TNT has a special Tuesday NBA doubleheader for us, including Ja Morant's season debut.
Grizzlies vs. Pelicans and Celtics vs. Warriors are two of the best on the calendar tonight. Before tipoff, we’re considering the latest NBA odds, props, and predictions for wager action.
Grizzlies vs. Pelicans odds: New Orleans favored to spoil Morant’s return
Here are the odds for the game from the top sports betting sites.
Grizzlies vs. Pelicans props: Best picks for Zion and Morant
Zion Williamson UNDER points
Zion Williamson does the overwhelming bulk of his scoring in the painted area. This season, Memphis leads the league in points in the paint allowed, only surrendering 43 points per contest.
The Grizzlies' starting frontcourt of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Bismack Biyombo averages three blocks per game collectively and deters countless more.
In seven career games against Memphis, Williamson is averaging 23 points per game, and has failed to cover his listed total against them in two of the last three matchups.
Ja Morant OVER assists
Tonight’s battle will be the season's first game for the Grizzlies’ star. Although he has certainly been preparing for this night, there is no replicating live NBA action. Morant is likely to be rusty as he works his way into game shape, which may impact how aggressively he looks for his shot.
Hopefully, his ability to get to the rim won't take a dip due to his time away. The Pelicans are 12th best in the league at limiting opponents scoring in the painted area, only allowing 47.8 points per night. That’s slightly above average but should be stout enough to frustrate Morant.
At least for his first game back, his driving attempts will more likely result in creating good shots for others, as opposed to a barrage of the miraculous finishes around the rim that fans have become accustomed to.
More: How to bet on the NBA | Best NBA betting sites
Grizzlies vs. Pelicans predictions: New Orleans better suited for tight finish
The Pelicans are on a four-game winning streak and are clicking on both sides of the ball. During their streak, they're averaging 130 points per game and are only surrendering 111 to opponents.
On the other hand, Memphis is on a five-game losing streak, and only two of those losses were close. They will get Morant back tonight, but it will take time for him to insert himself into the offense flow and help Memphis get back to the team expected to compete for the championship.
Both teams share similar numbers in offensive pace, defensive rating, and rebounds. Both have advantages that can cause the game to swing either way, but if it is a tight game, the team that has been playing well together over the last few weeks has the edge.
Prediction: Grizzlies
Celtics vs. Warriors odds: Boston favored to keep rolling
Here are the odds for the game from the top sports betting apps.
Celtics Vs. Warriors props: Best bets include Curry and White
Steph Curry UNDER points
The Warriors are depending on Steph Curry more than ever to generate offense. Meanwhile, the Celtics have one of the best defenses in the league. They are fourth best in points in the paint and second in defensive rating.
Curry’s running mate, Klay Thompson, is struggling mightily to shoot the ball this season. His lack of production will allow Jrue Holiday and Derrick White to dial in on Curry and limit his production.
Without worrying about others beating them, Curry is in for a long night against one of the league’s best lockdown perimeter defenses. Fatigue may be a factor in this one as well. This will be the Warriors' fourth game in six nights.
In Curry’s last game this past Sunday, he finished with seven points on 2-for-12 shooting from the field, including 0-for-8 from deep. That was just two days ago.
It’s quite possible his legs may not be there for an explosion tonight, and Boston's defensive prowess will further up the ante.
Derrick White OVER steals
The Warriors are a bottom-four team in turnovers surrendered per game, giving up 15.6 per contest. Curry is the only quality ball handler and shot-creator in the starting five.
When he is doubled, four average to subpar ball handlers are left to orchestrate the offense. That includes Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Brandin Podziemski.
That’s an abundance of players for White to pick on to cover this line. He is one of the best in the association at generating steals and has done so in three of the Celtics' six games in December.
More: NBA MVP odds | NBA Rookie of the Year odds
Celtics vs. Warriors prediction: Celtics too much for struggling Warriors team
Despite their many offensive challenges, the Warriors still find a way to score adequately. However, they are up against one of the best teams in the league on both sides of the ball.
Curry has been able to explode to keep the Warriors competitive this season, but the addition of Holiday has given the Celtics too much defensive talent on the wing to allow that to be the case in this battle.
Without a second weapon on the wing to take pressure off Curry, his workload will be too vast to pull off the upset. The Celtics also have many offensive advantages based on matchups due to Draymond Green's absence.
Since Wednesday, Nov. 8, the Warriors’ best win was against a then-struggling Clippers team. Every other playoff-caliber team they have faced in that window has defeated them, and handily, in many instances.
Prediction: Celtics
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