Predictions & Picks, NBA Best Bets for Tuesday, Nov. 25
Summary
The Atlanta Hawks, on a two-game winning streak, face the struggling Washington Wizards, who have lost 14 consecutive games. With the Hawks performing well on the road and the Wizards allowing a league-worst 129.1 points per game, the prediction strongly favors Atlanta to cover the -10 point spread.
In other matchups, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to bounce back against the Orlando Magic, despite key injuries on both sides, making the 76ers’ moneyline the recommended bet. Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Doncic and a returning LeBron James, are predicted to handle the struggling Clippers and cover the -5.5 point spread.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards 7:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Hawks | -10 (-110) | -430 | O236.5 (-110) |
| Wizards | +10 (-110) | +337 | U236.5 (-110) |
Atlanta Hawks (11-7)
The Hawks have won two straight and are 7-3 in the last ten games. Jalen Johnson has been leading the team of late, averaging 22.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, while Onyeka Okongwu (16.2 PPG) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (19.3 PPG) are adding secondary support.
Atlanta has been one of the better teams on the road with a record of 8-3.
Washington Wizards (1-15)
The Wizards are just downright bad, losing 14 in a row while allowing a league-worst 129.1 PPG, while losing by an average of 16 points. Washington is near the bottom in several defensive categories, including steals (6.8) and turnovers (16.6), second most in the NBA.
Alex Sarr leads the team with 18.1 PPG while shooting 50.7% and CJ McCollum is shooting almost 40% from beyond the arc and contributing 16.5 PPG.
Injuries
Wizards: Marvin Bagley III: day to day (hip), Tre Johnson: day to day (hip), Khris Middleton: day to day (knee), AJ Johnson: day to day (ankle).
Hawks: Kristaps Porzingis: out (rest), Trae Young: out (knee), Luke Kennard: out (hip).
Prediction
The Hawks are still in contention in the NBA Cup tournament and can’t have a letdown against the league’s worst team. The Wizards have lost by an average of 23 points in their last four home games. Expect to see much of the same on Tuesday night. BEST BET: Hawks -10
Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers 8:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Magic | -1.5 (-110) | -127 | O227 (-110) |
| 76ers | +1.5 (-110) | +107 | U227 (-110) |
Orlando Magic (10-8)
The Magic lost to the Boston Celtics 138-129 on Sunday as Jett Howard scored a team-high 30 points in the loss. The good news is Orlando’s offense has been cooking, scoring at least 129 points in 3 straight games – and has covered the spread in 4 of the last five games.
Philadelphia 76ers (9-7)
The Philadelphia 76ers dropped a 127-117 decision to Miami to drop to 9-7 despite a team-high 27 points from Tyrese Maxey. That’s 8 straight games where the 76ers have alternated wins and losses, preventing them from building some momentum. Despite Joel Embiid coming in and out of the lineup, Philly has had contributions from others, including Trendon Watford, who finished with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in just 26 minutes of action. The 76ers are averaging 118.3 PPG this season, shooting 46.3% from the field.Â
Recent Betting Trends
Orlando is 9-9-0 ATS this season
Orlando has won 8 of 14 games as betting favorites
Philadelphia’s ATS record is 9-7-0 this year
76ers are 9-7-0 on the OVER this season (56.2%)
Injury Report
Orlando: Paolo Banchero, OUT (groin) / Mortiz Wagner, OUT (knee)
Philadelphia: Paul George, Probable (ankle) / Tyrese Maxey, Probable (right shoulder) / Joel Embiid, Questionable (right knee) / VJ Edgecombe, OUT (left calf) / Kelly Oubre Jr., OUT (knee)
Prediction
The 76ers are due to bounce back; it’s in their DNA of late. With Paul George back, the 76ers are averaging 120 PPG in the last two games. Last season, Philadelphia lost three of four to Orlando; however, the Sixers did win the lone meeting this season 136-124 at home. BEST BET: 76ers ML +107
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers 11:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Clippers | +5.5 (-110) | +189 | O227.5 (-110) |
| Lakers | -5.5 (-110) | -225 | U227.5 (-110) |
Los Angeles Clippers (5-12)
The good news is Kawhi Leonard returned to the lineup as he scored 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 26 minutes in a loss to Cleveland. He should play vs. the Lakers, but check the injury report before tipoff. L.A. has been one of the disappointing teams, sitting at 5-12 and averaging just 111.8 points per game, fifth worst in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers (12-4)
The Lakers are led by Luka Doncic, who is leading the NBA in scoring, averaging 34.6 points and 9.0 assists per night, while DeAndre Ayton has been anchoring the glass, adding 8.4 rebounds a game. With LeBron James returning, the offense has another playmaker who has 20 assists in two games. The Lakers seem to be getting healthy, which is a good sign as this tournament continues.
Recent Betting Trends
The Clippers’ are 5-12-0 ATS this season
Clippers are 10-6 on the OVER in 16 games
Lakers are 11-5 ATS this season
Lakers are 10-6 on the OVER (62.5%)
Lakers are 6-2 in the last 8 vs. the Clippers
Injury Report
Clippers: Jordan Miller: Out (Hamstring), Bogdan Bogdanovic: Out (Hip), Bradley Beal: Out For Season (Hip), Derrick Jones Jr.: Out (Knee)
Lakers: None
Prediction
The Lakers have won four in a row, 8-2 in the last ten, and have LeBron James back in the lineup. Meanwhile, the Clippers are 2-8 in the last ten and near the bottom of the conference. Donic, Jame,s and Ayton will be too much for the Clippers to handle. BEST BET: Lakers -5.5
