Today's NBA Best Bets: Picks, Predictions and Odds (Friday 12/05 Slate)

The Golden State Warriors are a strong pick for this matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, despite the model's prediction. The Warriors have a superior recent performance, as evidenced by their 4-1 record in the last five games, compared to the 76ers' 3-2 record. This trend holds true even when playing away, where the Warriors also boast a 4-1 record. Additionally, the Warriors have consistently outscored the 76ers in the last five games, with an average score of 130.4 to the 76ers' 115.6. Their scoring superiority continues even when they are the visiting team, achieving an average of 126.8 points away compared to the 76ers' home average of 108.4. These statistics indicate that the Warriors are performing more effectively both generally and specifically on the road, hence the bet on them.

Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Lakers : Los Angeles Lakers 2.5 (-115)

The Los Angeles Lakers have been performing exceptionally well, with a 4-1 record in their last five away games, and an impressive overall score of 127.2 points compared to Toronto Raptors' 112.8. In games against the Raptors, they've shown equal prowess, with a 1-1 record. Moreover, the Lakers' scoring power remains strong in away games, netting an average of 126.2 points. Simultaneously, their defense has limited opponent teams to an average of 117.6 points. This consistent high scoring and strong defense, along with their recent winning record, makes the Lakers a solid bet to cover the 2.5 point spread.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Golden State Warriors : Golden State Warriors Over 98.5 Team Total Points (-833)

The bet on 'Golden State Warriors Over 98.5' in the Team Total Points market is a sound decision considering the Warriors' recent performance. Over their last five games, the team's overall score averages at 130.4 points, with their away game score slightly lower at 126.8. Both averages significantly exceed the 98.5 point outcome. The Warriors also hold a strong recent record of 4-1 in both overall and away games, suggesting high team performance and adaptability to different courts. Furthermore, the model predicts a score of 126.53 for the Warriors, further strengthening the case for this bet. Therefore, based on their scoring history and recent form, it's statistically likely that the Warriors will score over 98.5 points.

Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Lakers : Toronto Raptors Over 105.5 Team Total Points (-556)

The bet on 'Toronto Raptors Over 105.5' is backed by consistent high-scoring performances by the Raptors in their recent games. In their last five games, both overall and at home, the Raptors have demonstrated their scoring prowess, averaging 112.8 and 114.6 points respectively, significantly above the 105.5 betting line. Their home record also provides strong evidence for this bet, with the Raptors winning 4 out of their last 5 home games, which reflects their comfort in scoring high at home. Given the model prediction of 122.27 points, a score well over the 105.5 point line, this bet seems favourable. Furthermore, the Raptors' opponents in the last five home games have scored an average of 103.2 points, indicating their defensive capabilities are not likely to hamper Toronto's scoring ability significantly in this matchup against the Lakers.

Brooklyn Nets vs Utah Jazz : Utah Jazz Over 107.5 Team Total Points (-625)

The bet on 'Utah Jazz Over 107.5' points is a strong choice given their recent scoring performances. Despite Utah's overall losing record in their last 5 games, their point production remains high. They have averaged 115.2 points overall and 116.4 points in away games in their last 5 matches, significantly higher than the proposed total of 107.5. Furthermore, our model predicts a score of 123.13 for Utah, reinforcing the expectation that they will surpass 107.5 points. Although they're playing against the Brooklyn Nets, whose opponents average 120.4 points in the last 5 games, Utah's high-scoring trend suggests they can exceed the given total. This analysis, therefore, suggests a reasonable expectation of Utah scoring over 107.5 points in this game.