Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against Los Angeles Clippers Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner) – Media by Associated Press
There are a number of intriguing matchups on the Wednesday night NBA slate. Trying to navigate which ones are worth putting money down on is a challenge. When it comes to trying to parse through the odds, it is important to keep up with the injury report.
When it comes to NBA injury news, there can be major swings as tip-off approaches. With that in mind, here’s a look at the best NBA bets for January 4.
Miami Heat (-4.5) at Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James and the Lakers are not aging gracefully. Adding injuries to James and Russell Westbrook, coupled with the long-term injury to Anthony Davis, has Los Angeles adrift this season. While this makes it difficult to be the Lakers, Miami has had its own share of issues.
The Heat have won two straight to pull back above .500 but have struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Miami, which is 14-22-2 against the spread, is 30th in the league in scoring, only putting in 109 points per game. The Heat shoot 45.4 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from the 3-point line.
While Miami has struggled to defend the perimeter, the Heat only allows 109.4 points per game, which ranks third in the league. Los Angeles, which is 15-21-1 against the spread, has won two straight. The Lakers have struggled to stop opposing offenses, allowing 117.6 points per game. If James can’t go, Miami may coast.
Atlanta Hawks at Sacramento Kings (+1)
The Kings will host Atlanta on a back-to-back night for Sacramento. Coming home for a five-game homestand will be fun for the Kings. Sacramento has won three of its past four teams and has the look of a team that could challenge for the playoffs. The Kings, who are 19-16 against the spread, have been more than solid offensively.
Sacramento is second in the league in points per game, scoring 118 per game. The Kings also shoot 48.7 percent from the field, which ranks fourth. Deaaron Fox has been the commander of Sacramento’s offense, scoring 23.4 points per game and handing out 5.9 assists per game.
Atlanta has lost four straight games and is in the second of a four-game West Coast swing. The Hawks, who are 6-12 straight up away from home, are 3-7 against the spread in their past ten games.
Portland Trail Blazers (+1) at Minnesota Timberwolves
The Trail Blazers are kicking off a three-game road swing with a matchup with Minnesota. The Timberwolves finally stopped the bleeding of a six-game losing streak by beating Denver at home Monday. Minnesota, which is 15-23 against the spread, hasn’t played good basketball this season.
Minnesota is only 10-9 at home and is 17th in the league in scoring at 112.9 points per game. The Timberwolves do shoot 38.4 percent from the 3-point line, which is third-best in the league. Portland has won two of its last three games and has been solid on the road this season. The Blazers are 22-14 overall against the spread and 10-11 straight up on the road.
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