The last day of NBA for the year for us Aussie fans, and we’re greeted with a 9-game slate, with some fascinating matchups throughout. We will kick things off by looking at the Southeast Division, as the suddenly hot Washington Wizards (15-21) head to Disney Land to take on the Orlando Magic (13-23). Next, in what I believe is the game of the day, the Western Conference leading New Orleans Pelicans will host the surging Philadelphia 76ers, in what should be an epic encounter. Finally, we take a look at the surprising Sacramento Kings, as they host the Utah Jazz in a battle between two Western Conference teams battling for spots in the play-in tournament.
Check out our NBA betting tips for Saturday December 31st below! And if you're looking for a new Australian sportsbook to try, why not check out Winnersbet for a great range of NBA betting markets!
2022-23 NBA Betting Tips: Saturday 31st December
Washington Wizards at Orlando Magic
Amway Center, 11:00am AEDT
After losing 10-straight games during the first three weeks of December, it appeared as though the wheels had well and truly fallen off the Wizards. Their uptick over the past five games (4-1) has undoubtedly coincided with the return of superstar guard Bradley Beal, who has averaged 25.8 points per game since his return. With wins over the Lakers, Suns and Kings on their west coast trip, followed by a home victory over the 76ers, Beal missed the Wizards’ last game against the Suns, which they won well (127-102).
The Magic appeared to be turning the tide, as they won 8 of 9 through the middle part of December, but their momentum has hit the skids, losing 3 of their past 5. Their two most recent losses, both at home, were to the lowly Lakers and Detroit Pistons. It appears to me as though the Magic are back to being one of the bottom teams in the league, however the market has been slow to react, listing them as favourites in this game. I make the Wizards a slight favourite, whilst also coming into the game with the better form line. I’ll take the Wizards to win.
Note: The NBA has handed down a 2-game suspension to Moritz Wagner for his part in the brawl against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. There will also be a select number of the Magic bench serving a suspension regarding the same incident.
[If this changes due to the suspensions, take the Wizards at the handicap for 2u]
Washington Wizards ML
$2.00 (2.5 units)
Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans
Smoothie King Center, 12:30pm AEDT
This could be the popcorn matchup of the day, with the Philadelphia 76ers (20-13) set to head to the Big Easy to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (22-12). Two of the best big men in the NBA will go toe-to-toe, as the 76ers’ Embiid will look to show the young bull Zion Williamson who’s boss. Embiid has been on a tear of late, averaging 37 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in December. Zion, meanwhile, had a massive game on Thursday to help the Pelicans secure a 119-118 victory over the Timberwolves. Williamson had 43 points on 14/21 (66.7%) shooting, with Timberwolves guard saying after the game that Williams is playing football and everyone else is playing basketball, such is the aggression the big man shows.
Despite this play from Williamson, I’m siding with the underdog again in this one. The 76ers have been poor away from home this season, but they appear to be playing top level basketball right now. Before their loss to the Wizards on Wednesday, they’d won 8-straight. I expect them to start another winning streak today.
Philadelphia 76ers ML
$2.15 (1.5 units)
Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings
Golden 1 Center, 2:00pm AEDT
After starting the season 12-6, the Jazz have quickly slipped back to the pack, to where they are now clinging onto a play-in spot, as they sit 9th in the Western Conference. And whilst they are still playing well at home, their road form has hit the skids, where they’ve only managed to win one of their past 9 road games. Today, they take on the Sacramento Kings, who have been one of the surprise packets of the season, currently sitting in 6th in the Western Conference with an 18-15 record.
Both teams have a fresh bill of health, so all things being equal I’m sticking with the home team here. I make the Kings about 2-points better on a neutral, and with home court counting a lot against a Jazz team that appears close to giving up on the road, I’ll take the Kings to cover the 1-score spread.
Sacramento Kings (-3)
$1.94 (1.5 units)
