NBA Weekend Picks – Setting Your Lines Early

By predicting NBA odds, bettors can get a good sense as to which wagers they are likely to make on the weekend.

It’s really the only way to be successful when betting the NBA.

Let’s analyze the two best games to bet on this weekend in the NBA.

NBA: Best Saturday Game

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Hornets

Analysis: One of these teams is ranked in the top ten in the NBA Power Rankings. Guess which one? The Thunder have been very good against the spread because they are so darn awful straight-up. They’re going to be getting points again this Saturday when they take on the New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets will go into this game off of a terrific victory over the Dallas Mavericks, but that doesn’t mean much because the spread is likely to be extremely high. Oklahoma City doesn’t have to win this game straight-up. They just have to keep it within the number. I expect the number to be New Orleans between -9 ½ to -14 ½. Either way, I like the Thunder to beat the spread.

Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder at +9 ½ or higher in the sportsbook.

NBA: Best Sunday Game

Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

Analysis: Both Orlando and Boston have gaudy straight-up records but only Orlando is good against the spread. Boston is okay. Orlando is terrific. With an ATS record of 38-21-1, the Magic are easily one of the best teams in the NBA for gamblers to back. Boston has a very good squad but Kevin Garnett won’t be around for this game. I see the BetOnline odds makers setting a line at 1 point or so in favor of the Celtics because they’re home, but it won’t matter. Orlando is just too good right now to lose to a Kevin Garnett less Celtics’ squad. I see Dwight Howard going off in this game. A 20-20 game is not out of the question for Howard. Orlando should cover whatever spread it faces.

Pick: Orlando Magic to cover as the underdog