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NBA Betting: Daily Odds & Predictions for Dec. 15

Sara Jane Gamelli 5229 December 15, 2023 No Comments

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Sara Jane Gamelli

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 13: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs look on during the game on December 13, 2023 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

There are eight games on the NBA schedule tonight, beginning at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. For the betting slate, The Spurs will get a rematch with the Lakers at home, while Dillon Brooks and the Houston Rockets will face his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies.  I am picking my four favorite NBA plays of the day. You can bet them single, or group into a parlay, your choice. Here you will find the NBA betting odds, stats, trends, player prop bets, and predictions for Friday, Dec. 15.

NBA Daily Game Odds for 12/15

*Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

  • Pacers (-8.5 )(-340) @ Wizards (+270): O/U 259
  • Pistons (+800) @ 76ers (-16) (-1350): O/U 235
  • Pelicans (-7) (-285)@ Hornets (+230): O/U 231.5
  • Magic (+190) @ Celtics (-6) (-230): O/U 224.5
  • Lakers (-7.5) (-325) @ Spurs (+260): O/U 234
  • Hawks (+110) @ Raptors (-2) (-130): O/U 241.5
  • Rockets (-3.5) (-162) @ Grizzlies (+136): O/U 212
  • Knicks (+164) @ Suns (-5)(-198): O/U 232

NBA Favorite Bet #1: Pacers vs. Wizards O 249.5

Tonight, the Indiana Pacers (13-9, 6-5 away) will matchup against the Washington Wizards (3-20, 1-8 home) on the road. With the original line at 256.5, I moved it down slightly to 249.5. How did I come up with this number? I took each teams game averages over the past ten matchups and divided that number by 2. While the Pacers average 251.6 game totals over the last 10, the Wizards average 247. While it comes out to 249, that's where the 249.5 came from.

With the Pacers having a 71 percent chance to win this matchup per ESPN Analytics, Indiana is 2-2 in their last 5 matchups, which excludes the NBA In-Season Tournament Championship against the Lakers. Coming off a tough 140-126 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 22 points each. While they put up 126 points against Milwaukee, they allowed Giannis Antetokounmpo to score a career high 64 points. 13-9-0 against the spread this season, Indiana is 3-2 ATS in their last 5 matchups, covering versus the Pistons, Bucks, and Celtics. Overall, they are 18-4-0 against under/over totals, and the last two matchups hit the points over total.

Why I like this straight bet tonight

Having a 5-5 win/loss record in the last 10, the Pacers are 5-5 against the spread, and 6-4 against totals. Having hit the over against the Bucks and Pistons, Rick Carlisle's squad is averaging 127 points per game in the last 10. Additionally, the Pacers have a lethal offense, leading the NBA in points scored per game(128.4). One of my favorite teams to bet on, the under has only hit 4 times against the Celtics, Bucks, Trail Blazers, and Bulls. While three under total points hit since Nov. 27, I still have full confidence in tonight's matchup.

A fun, dynamic team, the Pacers play at a fast pace, and lead in several offensive statistical categories, including field goals made (48.1), field goal attempts (94.8), and field goal percentage (50.7). An electric offense led by Haliburton, the Pacers have a great amount of depth, and players that can strike from long distance.

The Washington Wizards lack stardom

For the Washington Wizards, they lack true super stardom, and to put it lightly, they just aren't a great team. With an unimpressive -11 point differential, they rank top 10 in points scored per game (115.9). While their overall offensive game lacks spark, they remain the worst defensive team in the league, allowing a league how 127 points per game. Although the Wizards have Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma, the team lacks any sort of star power beyond that.

15-8-0 against over/under totals, the Wizards are 1-9 in their last ten matchups, and hit the over six times. With six straight losses against the Pelicans, 76ers (twice), Nets, and Magic (twice), the Wizards somehow managed to hit the over points total in two straight matchups.

