NBA/NHL/NCAA Daily Picks 12/22

Here are the expert picks for the NBA games scheduled on Sunday, December 22, 2024:

1. Houston Rockets @ Toronto Raptors

• Moneyline: Raptors (-140), Rockets (+120)

• Spread: Raptors -3.5

• Over/Under: 228.5 points

• Pick: Raptors to win and cover; under 228.5 points

• Reasoning: Toronto’s home-court advantage and defensive edge should give them the upper hand in a lower-scoring game.

2. Indiana Pacers @ Sacramento Kings

• Moneyline: Kings (-160), Pacers (+140)

• Spread: Kings -4.5

• Over/Under: 234.0 points

• Pick: Kings to win and cover; over 234.0 points

• Reasoning: Sacramento’s fast-paced offense and superior shooting will likely outlast Indiana in a high-scoring matchup.

3. Denver Nuggets @ New Orleans Pelicans

• Moneyline: Nuggets (-200), Pelicans (+170)

• Spread: Nuggets -6.5

• Over/Under: 226.5 points

• Pick: Nuggets to win and cover; over 226.5 points

• Reasoning: Denver’s balanced attack, led by Nikola Jokić, should handle the Pelicans in a moderately high-scoring affair.

Best Parlay Option:

1. Raptors Moneyline (-140)

2. Kings -4.5

3. Nuggets -6.5

Odds: Approx. +500

$10 Bet Payout: ~$50