Media by Associated Press – Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
There are plenty of games to place some money down during the NBA schedule Wednesday night. As the NBA season wears on, there are always injuries that impact every team. The length of how long certain players are out can make or break a season for the top teams.
Here’s a look at a few games to bet on.
Miami Heat (-3) at New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans should feel fortunate they were able to acquire C.J. McCollum in a trade last season. Without him, New Orleans would be in a delicate spot right now. The Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson, who has been out for several weeks with a pulled hamstring, while Brandon Ingram will also miss the game against the Heat.
Miami has injury issues of its own but has seen things start to come together. The Heat have won three of their past four games, including sweep a pair of games with Milwaukee at home. While Miami did lose Monday at Atlanta, the Heat are hitting the Pelicans at the right time of their three-game road swing.
Miami is 18-25-2 against the spread this season, while New Orleans is 22-22. Due to the Pelicans’ injuries, the Heat should trip up the Pelicans as short road favorites.
Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks (-2)
The Mavericks are in need of a shot in the arm. Dallas is coming off a five-game road swing where the Mavericks suffered four losses. Most concerning of those performances were back-to-back double-digit losses to Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers. Portland also turned in two big offensive performances against the Mavericks.
The Hawks, who have covered back-to-back games against the spread, are only shooting 34 percent from the 3-point line, which ranks 25th in the league. Atlanta has been able to put up points because of it, mostly by being one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the league.
The Hawks are 18-26 against the spread this season, while the Mavericks are 15-28-2. Dallas will find a return home as a welcome relief and squeak by Atlanta.
Charlotte Hornets at Houston Rockets (+104)
The battle of the worst team in each conference is a tough watch for most people. Charlotte’s descent down the standings is especially difficult to watch because of the number of young, talented players they have on the roster. Houston, meanwhile, is buried in an 11-game losing streak that dates back to the day after Christmas.
The Rockets have struggled on both sides of the ball. Houston’s offense has been particularly abysmal, ranking 30th in the league in field goal percentage and 28th in points per game. Charlotte is also locked into a five-game losing streak.
The Hornets have also struggled all over the court, but they are 28th in the league by allowing 118.9 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot 48.1 percent from the floor. This game may not be pleasing to watch, but Houston should find a way to stop its lengthy losing streak and grab a win as home underdogs.
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