by Good afternoon players, Chris Bengel is back with you this Tuesday. I hope everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving and getting a chance to cash in some winning bets as well as spending time with their families.
Tonight was supposed to be intriguing for basketball fans with Ben Simmons returning to play in Philly for the first time since he was traded. But while Simmons is expected to be in the lineup, the matchup will be less than stellar because the Sixers will be without Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey (all three are dealing with injuries).
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I’m sure that won’t stop Sixers fans from letting Simmons know what they think of him.
Let’s dive into Tuesday’s picks, which include some from the court.
All Eastern times and all odds via Caesars Sportsbook
🔥 The hot ticket
Kings at Grizzlies, 8 pm | TV: NBA.TV
Latest odds:
Sacramento Kings +1
- key trend: Kings are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a win
- The pick: Kings +1.0 (-110)
I’m looking for the Kings to stay warm and feel good with this extremely small differential. Honestly, I’d also take the money line at +100 odds, because I think Sacramento wins this one outright. This is a group that has won six straight games, including victories over the Cavaliers and Warriors during that stretch. The Kings’ offense has been their most dangerous, as they average an NBA-best 121.4 points per game.
Six different Kings are averaging double figures with star guard De’Aaron Fox leading the way with 25.4 points per game. Kevin Huerter, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Hawks, is averaging 16.4 points per game, but his team-leading 49.5 percent shooting on three is absolutely mind-blowing. Huerter has drilled at least four 3-pointers in four of his last five games for a team that ranks fifth in the NBA in terms of 3-point percentage.
It also doesn’t hurt that the Grizzlies are bad at defending the perimeter. Memphis allows opponents to shoot 36.8 percent from beyond the arc, which ranks 24th in the league. On top of that, star guard Ja Morant is listed as questionable as he recovers from a sprained ankle. Even if Morant can play, it’s hard to imagine him 100 percent and he’d still be fine siding with the Kings.
💰 More NBA picks
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Pistons at Nuggets, 9 p.m. | TV: NBA.TV
Latest odds:
less than 222
The Pick: Under 222.0 (-110): — If these teams were at full strength, I would love the over. But too much firepower is missing from both sides. The Nuggets will be without guard Jamal Murray, who is listed as doubtful because he is still on COVID-19 protocols. Also, reserve guard Bones Hyland is dealing with illness and is currently listed as questionable for Tuesday’s contest.
At the other extreme, the Pistons are without two of their talented young stars Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey. Cunningham is out indefinitely with a leg injury, while Bey will sit out the remainder of the Detroit tour after spraining his ankle.
Denver still has the star power of Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr., along with a talented supporting cast that can take on the scoring load. On the season, the Nuggets are averaging 113.9 points per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Pistons rank 24th at 109.4 points per game, and that’s with Cunningham and Bey in the lineup for most of the season. I just don’t see these two teams being able to put together an incredible number of points.
key trend: Under is 4-0 in Nuggets’ last four home games
76ers at Nets, 7:30 p.m. | Television: TNT
Pick: Tobias Harris Over 18.5 points (-125): — As I mentioned at the top, the Sixers are going to be pretty short against the Nets. Somebody’s got to score for Philly, right? Tobias Harris returns to the lineup after missing the last two games with hip pain and I like the point support from him here.
Harris, 30, is the closest thing to star power Philadelphia will ever get on the floor with Embiid now out of the lineup. He has recorded at least 19 points in three of his last five games and that’s when he shared the floor with Embiid and Maxey. The Nets could take advantage of Harris throughout the game, but the Sixers have some shooters who can open the floor in De’Anthony Melton, Georges Niang and Shake Milton. Harris should have enough opportunities to get to the 19-point mark in this one.
key trend: Harris has scored at least 19 points in three of his last five games
