NBA Week 16: Must-Bet Games for the Weekend

The Dallas Mavericks posted a 10-2 record in the first 12 games in January…and then promptly forgot how to play defense again, dropping a game in Orlando and then at home against Oklahoma City. Kristaps Porzingis’ troublesome knee has him back out of the lineup, leaving the Mavericks without a rim defender, and with Tim Hardaway Jr out indefinitely, Luka Doncic could really use some help. The Mavericks are linked to trade talks for John Collins, who would definitely fit the bill, but we will see. The hottest team in the West remains the Phoenix Suns, winners of 11 games in a row, now three games clear of Golden State atop the conference. In the East, everyone is still scuffling, as the two conference leaders, Chicago and Miami, have both gone 5-5 in their last ten. The Bulls would be in fourth in the West with their 32-18 record, as the West is emerging as the better conference again, at least for now.

Are you planning to include these games in your weekend NBA betting? We have a couple of smart picks for you.

NBA News: Must-Bet Games for the Weekend

Philadelphia 76ers at Dallas Mavericks

Friday, February 4 | 10:00 pm ET, ESPN
The 76ers had ripped off five wins in a row before losing at home to Washington, 106-103, on Wednesday night. The Wizards had dropped six in a row, and they headed to Philly without top scorer Bradley Beal. Joel Embiid put up 27 points and 14 rebounds, but he missed some easy shots and got blocked by Kyle Kuzma, of all people, on a late shot that would have tied the game. Tyrese Maxey added 22 for Philadelphia, but their offense never really got into its usual flow.

Next up is the start of a road trip that begins in Dallas. The Mavericks are struggling with Porzingis out of the lineup, and the defense struggled in their most recent loss, a 120-114 overtime setback at home against an Oklahoma City team that now has just 16 wins. Lu Dort came out of nowhere to put up 30, including 14 straight in the extra frame, and rookie Tre Mann played out of his mind to put up a career high in points with 29. Luka Doncic had 40 points and 10 assists for Dallas, and Reggie Bullock added 23, with Jalen Brunson chipping in 20. The Mavericks got outrebounded, 50-39, a trend that will not do well against Philadelphia.

Final Score Prediction: Philadelphia 108, Dallas 100 : Bet the Game Today

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N.Y. Knicks at L.A. Lakers

Saturday, February 5 | 8:30 pm ET, ABC
The Knicks start a West Coast swing in Hollywood on Saturday night on national television. They split a two-game homestand, beating Sacramento by 20 before losing to Memphis by a dozen. The Knicks played tough defense on Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, but the Grizzlies dominated the interior. Evan Fournier led the Knicks with 30 points, but this makes seven losses in nine games. Julius Randle put up 18 points, a dozen boards and nine assists but got ejected in the last minute of the game with a second technical foul, and R.J. Barrett added 23.

The Lakers saw an interesting meme posted by Russell Westbrook, who pointed out that everyone’s record at the start of the postseason is 0-0. The Lakers currently sit at 25-27 and just snapped a three-game losing streak at home against Portland on Wednesday. It took a 30-point night from Anthony Davis (including 19 in the fourth quarter) and a furious rally to deliver the 99-94 win. It was not until the last few minutes of the game that the Lakers were able to pull away a bit, with LeBron James out for the fourth straight game (knee soreness). Carmelo Anthony chipped in 24 points in the win, but this was not an impressive result for this roster against a team ten games under .500. With the Knicks coming, though, the Lakers should be able to pull off another win.

Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles 105, New York 99 : Bet the Game Today

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