The NBA is back for another week, and we have previews and betting predictions for the best three games on the card.
Our online sportsbook has odds for every NBA game, but we preview 76ers vs. Pistons, Heat vs. Nets, and Nuggets vs. Mavericks on Monday.
Online betting enthusiasts get value with our NBA Monday Parlay, so get an account at BetUS to reap the rewards.
Philadelphia 76ers (12-5) vs Detroit Pistons (3-13)
- When: Monday, 7 p.m., ET
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Analysis: Philadelphia has been enjoying recent success, and with a 12-5 record, is a front-runner in the Eastern Conference.
The 76ers have scored three consecutive wins. A win over the Pistons last week was a close battle, and we’re expecting another tight battle.
Detroit might be 3-13 but the Pistons have pushed some good teams close on multiple occasions. It has lost four consecutive games but by a combined margin of 19. One of its losses came by eight points, but that was in overtime.
The Pistons are capable of beating the 76ers with homecourt advantage, and if they’re able to keep Joel Embiid out of the paint, they’re a live chance.
Prediction
Backing against a quality team like Philadelphia isn’t easy. We think it will win the game, but the margin won’t be big.
Detroit are good at keeping games close, and Philadelphia doesn’t play nearly as well away from home. It’s 3-4 on the road this season, and the 76ers haven’t enjoyed traveling for the last few years.
Pick: Philadelphia 104, Detroit 100
Miami Heat (6-9) vs Brooklyn Nets (10-8)
- When: Monday, 7:30 p.m., ET
- Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Analysis: Brooklyn got the better of Miami last week, but it was an incredibly close game. The Nets held a big lead but Miami came roaring back with a second-half rally.
It was Kyrie Irving who stepped up for the Nets, which is the advantage of having three superstars. James Harden was off his game, but Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined to pull off the four-point win.
It was a much-needed win for the Nets, who had lost consecutive games to Cleveland. The insertion of Irving was heavily criticized following the losses, but he made up for it on Friday.
Miami continues to have injury (illness) concerns with the likes of Jimmy Butler and Myers Leonard, but the Heat made a good game of it last week. The 128-124 loss won’t dent its confidence levels, but the 6-9 record might.
The Heat isn’t where they thought they would be after 15 games. It has been a rough start and finding a consistent lineup has been half the problem. Expect Miami to work through its problems as the season progresses.
Prediction
Miami did well to keep the game close on Friday, but it should be a different outcome on Monday. Brooklyn will be keen to put up a big performance and get back to more consistent success.
The Nets have scored totals of 122, 125, 135, 113, and 128 in their last five games. A total around that mark on Monday should get the job done comfortably against a team averaging 109.3 points per game.
Pick: Brooklyn 119, Miami 108
Denver Nuggets (9-7) vs Dallas Mavericks (8-8)
- When: Monday, 8:30 p.m., ET
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
Analysis: Nikola Jokic continues to amaze after a 29-point, 22-rebound performance against Phoenix last week. His stellar play has taken the Nuggets to a 9-7 record, after scoring four wins in their last five games. During that run, Denver earned wins over Golden State, Oklahoma State, and consecutive games against Phoenix.
Denver is living up to preseason expectations, which were set high. Denver’s only recent loss came to Utah, which is also playing out of its skin.
Dallas hasn’t had the start it was wanting after posting an 8-8 record following a loss to Houston. The worst part of the loss was the 25-point margin, which should make Dallas fans uneasy.
The Mavericks have been struggling with consistent lineups, but when Porzingis and Doncic are on the court together, they look good.
Prediction
Dallas has the benefit of home court advantage, but Denver is playing impressive basketball. The Nuggets are scoring seven points more on offense than Dallas, which is where this game could be won.
The online sportsbook should frame an even market, but take the value with Denver.
Pick: Denver 117, Dallas 112
