Here are the expert picks for the NFL and NBA games scheduled on Wednesday, December 25, 2024:
NFL Picks
1. Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers
• Moneyline: Chiefs (-200), Steelers (+170)
• Spread: Chiefs -5.5
• Over/Under: 44.0 points
• Pick: Chiefs to win and cover; over 44.0 points
• Reasoning: Kansas City’s high-powered offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, should outscore Pittsburgh, even on the road. The Steelers’ defense is solid but won’t keep up with the Chiefs’ dynamic playmakers.
2. Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans
• Moneyline: Ravens (-175), Texans (+155)
• Spread: Ravens -4.5
• Over/Under: 47.5 points
• Pick: Ravens to win and cover; under 47.5 points
• Reasoning: Lamar Jackson’s ability to extend plays and control the pace will prove too much for Houston’s defense. Expect a methodical Ravens win with fewer total points.
NBA Picks
1. San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks
• Moneyline: Knicks (-150), Spurs (+130)
• Spread: Knicks -3.5
• Over/Under: 219.5 points
• Pick: Knicks to win and cover; over 219.5 points
• Reasoning: Madison Square Garden will energize the Knicks, and their defensive depth will keep Victor Wembanyama in check. A high-paced game favors the over.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves @ Dallas Mavericks
• Moneyline: Mavericks (-130), Timberwolves (+110)
• Spread: Mavericks -2.5
• Over/Under: 227.5 points
• Pick: Mavericks to win and cover; over 227.5 points
• Reasoning: Luka Dončić will thrive in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals, exploiting Minnesota’s defensive gaps.
3. Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers
• Moneyline: Celtics (-140), 76ers (+120)
• Spread: Celtics -3.5
• Over/Under: 222.5 points
• Pick: Celtics to win and cover; under 222.5 points
• Reasoning: Boston’s defense and offensive efficiency should outlast Joel Embiid and the Sixers in a low-scoring affair.
4. Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors
• Moneyline: Warriors (-110), Lakers (-110)
• Spread: Even
• Over/Under: 230.5 points
• Pick: Warriors to win; over 230.5 points
• Reasoning: The Warriors’ shooting will be key in a fast-paced, high-scoring matchup against the Lakers.
5. Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns
• Moneyline: Nuggets (-125), Suns (+105)
• Spread: Nuggets -2.5
• Over/Under: 234.0 points
• Pick: Nuggets to win and cover; under 234.0 points
• Reasoning: Denver’s depth and defensive adjustments will make the difference against Phoenix in a tightly contested game.
Best Parlay Option
NFL Parlay
1. Chiefs -5.5
2. Ravens -4.5
Odds: Approx. +250
$10 Bet Payout: ~$35
NBA Parlay
1. Knicks -3.5
2. Mavericks -2.5
3. Celtics -3.5
Odds: Approx. +600
$10 Bet Payout: ~$70
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