Predictions & Picks, NBA Best Bets for Thursday, Dec. 4
Summary
The Golden State Warriors visit the Philadelphia 76ers with significant injury concerns. Steph Curry is out, and Jimmy Butler is questionable, weakening a Warriors team with a poor 4-8 road record. The 76ers, though missing Joel Embiid, have Tyrese Maxey leading the offense and are favored at home.
In other games, the Los Angeles Lakers face the Toronto Raptors without Luka Doncic, testing their scoring depth against a Raptors squad on an eight-game home win streak. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards’ hot streak, meet the struggling New Orleans Pelicans in a matchup expected to be another high-scoring affair following a recent 149-142 overtime game.
Golden State Warriors vs Philadelphia 76ers 7:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Warriors | +3.5 (-110) | +145 | O222 (-110) |
| 76ers | -3.5 (-110) | -165 | U222 (-110) |
Golden State Warriors (11-11)
The Warriors begin a 3 game road trip in Philadelphia after losing to the Thunder Tuesday night at home. Steph Curry is expected to miss the entire road trip due to injury while Jimmy Butler left Tuesday’s with injury update, he’s a game time decision for this one. Six players reached double-digits in points vs. the Thunder but GS would fall 124-112 to the defending champs Tuesday. The Warriors are definitely not road warriors going 4-8 this season and could be without several of its stars for this one.
Philadelphia 76ers (11-9)
The 76ers have won 2 of their last three games after easily beating the Wizards 121-102 Tuesday. But in those two wins, the competition is a combined 7-32 this season (Brooklyn, Washington). Still, the Sixers have a boost as they begin a stretch against some stuff competition (Warriors, Bucks, Lakers, Pacers). The Sixers are 6-6 in the last ten games while
averaging 114.2 points, 45.2 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 9.0 steals and 5.8 blocks per game, and shooting 45.0%.
Injuries
76ers: Trendon Watford: out (thigh), Quentin Grimes: out (calf), Joel Embiid: out (knee), Kelly Oubre Jr.: out (knee).
Warriors: Alex Toohey: out (knee), De’Anthony Melton: out (knee), Stephen Curry: out (quadriceps), Al Horford: out (back), Jimmy Butler III: day to day (knee), Trayce Jackson-Davis: day to day (knee).
Recent Betting Trends
Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games.
Warriors are 4-1 ATS against the Sixers in the last 5 meetings.
GS is 1-7 in the last 8 vs. Eastern opponents.
Philadelphia is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the Sixers last 6 games.
Philly is 14-4 ATS in the last 18 home games vs. Warriors.
Prediction
With the Warriors missing Steph Curry and likely Jimmy Butler, you have to give the edge at home to the Sixers. Tyrese Maxey is coming off a 35-point performance and should be able to take advantage of a depleted GS roster. BEST BET: 76ers -2.5
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors 7:40 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Lakers | +1.5 (-110) | +110 | O229.5 (-110) |
| Raptors | -1.5 (-110) | -130 | U229.5 (-110) |
Los Angeles Lakers (15-5)
The Lakers are Luka Doncic’s team now – averaging 35.3 PPG, most in the NBA. But he won’t be in the lineup due to personal reasons. So the focus now turns to the other superstar. Since his return, LeBron James is averaging 15.2 PPG and has only scored more than 20 points, once in five games. But James has played well against the Raptors in his career averaging almost 27 points in 62 career games.
Toronto Raptors (15-7)
The Raptors aim for their ninth straight home win Thursday night while also trying to snap a five game losing streak to the Lakers. And they’ll have to do without centre Jakob Poeltl who will sit to deal with a back injury – and RJ Barrett remains out with a knee injury. Still, this team has been playing well with contributions from Scottie Barnes (20.3 PPG), Brandon Ingram (21.5 PPG) and Immanuel Quickley (16.3 PPG).
Injuries
Raptors: Jakob Poeltl (Out – back), RJ Barrett (Out – sprain ), A.J. Lawson (DD- contract)
Lakers: Luka Doncic (Out – personal reasons) Marcus Smart (Out- back)
Recent Betting Trends
The Lakers are 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games.
LA is 5-0 SU in the last five meetings vs. Toronto.
Lakers are 5-13 ATS in last 18 games vs. Raptors.
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of last 7 games against the LA Lakers.
Toronto is 8-0 SU in its last 8 games at home.
Prediction
Without Doncic, the Lakers will struggle with their scoring as they’ll rely on Austin Reaves and others to pick up the slack. But Toronto has been dynamite at home and not having to deal with the league’s leading scorer should lead to a win. BEST BET: Raptors -1.5
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans 8:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| T-Wolves | -11.5 (-110) | -550 | O233.5 (-110) |
| Pelicans | +11.5 (-110) | +415 | U233.5 (-110) |
Prediction
The Timberwolves are coming off a 149-142 OT win over New Orleans where they shot 20-51 from three-point range, and had six players with at least 15 points. Minnesota has won three straight averaging 131 points per game in that stretch. Anthony Edwards has been on fire averaging 38.3 PPG over his last eight games. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have lost 4 straight games and they have one win in the last ten. They have the sixth worst offense (112 PPG) and have given up 130 PPG over the last four losses. This game could be like the one on Tuesday, all offense and no defense. Expect another high scoring affair in the Big Easy.
BEST BET: OVER 233.5
