Magic keeps it close. BEST BET: Magic +8
Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns 10:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Warriors | -2 (-110) | -142 | O230.5 (-110) |
| Suns | +2 (-110) | +120 | U230.5 (-110) |
Prediction
The Warriors and Suns meet Thursday night, and both come in with similar trends. They’ve lost two in a row, average about 114 PPG and have two star guards, Steph Curry and Devin Booker. Offensively, both teams are higher scoring with those sharpshooters and we could see a high-scoring affair. Golden State’s balanced attack and slight edge in recent head-to-head matchups give them a marginal advantage, but Phoenix’s home scoring and ability to heat up quickly mean this could easily go down to the final possessions. BEST BET: OVERÂ
