Tony Dejak / Associated Press
Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James, left, and Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry battle for a loose ball in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 109-108.
Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 | 2 a.m.
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Watching NBA games on Christmas, for some, is part of the holiday tradition. The league today has five games scheduled, all of which are on national television and feature the game’s biggest stars.
And for many in Las Vegas, betting on the games is also part of the tradition.
But who to bet on?
Here’s some help:
Bucks at Knicks
TV: 9:10 a.m., ESPN
Line: Bucks minus-10, Total: 227.5
Analysis: The Knicks are one of the NBA’s worst teams and enter with a 9-25 record. But one of those victories came Dec. 1 against the Bucks at home. The Knicks are averaging 124.5 points in two games this season against Milwaukee. More important, Madison Square Garden is always electric for the Christmas game, creating an distinct home court advantage. Pick: Knicks.
Thunder at Rockets
TV: 12:10 p.m., ABC
Line: Rockets minus-1.5, Total: 221.5
Analysis: This will be the highest-scoring game of the day. It feature two teams that get up and down the court, attempt a lot of 3-pointers and have players who get to the free throw line. Pick: Total Over
76ers at Celtics
TV: 2:40 p.m., ABC
Line: Celtics minus-4, Total: 223
Analysis: The line is only minus-4 because Boston has been battling injuries and lost three games straight up last week. But the Celtics are still the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. They will make a Christmas statement against a contender with a blowout victory. Pick: Celtics
Lakers at Warriors
TV: 5:10 p.m., ESPN
Line: Warriors minus-9, Total: 235
Analysis: The total is too high in this one. Yes, both teams like to run and can score in bunches. And, yes, both teams will score in triple digits. I just don’t see them each scoring 29 points a quarter, which is more than a basket per minute. Pick: Total under
Trailblazers at Jazz
TV: 7:40 p.m., ESPN
Line: Jazz minus-6, Total: 214
Analysis: Portland lost by 30 points to Utah last week at home. Utah made 55 percent of its shots, as the game got away from Portland in the second half. Don’t let that result fool you — Portland is the better team. Pick: Trailblazers
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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