NBA Monday Night Picks are upon us this Thanksgiving Week. We thank BetOnline online sportsbook for being speedy regarding the early numbers. The regular season is now more than a month old. Yes, games have been played, and trends are establishing themselves. Now, fans get to watch two marquis games as Portland faces Milwaukee and Boston clashes with Chicago again.
NBA Monday Night Numbers | ||
---|---|---|
Portland Trail Blazers | -110 | -110 |
Milwaukee Bucks (-9) | -110 | -110 |
Boston Celtics (-6) | -115 | -110 |
Chicago Bulls | -105 | -110 |
Portland ensured quite the chaotic start to the 2022-23 NBA season. There was a crazy intensity and arguably buzz even in training camp for a team that went nowhere last season. The only problem was their start brought about all sorts of media attention. From there, Portland became a winning ATS darling. Then, the Trail Blazers returned to Earth with two home losses. So, is taking Portland a good idea for NBA Monday Night Picks?
Truthfully, even coach Chauncey Billups is unsure of what Portland will become. There is the feeling of coming so close and yet being so far. Portland lost their previous two home games by a combined seven points. They had chances to win. Unfortunately, the Trail Blazers misfired in crucial moments. This happens even with the best teams, but Portland usually has to be a little more on their game than most NBA squads.
The chatter about the Trail Blazers performing better without Lillard at times is valid. Whether that is true or not is debatable. However, the small sample size introduces the theory as being plausible. The problem with that thought is that Portland is facing the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks look poised to claim the title they won a couple of seasons ago. Milwaukee’s depth is dangerous, along with the “Greek Freak,” of course.
Therefore, NBA Monday Night Picks hones on this first question. How do we bet on the Bucks? Honestly, that potential -250 to -300 moneyline is a number to stay away from. The fun approach and way to increase bankroll may be to go for the under if it stays around 216 points. That is a solid number for bettors. Milwaukee laying only nine points may prove to be the primary bet here.
What about a few more NBA Monday night picks for the bucks? Think about how these teams have played in stark contrast to each other. There are some different wagers to consider for this night that one might not expect. Is it risky to play with the overs and unders here? Absolutely. We touched on that above. The injury to Lillard, plus Portland’s propensity to play more defense is a double-edged sword.
Does Portland find enough offense to even crack 100 points? Usually, that is a ridiculous assertion, given the NBA. However, the Trail Blazers had just gotten their All-Star back, and now the guard was gone again. That carries some effect on the team. Portland is resilient, but not when that resolve is tested over and over. Milwaukee has won 11 of their first 15 contests for a reason. Despite a loss, they are 8-1 at home and have covered six of nine too.
Granted, every team in the Eastern Conference is not happy that the Bucks are rolling defensively right now. Again, the hope for teams is that they can get “The Greek Freak” off his game. Unfortunately, the problem for Portland is that, without Lillard, Milwaukee is not too fearful. Also, the Bucks open a four-game homestand tonight, which only helps. See again where this undergoes.
Finally, the one number of betting experts is the following. While Bovada and BetOnline have stayed mostly at 216 or 217 with this game, other sites have been contemplating inching over higher. The possibility of seeing a 218 or 219 would cause one to move more toward the under. Consequently, the under is another bet, even at 216 for the NBA Monday Night Picks. Do not go any lower, though.
The NBA Monday Night Picks, welcomes another clash in Chicago between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. Wait, wasn’t this a game that occurred two weeks ago? Yes, bettors would not be wrong here. Chicago has played Boston tough twice. The first time showed that the Bulls could rough up the Celtics as they torched Boston for 120 points. That second battle was a narrow two-point loss where Chicago again covered the spread.
So, could the third time be the charm for Chicago? That remains to be seen. However, getting six points at home is a lot here. The Bulls have lost four straight games to drop to 6-10. On the other hand, Chicago has been dangerous against top-flight competition. Taking a risk against Boston, who has won nine straight (13-3 overall) sounds crazy but is it? These are things that make one think.
Yes, part of Chicago’s problems in the last four games is that the Bulls have gotten away from what works. Boston seems to bring their game into focus. The feeling is that while the moneyline is way out of bounds, if the line stays at +6 or even inches to +7 or +8, the Bulls are the better play with the points (7-4 ATS in the last 11).
For the NBA Monday Night Picks, consider the Bulls and the points. Keep things simple.
Are NBA wagers wanted? Choose from these NBA Vegas online odds.
Finally, enjoy the NBA Vegas prop bets here. Good luck, everyone!
Chris Wassel is someone who has covered a little bit of everything: business, writing, sports, food, grilling, the Olympics, injuries, politics, and more. He has climbed mountains like Mount Washington and Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California, and for those who don’t know, he is also big into food challenges. With friends like Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has tackled eating feats like finishing a 16-pound turkey or a 32-inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, he has focused on fitness, fishing, and sports while managing to fit in running, hiking, rock climbing, and even the occasional mini-triathlon. He can lift more than his body weight with ease and is the person you turn to when you want to know if a NASCAR rain delay means a Monday race. Over his career, Chris has worked at places like Amazon, USA Today, and various rumors and fantasy sports sites. He has been nominated for awards such as the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hockey Writer of the Year and has a collection of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings on display at home. With all this, Chris sums it up best with his motto: "Shut up and play."