NBA Betting Guide: Lines, Trends & Picks For Thursday, Dec. 22
The top betting trends you need to know for today's NBA slate
Kate Constable - Dec 22, 2022, 10:33am EST
Today's NBA Betting Lines, Odds & Picks
We have a very small, two-game NBA slate today. Scroll down to check out my favorite play in each game as well as today's top picks from our BetQL model.
One trend to note is that the BetQL NBA model is on fire, going 325-197 (63%) on all NBA picks rated ⭐⭐ and higher since the season started for a total return of $1,111 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!
Wizards at Jazz Prediction
The Washington Wizards (12-20 SU, 13-18-1 ATS, 16-16 O/U) continue their road trip with a stop in Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz (18-16 SU, 19-14-1 ATS, 18-15-1 O/U).
The Wizards snapped their 10-game losing streak on Tuesday with a win over the Phoenix Suns. Bradley Beal recently returned to the lineup after missing most of the month, which gives Washington a much-needed boost offensively. In the two games with him back, the Wizards have shot over 46% from the field and have covered the spread in both games. Their offensive rating has also jumped from 107.7 without him to 115.0 with him.
The Jazz's offense is also very dependent on 3-point shooting, but they haven't been connecting from deep much as of late. Over their last five games, their percentage from beyond the arc ranks 19th, which is a big drop from the top-10 ranking they have on the season.
My pick: Wizards +6.5
Spurs at Pelicans Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans (18-12 SU, 15-15 ATS, 17-13 O/U) welcome the San Antonio Spurs (10-20 SU, 13-17 ATS, 14-15-1 O/U) to town for their third meeting this season.
Zion Williamson has been placed in health and safety protocols and is out tonight for the Pelicans, joining Brandon Ingram on the sidelines. The usage rate for those two is among the highest on the team, so New Orleans will miss a good amount of its typical offensive production. Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson likely won't play for the Spurs after sitting out against the Rockets with a hamstring injury. The Spurs put up 124 points against Houston, but that was on over 50% shooting from both the field and deep. I don't see that same type of production on the offensive end for the second game in a row, especially without Johnson in the lineup.
My pick: Spurs-Pelicans Under 228
MORE NBA: SEE TODAY’S BETQL STAFF PICKS
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!