Media by Associated Press – Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba (11) gains control of a rebound in front of San Antonio Spurs guard Josh Richardson (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The NBA schedule has several tight matchups on the docket for Tuesday night. What the teams are hoping is they can continue building momentum to set themselves up with some good momentum heading into the New Year.
Here’s a look at some games worth betting on on Tuesday night.
Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic (-4)
The Lakers, who are 13-20, haven’t played well on the road or at home. But when Los Angeles heads to Orlando Tuesday night, the Lakers will be carrying a three-game losing streak on the road that goes along with their 5-12 record. Lebron James has been doing his best to carry the load in Anthony Davis’ absence.
James is still posting 27.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. The Lakers, who are 12-20-1 against the spread, are stymied on offense with poor outside shooting. Los Angeles only makes 33.5 percent of its 3-pointers, which ranks 26th in the league.
The Magic, who are 13-21 straight up and 19-14-1 against the spread, have started to show fruits from their labor of rebuilding. Rookie Paolo Banchero has flashed promise, and the team went on a six-game winning streak earlier this month.
The Magic have covered the last ten games against the spread. Orlando’s win over Los Angeles will make it 11.
Phoenix Suns (+7) at Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies had a big letdown on Christmas, losing to an undermanned Golden State Warriors team. Memphis, which is 20-12 overall, is 15-16-1 against the spread. The Grizzlies, who are 1-3 against the spread over their past four, have struggled to shoot efficiently from the field.
Memphis shoots 46.6 percent from the floor and 34.7 percent from the 3-point line. Phoenix had a disappointing loss to Denver in overtime on Christmas but showed more fight.
Previously, the Suns had taken consecutive losses to Memphis and Washington. The Suns have shot the 3-pointer well, knocking down 37.8 percent of their attempts to rank seven in the league.
Phoenix will want revenge after an embarrassing loss earlier in the month. The Suns will keep it close.
Atlanta Hawks (+1) at Indiana Pacers
The Hawks have won three of their past four games. Atlanta, which is 17-16 this season, hopes to build off the momentum. The Hawks are 13-20 against the spread. Atlanta has struggled shooting from the 3-point line, only making 33.2 percent of its attempts.
The Pacers have been a feisty team this season but are mostly a mediocre team. Indiana is in the middle of the pack when it comes to most offensive categories. The Pacers make 36.7 percent of their 3-pointers. Indiana has been OK at home, compiling a 9-7 record straight up.
New York Knicks (+5.5) at Dallas Mavericks
The Knicks struggled on Christmas against Philadelphia but have played good basketball as of late. New York has the capability to take advantage of Dallas if it starts slow like the Mavericks did against the Lakers on Christmas.
The Mavericks have leaned on their defense. Dallas allows 109.5 points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Dallas hasn’t been good against the spread, compiling a 12-20-2 record.
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