Free NBA Picks Wednesday, December 18 and Opening Line Report

by Jason Radowitz - 12/17/2019

As the NBA season progresses, we have many questions that need answers. Isaiah Thomas of the Wizards is starting to play like Boston Isaiah Thomas. If Thomas can keep this up, Thomas and Beal could become a top backcourt in the league. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but the Cavaliers are actually three-point favorites against the Hornets. Yes, the Cavs are favorites, but how? The 76ers are still undefeated at home. Just like the Heat were a week ago. Will they end the 76ers streak? There are so many questions. I'm here to predict the answers.

Bulls @ Wizards (-1, 230.5)

The Wizards snapped a four-game losing streak after defeating the Pistons in a 133-119 thriller. Isaiah Thomas looks to be getting back into his old form after scoring 23 points and putting the stamp on the win with a late three-pointer. The Wizards are extremely confident that they can build off this win. The Bulls started a four-game road trip with a loss to the Thunder, 109-106. The Wizards might be onto something. Thomas is playing well, and Bradley Beal is playing lights out. I'll ride with the Wizards at home .

Key trends: Wizards are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

Early lean: Wizards, Over

Hornets @ Cavaliers (-3, 213.5)

The Cavs are favorites . Didn't think I'd ever write that. The Hornets are going to be without Marvin Williams, PJ Washington, and Nicolas Batum, three key pieces to the Hornets roster. The Hornets have now won three of their last four but took a beating to the Pacers on December 15. They'll take on the Kings before this one and will have to play a back-to-back with this game being on the road. The Cavs got run over by the Raptors in their last game, losing 133-113. The Hornets have been playing solid basketball, and even being on the road in a back-to-back doesn't scare me. Take the points with the Hornets. Never bet the Cavs.

Key trends: Hornets are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Early lean: Hornets, Under

Heat @ 76ers (TBD, TBD)

Just a week ago, Miami was undefeated at home. They lost to the Lakers. The 76ers are undefeated at home, and it looks like Miami could be the first team to beat Philly on the road. Joel Embiid has an upper respiratory illness, and there's no status whether he'll be playing in this one or not. Horford would man the center, but he's struggled after missing two games with a sore knee and hamstring. Horford with 0-6 from downtown and just 5-15 overall in the loss to the Nets. The Heat took a bad loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and should bounce back for this one.

Key trends: The 76ers are 4-3 (57.1%) ATS after a loss.

Early lean: Heat, Under

Raptors @ Pistons (TBS, TBD)

The Pistons are a little banged up right now. Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond have been diagnosed with injuries. Griffin has a sore left knee, and Drummond has a left eye inflammation. Both are questionable to play in this one. The Wizards scored 133 points against the Pistons without those two on the floor. The Raptors scored about the same against the Cavs yesterday. Raptors all day in this one.

Key trends: The Raptors are 10-7 (58.8%) ATS after a win.

Early lean: Raptors, Over

Pelicans @ TImberwolves (TBD, TBD)

Pelicans have now lost their last 12 games. The Timberwolves are 2-8 in their last 10. Both teams haven't won a game in recent memory. Karl Anthony-Towns is questionable along with JJ Reddick being questionable on the Pelicans. In this situation, it's easiest to go with the home team.

Key trends: Pelicans are 6-13-1 (31.6%) ATS after a loss.

Early lean: Timberwolves, Over

Grizzlies @ Thunder (-7, 217.5)

Memphis has been really good in their last five games, reeling off four victories in five games, losing only to Milwaukee. Every team is losing to Milwaukee (unless you're Dallas, I guess). The Thunder have also been exciting, winning six of their last 10 games. The Thunder are at home and are favorites, but Memphis will definitely be able to stay in this game and potentially win a shootout.

Key trends: Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Early lean: Grizzlies, Over

Magic @ Nuggets (-8.5, 203.5)

When the Nuggets came home from their east road trip, it's been win after win. They've now won three straight since coming home and will have another home game against the Magic. Orlando has had trouble recently defeating west coast teams at home. Imagine playing a west coast quality team on the road? Give me the Nuggets.

Key trends: Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Early lean: Nuggets, Under

Celtics @ Mavericks (+1, 218.5)

The Doncic-less Mavericks won a big game against Milwaukee to end the Bucks winning streak. Porzingis was stroking from long range. I think this line is disrespectful after how the Mavericks handled the Bucks. They're still better than most of the East, and I think taking them as underdogs is extreme value at home.

Key trends: Mavericks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Early lean: Mavericks, Under

Warriors @ Trail Blazers (-9, 219.5)

The Blazers just won a very close game against the Suns without Devin Booker. Most people would've expected a blow out against the Suns without Booker and Ayton. The Blazers actually trailed for most of the first half and then made a run in the second half to take the lead. The Warriors forced 29 turnovers in their last game against the Kings and still lost by 21 points. That's how it's going for the Warriors. However, I do expect the Warriors to cover in this one. Nine points is steep for a sub-par Blazers team that has had its troubles all season too.

Key trends: Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

Early lean: Warriors, Over

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Free NBA Picks Wednesday, December 18 and Opening Line Report

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