Overall, I could give you every statistic why this should hit tonight. If you're betting on the NBA, tonight is a story of a top offense against the worst defense in the league. In fact, the Pacers and Wizards allow the most points per game in the league. 5-5 in head-to-head matchups, the Pacers last defeated the Wizards 143-120 on Oct. 25.

One of the best matchups of the week, both teams rank No. 1 and No.2 in pace. I am very confident in this pick tonight, and love it for several reasons, especially since minimal defense is played by both teams on a nightly basis. If you're betting the NBA, the best pick is over 249.5 points.

Injuries

Pacers:
Jalen Smith, F: OUT

Wizards:
Delon Wright, G: OUT
Ryan Rollins, G: OUT
Johnny Davis, G: OUT
Eugene Omoruyi, F: QUESTIONABLE
Jordan Poole, G: QUESTIONABLE

Season Statistics & Betting Trends

*ATS-Against the Spread

Indiana Pacers

  • Indiana Pacers: 3-2 in their last 5 games.
  • 5-5 in their last 10 games.
  • ATS Record: 13-9-0
  • O/U Record: 18-4-0
  • 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games.
  • 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games.
  • O/U is 2-3 in the last 5 games.
  • O/U: 6-4 in the last 10 games.
  • 1st in Offensive Rating (123)
  • 28th in Defensive Rating (120)
  • 1st in Points Per Game (128.4)
  • 1st in Pace: 104.48
  • Opponent Points Per Game: 125.5(29th)
  • Three-Point Percentage: 37.9 % (6)
  • Rebounds Per Game: 40.4 (29th)
  • Indiana ATS won last 10 games: Detroit Pistons (-9.5), Miami Heat (+4.5), Boston Celtics (+4.5), Milwaukee Bucks (+5.5), Detroit Pistons (-7.5)

Washington Wizards

  • Washington Wizards: 0-5 in their last 5 games.
  • 5-5 in their last 10 games.
  • ATS Record: 10-13-0
  • O/U Record: 15-8-0
  • 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games.
  • 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games.
  • O/U is 4-1 in the last 5 games.
  • O/U: 6-4 in the last 10 games.
  • 24th in Offensive Rating (111.3)
  • 30th in Defensive Rating (121.9)
  • 10th in Points Per Game (115.9
  • 2nd in Pace: 104.11
  • Opponent Points Per Game: 127 (30th)
  • Three-Point Percentage: 35.1 % (22)
  • Rebounds Per Game: 38.8 (30th)
  • Washington ATS won last 10 games: Charlotte Hornets(+3.5), Milwaukee Bucks (+13.5), Detroit Pistons (+2.5), Orlando Magic (+10.5), Philadelphia 76ers (+10.5).

NBA Favorite Bet #2: Orlando Magic +8.5

This evening, the Orlando Magic (16-7, 5-5 away) will face the Boston Celtics (18-5, 12-0 home) on the road tonight. Right along with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Magic are an impressive young squad, known for their defensive prowess. Although the Celtics favored at 73 percent to win by ESPN Analytics, they have several players listed on their injury report.

For Boston, Center Luke Kornet will miss his second straight game with left adductor tightness. While Al Horford will rest tonight, Kristaps Porzingis is listed as doubtful with calf tightness. Listed questionable is guard Jaylen Brown with a right knee hyperextension. If Porzingis is truly out, the Celtics will be extremely thin at the 5 position tonight. Goga Bitadze, who's filled in for Wendell Carter Jr., would have a prime matchup against Boston.

The Magic hold the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, behind the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics. Led by second year stud Paolo Banchero, Orlando has spent years building and developing this young core. Behind Banchero is Franz Wager, who's elevated his game in each of his three seasons with the Magic. From there, Cole Anthony, Mo Wagner, and Jalen Suggs have been key factors. If Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz were healthy right now, I could only imagine how nasty this Magic team could really be. After drafting defensive juggernaut Anthony Black, the Magic have the third best defensive rating in the NBA (108.7). While their offense lacks at times, it's their defense that keeps them in games more often than not.

