NBA Three at 3: Best Bets for Tuesday, December 7
It doesn't get much better than a meeting between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, and that's exactly what you'll get on Tuesday, December 7. That classic rivalry is the second game in a TNT doubleheader that also features the Brooklyn Nets facing the Dallas Mavericks. The slate also includes the San Antonio Spurs hosting the New York Knicks. With that in mind, check out our three favorite best bets for tonight:
1. Nets at Mavericks - With Luka Doncic now probable for this game, you shouldn't be afraid to back the Mavericks with the points — or even sprinkle a little on the money line. Coming into this game, Brooklyn is 0-6 against the spread in its last six games as a favorite. The Mavericks are also 4-1 both straight-up and against the spread in their last five games against the Nets. Brooklyn has been winning games recently, but the team hasn't looked impressive in doing so. Now, the Nets will have to roll into Dallas and try to win in what is a tough place to play. Doncic is also at his best in primetime games, so hell be out to put on a show if he's in the lineup here. Also, don't be surprised if Kristaps Porzingis plays well in this game. He is looking like a legitimate two-way presence again, which is a huge change from when he was standing in the corner on offense and hurting Dallas on the defensive end in the playoffs.
THE PICK: Mavericks +2.5
2. Knicks at Spurs - The Spurs are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games at home, and they're also 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games against the Knicks. Now, San Antonio inexplicably finds itself getting points at home against a New York team that simply isn't as good at basketball. While the Spurs have the worse record between these two teams, they do have the better net rating. A lot of that has to do with San Antonio being 10th in the league in defensive rating, and that's not a good thing for a Knicks team that needs a boost offensively. New York is also just 22nd in the league in defensive rating this season, so the team could struggle to defend against a San Antonio team has been playing a bit better offensively in recent weeks. Dejounte Murray presents a real problem for the Knicks guards, as he should fill up the stat sheet and get to the basket at will. For what it's worth, San Antonio is also 25-13 against the spread against Eastern Conference opponents over the last two years.
THE PICK: Spurs +2.5
3. Celtics at Lakers - It has taken the Celtics some time, but Boston is finally starting to play some good basketball. The Celtics come into this game after having won three of their last four games, and they have also covered in three of those four. Boston most recently earned a 28-point road win over the Portland Trail Blazers, and that victory followed up a game in which the Celtics nearly beat the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. And while Boston is still on the road as part of a five-game swing out west, the team has had two days off to rest up for this meeting with Los Angeles. The Lakers are fresh off an embarrassing performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, and this team is still a disaster at the moment. Perhaps it will come together later in the season, but this Lakers group isn't good on either end of the floor. Boston also happened to beat Los Angeles by 22 when these teams met on November 19, and the Celtics have now covered in six straight against the Lakers.
THE PICK: Celtics +2.5
