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Free NBA Picks Thursday, December 5 and Opening Line Report


by Jason Radowitz - 12/4/2019

Bradley Beal Washington Wizards

Thursday's slate features just four games. The most intriguing matchup on the night goes to the Rockets and Raptors . Both teams are coming off overtime losses and will want to get back to their usual winning ways. The Rockets had tough luck losing to the Spurs in double overtime. On one play in the fourth quarter, Harden dunked a basket and it was called a miss when it clearly went through the basket. Nobody knows what would've happened had that dunk counted. The game went to overtime, but would the Rockets have led the entire way if the dunk counted? The Rockets will protest.

76ers @ Wizards (+6.0, 235.4)

The 76ers are coming in after a strong performance against the Utah Jazz at home. They've now won four straight games and are having some fun doing it. James Ennis banged a three on Tuesday and did three push-ups right after. Tobias Harris chipped in with 26 points. The 76ers are very well balanced and have a ton of weapons. The Wizards are led by Bradley Beal, who has averaged 28.7 points per game. The Wizards are scoring a ton of points but are allowing even more. In their last game against the Magic, they lost 127-120 at home. Another game that went over the total. I'll take the 76ers and over in this one.

Key trends: 76ers are 6-3 (66.7%) against the spread when the spread was -8 to -5.

Early lean: 76ers, Over

Rockets @ Raptors (-2, 229.5)

The matchup between two teams that lost in overtime. The Raptors loss was a lot less complicated. The Heat destroyed the Raptors in overtime, winning by 11. That was the Raptors fifth loss as Kyle Lowry made his return back on the hardwood. The Rockets' loss came in double overtime, but they're now protesting a dunk made by Harden that wasn't counted. For now, the Spurs won the game, but there are reports that the Rockets can potentially make the NBA start the game back from where the dunk occurred. Time will tell. James Harden is averaging 39.5 points per game. Almost 40 points per game for Harden. Pascal Siakam has improved every year and is building the Raptors back up with the loss of Kawhi. With Lowry back, I expect this game to be close but ultimately won with the Raptors.

Key trends: The Raptors are 7-2 (77.8%) as home favorites against the spread this season.

Early lean: Raptors, Under

Nuggets @ Knicks (TBD, TBD)

The spread isn't out for this game yet . I could only imagine. It'll be a couple of points lower due to the Knicks being home, and that can only help the Nuggets in covering in this one. The Knicks have won four games this season after a devastating blow by the Bucks on Monday, losing 132-88. David Fizdale's days might be numbered as head coach of the Knicks. The Nuggets have won 13 games this season but suffered a loss to the Lakers on Tuesday by the score of 105-96. The Nuggets have a ton of depth on offense and defense and usually get their way. The Knicks are down and out. The Nuggets should pounce on the Knicks, who are looking for that No. 1 spot in the draft again.

Key trends: The Knicks are 4-4 (50%) as a home underdog against the spread this season.

Early lean: Nuggets, Under

Suns @ Pelicans (-2, 232.5)

Zion Williamson might not play at all this season. It's a huge blow to Pelicans fans and the NBA. A simple injury that was supposed to keep him out for a month or two, turned into a possible season-ending injury. Without Zion, the Pelicans are 6-15. They're struggling. The Suns, on the other hand, started the season red hot, but cooled off to go back under .500. The Suns are scoring a lot of points on offense, but their defense has been a little spotty. They defeated the Hornets on Monday, 109-104, and will now play their second game on the back-to-back after their game against the Magic. I'll trust the Pelicans at home for this one.

Key trends: Pelicans are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 Thursday games.

Early lean: Pelicans, Over

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