We have NBA picks and predictions for Wednesday, December 10th, which features the Heat vs. Magic and Knicks vs. Raptors in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals.
Our picks include a best bet and NBA same game multi, and we’re looking forward to the NBA action this week.
Heat vs. Magic Predictions
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Best Bet
The Miami Heat are surprise favourites to win at Kia Center, so we’re taking the value with the Magic.
The Magic might have lost to the Knicks in their most recent game, but they have three wins from their last five games, and they have Paolo Banchero back on the floor. That’s a huge addition to a team that played well without him.
Desmond Bane and Anthony Black stepped up in his absence, and with the Heat losing their last three games, and four of their last five, we can’t understand why NBA odds have them favoured to win. Therefore, take the generous $1.96 odds for the home team to prevail in the NBA Cup.
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Same Game Multi
There are good lines for Banchero and Bane. Banchero has steadily improved since returning from injury, scoring 16 points in his most recent game. He is tracking well, and he should play more minutes and score over 18.5 points.
Bane hasn’t been his best since Banchero’s return, but he scored consecutive 37-point games two weeks ago. That level of play is good enough to see him top score for the Magic, in what should be a high-scoring contest.
Over 232.5 points is another good NBA same game multi bet pick. Their last meeting didn’t result in many points, but circumstances are different, and the game should include plenty of points.
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Knicks vs. Raptors Predictions
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Best Bet
It comes as no surprise to see the Knicks favoured by 4.5 points. They are 9-0 in their last nine games against the Raptors, and they have hit their straps with three consecutive wins over the Hornets, Jazz, and Magic.
Beating the Magic 106-100 was an excellent display, and they’re playing much better than Toronto, which has suddenly hit the wall with three straight losses. The Raptors were playing well, but it has been a struggle recently.
We expect Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to dominate the Raptors, who are unlikely to keep up on the offensive end of the court. We’re picking the Knicks to win by double digits on the road and send a message to their NBA Cup rivals.
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Same Game Multi
Brunson could have a field day for the Knicks. The prolific scorer averages 28 points per game, and he comes off a 30-point performance against the Magic. We expect him to have another big game when leading the Knicks to victory.
KAT should also have a big game, but his biggest impact will come on the boards. Averaging 11.9 rebounds per game, Towns uses his size to get the rebounds, and the Raptors could put up plenty of missed shots. Over 10.5 rebounds shouldn’t be too hard for the Knicks’ big man.
Our final score has the Knicks winning 128-108, so include the over.
