NBA Best Bets Tonight: Predictions From the ‘Buckets’ Podcast (Dec. 5)
Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
The In-Season Tournament continues with the second half of teams playing their quarterfinal games.
The Knicks travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks and the Lakers play host to the Phoenix Suns.
Make sure to check out the "Buckets" podcast to get analysis from our betting experts on the slate. Listen to the latest episode and find our best NBA bets tonight below.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 p.m. | Knicks +5 | |
| 10 p.m. | Lakers -2 | |
| 10 p.m. | LeBron James Under 2.5 3PM |
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Knicks +5 at Bucks
7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Matt Moore
I think Tom Thibodeau has a tactical advantage over Adrian Griffin. I don't think Griffin is as prepared for this job as the Bucks might have hoped he would be. The only true advantage for the Bucks is that they are playing this one at home.
The Bucks' offense with Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo on the floor is expectedly phenomenal but their defense as a whole is mediocre. I have this game at Bucks -1.8 so I have around 3 points of value towards the Knicks.
They have proven against good teams that they can hang and I think they have enough 3-point shooting to hang with Milwaukee tonight.
Lakers -2 vs. Suns
10 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Matt Moore
The Lakers have played so well at home that this has become a big part of this cap. If this were neutral floor, I probably would lean toward the Suns. The Suns' offense is the best unit on the floor but their defense is the worst unit on the floor.
We have mentioned before, LeBron James has an appreciation for the history of the NBA and I think he wants to win the first iteration of the In-Season Tournament.
I lean towards the over as well because of what I mentioned about the Suns' offense being so good and their defense being so bad.
LeBron James Under 2.5 3PM vs. Suns
10 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Jay Money
It is a little bit juiced at -150. He is 1-for-4 going over this number in his last five games. Usually, when he takes a lot of threes it is because he is getting blocked out of the lane, but I think in this matchup, he will be attacking the rim.
He can obviously hit this number and has done so a few times this season, but I think he will score most of his points in the midrange and in the paint.
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