NBA Betting Guide: Lines, Trends & Picks For Tuesday, Dec. 20

Today's NBA Betting Lines, Odds & Picks

Tuesday's NBA betting slate my be small, but it's packed with lots of value. Scroll down to check out what plays I like as well as today's top plays from our BetQL model.

One trend to note is that the BetQL NBA model is on fire, going 319-189 (63%) on all NBA picks rated ⭐⭐ and higher since the season started for a total return of $1,465 on $100 bets! Take advantage of BetQL's free trial and see all of today's best NBA bets, plus what the model is projecting for this week's NFL, NHL, and NCAA football and basketball games! Start your free trial today!

Grizzlies at Nuggets Prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies (19-9 SU, 14-12-1 ATS, 13-14-1 O/U) and Denver Nuggets (17-11 SU, 12-16 ATS, 13-15 O/U) meet Tuesday for the first time this season.

The Denver Nuggets' defense has been awful lately, especially their transition defense, which ranks bottom-five in the league. That’s not going to bode all that well against the Grizzlies, who average the third-most fast-break points this season and are going to try and run every chance they get. I expect Nikola Jokic to have a big game -- because when does he not? -- but other than that, I’m not sure the Nuggets will have enough to win with the way they’ve been turning the ball over lately. Turnovers have been a huge problem for Denver all season, and Memphis is going to take advantage. Despite being on the road, this spot is also more favorable for the Grizzlies being they'll be coming into tonight's game on two days of rest. The Nuggets are also only 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games, while the Grizzlies are 7-2-1 ATS.  

My pick: Grizzlies -1.5

Bulls at Heat Prediction

The Chicago Bulls (11-17 SU, 12-15-1 ATS, 12-16 O/U) continue their road trip on Tuesday against the Miami Heat (15-15 SU, 10-18-2 ATS, 14-15-1 O/U).

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm going to back the Bulls tonight. Not only is this pick gross, but it's also a little bit scary because of how bad Chicago has been lately. But, hey, things can only go up from here, right? Let's hope! The Bulls are coming off of what might be their worst defensive performance of the season. They just gave up 150 points (in regulation!) to the Timberwolves and allowed Minnesota to completely embarrass them. I can't imagine Billy Donovan was very pleased with his team's performance, which is why I think we see a much more physical and focused Chicago team tonight. While the Heat have won their last four games, those wins have come against the Pacers, Thunder, Rockets and Spurs, which isn't exactly the most impressive resume. Miami is also the worst ATS team in the league, so if you're giving me five points with a team that desperately needs a bounce-back performance, I'll take it.

My pick: Bulls +5

Warriors at Knicks Prediction

The red-hot New York Knicks (17-13 SU, 15-12-3 ATS, 12-17-1 O/U) face the Golden State Warriors (15-16 SU, 14-17 ATS, 18-12-1 O/U) for the second time this season but for the first time at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks have been the best team in the league over the last two weeks. They're on a seven-game win streak in which they've won five of those games by double digits. While this streak is bound to end at some point, I don't see it happening tonight against a depleted Warriors team that's been terrible on the road. If you know anything about Tom Thibodeau's coaching style, it should come as little surprise that the Knicks are winning these games because of their defense. They've gone from having the sixth-worst defense in November to the league's best defense this month. The Warriors' offense has struggled on the road all season and with the combination of not having Steph Curry in the lineup and the Knicks' stingy defense, Golden State is going to have a hard time scoring tonight. Plus, this is a revenge spot for New York after the Warriors beat them handily earlier this year.

My pick: Knicks -5

MORE NBA: STAFF PICKS | PLAYER PROPS

Take advantage of BetQL's free trial and see all of today's best NBA bets, including player props, plus what the model is projecting for every NFL, NHL and NCAA football and basketball game this week! Start your free trial today!