The Magic have dominated the Celtics since 2022

A top six team in steals (8.6), Orlando hold opponents to just 108.9 points per game, a stat line that's tied with the Celtics. Excellent around the perimeter, the Magic hold teams to 35 percent from long range. While the Celtics are an elite team, the Magic will have advantage with some key injuries to Boston.

17-6-0 against the spread this season, the Magic face a Boston team, who is 10-11-1. With a win/loss record of 8-2 in their last 10 matchups, the Magic are 7-3 against the spread. Coming off two consecutive victories over Cleveland and Detroit, the Magic were able to cover the -2.5, and -10.5 point spread margins. With wins over Toronto, Denver, Boston, Charlotte, and Washington, it's impressive the Magic covered the spread in every single one of those victories.

Why I like the Magic to cover tonight

Some way, some how, the Magic have won their past four matchups against the Celtics, dating back to Dec. 2022. With those wins, Orlando was able to cover large point spreads, including (+13, +11, +7.5, and +5.5). More impressive, the Magic defeated the Celtics on Nov 24, at home, which was considered a group play game. Snatching the 113-96 victory, they are the only team to keep Boston under 100 points scored this season.

I originally moved the line from +5.5 to +8.5 To be fair, this was booked before the full injury list was acquired, and given the fact Boston is undefeated at home. 13-1 against opponents with a healthy starting five, they will get a true test tonight with several players out. If you're betting on the NBA, I would even be okay with picking Orlando +5.5 to cover tonight. Plus, the C's are coming off back-to-back games.

Injuries

Magic:
Markelle Fultz, G: QUESTIONABLE
Kevon Harris, G: OUT
Wendell Carter Jr., C: OUT

Celtics:
Al Horford, C: OUT
Luke Kornet, C: OUT
Kristaps Porzingis, F: DOUBTFUL
Jaylen Brown, G: QUESTIONABLE

Season Statistics & Betting Trends

*ATS-Against the Spread

Orlando Magic

  • Orlando Magic: 3-2 in their last 5 games.
  • 8-2 in their last 10 games.
  • ATS Record: 16-7-0
  • O/U Record: 12-11-0
  • 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games.
  • 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
  • O/U is 3-2 in the last 5 games.
  • O/U: 7-3 in the last 10 games.
  • 17th in Offensive Rating (113.8)
  • 3rd in Defensive Rating (108.7)
  • 16th  in Points Per Game (114)
  • 14th in Pace: 100.20
  • Opponent Points Per Game: 108.9 (T-3)
  • Three-Point Percentage: 34.3 % (26th)
  • Rebounds Per Game: 43.5 (20th)
  • Orlando ATS won last 10 games: Toronto Raptors (-1.5), Denver Nuggets (+3), Boston (+5.5), Charlotte Hornets (-6.5), Washington Wizards (-10.5), Detroit Pistons (-10.5), Cleveland Cavaliers (-2.5).

Boston Celtics

  • Boston Celtics: 4-1 in their last 5 games.
  • 7-3 in their last 10 games.
  • ATS Record: 10-11-2
  • O/U Record: 10-12-1
  • 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games.
  • 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games.
  • O/U is 3-2 in the last 5 games.
  • O/U: 5-5 in the last 10 games.
  • 6th in Offensive Rating (117.9)
  • 4th in Defensive Rating (109.4)
  • 7th in Points Per Game (117.3)
  • 22nd in Pace: 98.65
  • Opponent Points Per Game: 108.9 (T-3)
  • Three-Point Percentage: 38.8 % (3rd)
  • Rebounds Per Game: 46.7 (4th)
  • Boston ATS won last 10 games: Atlanta Hawks (-7.5), Chicago Bulls (-12.5), New York Knicks (-7.5), Cleveland Cavaliers (-8.5)

