NBA Cup action continues on Wednesday where we have five games to sink our teeth into. The first up the Cup games will gets underway from 11:00am AEDT, while the last of the day are set for a 2:00pm AEDT tip-off. As always, we have you covered with our three best bets for the day below!
Also, make sure to head over to our NBA Tips regularly, as we’ll be providing free tips for all the major slates for each and every week of the 2024-25 season!
NBA Betting Tips: Wednesday, November 27th 2024
Chicago Bulls at Washington Wizards (11:10am AEDT)
The Chicago Bulls head into their upcoming matchup against the Wizards with a solid offensive profile but significant challenges on the defensive end. Currently, the Bulls rank 18th in offensive rating with 112.5 points per 100 possessions, indicating their ability to score at a reasonable pace. They have also shown a decent three-point shooting percentage, ranking 5th in the league at 38.5%. However, their defensive rating is troubling, as they sit 27th with a mark of 118.7, allowing opponents to score freely.
On the other hand, the Washington Wizards have struggled significantly this season, ranking 30th in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They’ve faced difficulties in both scoring and preventing points, which is why they come into this with a league-worst record of 2-13. While the Wizards will have the advantage of playing at home, their defensive struggles, especially in stopping three-point shooting and protecting the paint, make them vulnerable to the Bulls' offense.
The Bulls, despite their defensive challenges, should have enough offensive firepower to overcome the Wizards. Given their better overall scoring efficiency and the Wizards' ongoing defensive issues, the Bulls are likely to come away with a relatively easy win in this matchup.
Bulls -4.5
$1.92 (1.5 Units)
Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves (11:10am AEDT)
The Houston Rockets (12-6) are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8) tomorrow in what should be a tough battle in Cup group play. The Rockets have been solid all around, with a 112.8 offensive rating and a strong 104.1 defensive rating. They also dominate on the boards, averaging 50.2 rebounds per game. Their ability to control the glass and create second-chance points will remain crucial against a Timberwolves team that's struggled with consistency on defence.
Minnesota has a strong offence, ranking 6th in the league with a 114.7 offensive rating, but they lag behind when it comes to defence, sitting with a 112.7 defensive rating. They can score, but stopping Houston from getting extra possessions could be a problem. The Timberwolves will need to find a way to tighten up defensively to stay in the game.
Given Houston’s well-rounded game, especially their rebounding and defensive play, they’re a big chance to cause an upset in this one. Minnesota’s going to need a big effort on both ends to keep pace, but Houston’s depth and balance give them the edge in this matchup on current form for mine.
Rockets to Win
$2.40 (1 Unit)
Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns (2:00pm AEDT)
The Los Angeles Lakers (10–6) have been performing well offensively, ranking 4th in the league with an offensive rating of 117.4 in the 2024-25 season. However, their defence remains a concern, as they sit 26th in defensive rating with 117.9. Rebounding continues to be a weak point for the Lakers, as they rank 28th with just 39.6 rebounds per game. To win, Los Angeles will need to improve their defence and rebounding while maintaining their offensive efficiency.
The Phoenix Suns (9–7) have been solid on offense, ranking 12th with an offensive rating of 114.2. Their three-point shooting has been strong, placing them 8th in the league with a 36.6% shooting percentage. Defensively, however, they rank 25th with a defensive rating of 116.7. Additionally, the Suns have struggled with turnovers, averaging 13.9 per game. To stay competitive against the Lakers' potent offense, Phoenix will need to limit their turnovers and improve their defence.
Despite Phoenix's strong shooting, the Lakers' superior offensive rating and overall depth should give them the upper hand in this matchup. Phoenix must improve their defensive rating and reduce turnovers to compete effectively against Los Angeles, but it’s tough to see them doing that on current form.
Lakers to Win
$2.45 (1 Unit)