NBA Favorite Bet #3: Buddy Hield O .5 steals

Season Stats PPG: 13.1 | FG: 45.4 % | 3 PT: 38.8 % | FT: 90.9 % | REB: 3.2 | AST: 2.6 | STL: 0.8 | BLK: 0.5

Statistics courtesy of Props.Cash

While I broke down the Pacers versus Wizards game earlier, tonight I like Buddy Hield to have 1+ steals. Hield, who's played 22 games this season, is averaging over 1.1 steals in the last 10 matchups. In one meeting against Washington, the guard had 14 points, one steal, one block, five assists, and two rebounds, in 25 minutes. Starting just 10 games this season, Hield is still averaging 25.7 minutes per game, grabbing two steals total against the Bucks and Pistons.

If you're betting on the NBA tonight, Hield has at least one steal in six of seven games. With a season hit rate of 64 percent, the guard has one steal in seven of ten games, and four of the last five. In fact, he has a total of six steals in the last three matchups against Washington, including one on Oct. 25.

Unfortunately, there aren't many positive aspects about this Washington team. Ranking 23rd in turnovers, Indiana is a top 10 team in terms of steals per game (7.9). While the Wizards allow 8.2 steals per game, this is a prime matchup for Hield tonight.

Why I like Hield to hit 1+ steals tonight

Likely the No.2 guard to start next to Tyrese Haliburton, Hield averages 0.9 steals on the road. Although the Pacers aren't the best defensively, this prop has hit 80 percent in the last five road games, and 70 percent in the last 10. For Washington, they've allowed 11 straight shooting guards to hit over their steal props. These players include De'Anthony Melton, Cam Thomas, Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Pat Cannaughton.

While the stats are great, Hield is likely to face Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones at the guard position. While it should hit based off all the statistics, if it's a blowout, Carlisle may choose to rest some of his starters. Even so, if you're betting on the NBA, I like this prop for tonight.

NBA Favorite Bet #4: Victor Wembanyama 2+ blocks

Season Stats PPG: 19.3 | FG: 43.7 % | 3 PT: 27.4 % | FT: 79.2 % | REB: 10.7 | AST: 2.5 | STL: 1.3 | BLK: 3

Statistics courtesy of Props.Cash

The San Antonio Spurs will face the Los Angeles Lakers in back-to-back games on prime time national Television (ESPN). Averaging 3 blocks a game, I feel this prop could be free in a way, and I hope I didn't just jinx myself. Rookie Victor Wembanyama is coming off a 6 block game against the Lakers, and has grown into his own.

In the past two matchups, Wembanyama has 11 blocks total against the Rockets and Lakers. With the line originally at 2.5, I moved it to 2. Whether that makes a difference or not, I expect the rookie to be a factor defensively tonight.

Coming off three straight games with 2+ blocks, the Spurs big man has a hit rate of 65 percent this season, and seven of the last eight games. While San Antonio gets the Lakers at home, Wemby has been even more impressive, averaging more than 3 blocks a game in front of their home fans. All over the court, Spurs Head Coach Greg Popovich stated he doesn't classify No. 1 has a center. With no set position, Wembanyama is capable of blocking anyone on the court, especially with his wingspan.

Why I like Wembanyama for 2+ blocks tonight

If you're betting on the NBA, this is one of my favorite props tonight. As of right now, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both listed as questionable for tonights matchup. While the Lakers allow 4.4 blocks per game, the Spurs are top 8 with 6 blocks per game.

I love the matchup Wembanyama has against the Lakers tonight. With the 5th best defense against blocks, Los Angeles allowed Wembanyama, Dereck Lively II, Alperen Sengün, and Jarrett Allen all to hit over their block props in the last two weeks. I loved seeing the Spurs big man matchup with Anthony Davis, in which he locked him up several times. Averaging 3.9 blocks over the last 10 games, betting tonight, I'll take the over tonight.

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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter at Ballislife, and Sports Content Creator on Twitch and TikTok. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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