- AI Smart Sports Betting
- Posts
- NBA Best Bets - 12/19/2024
NBA Best Bets - 12/19/2024
Good Morning!
NBA is back today and we have some bets!
Our A.I. crunched all of the numbers and ran all of the data and this is what it came up with:
But First…
We have NIKE as a sponsor of this newsletter. Yes, THAT Nike.
Do me a favor and click on their ad! See what they are offering.
Building a good relationship with large sponsors allows me to do more betting content for all of you and that’s a good thing!
Give the Gift of Sport With Nike
The holidays are here—a time to connect, celebrate, and share the joy of giving. Nike makes it easy to find gifts that inspire greatness and movement.
From timeless sneakers to cozy fleece hoodies, Nike’s gift guide has something for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for the sports enthusiast, the weekend adventurer, or the casual style icon, these gifts are designed to elevate their routine.
Take the stress out of shopping with Nike’s curated collections and effortless online experience. Celebrate the season with gifts that bring joy to their every step.
Jazz vs Pistons
Best Bet: Pistons -4.5
Reasoning:
The Pistons are at home and just pulled off a confidence-building OT win against a solid Miami team.
The Jazz have been abysmal on the road and defensively, making it hard to keep this game close.
Detroit’s slightly better recent form and home-court advantage should secure at least a 5-point win.
Secondary Bet: Over 227.5
Reasoning:
Both teams struggle defensively, with each allowing well over 115 PPG in recent games.
Even with somewhat average offenses, their poor defense likely leads to a higher-scoring game surpassing 227.5 points.
Projected Score:
Pistons 118, Jazz 110
Thunder vs Magic
Thought for a second
Matchup Breakdown: Thunder vs. Magic
Key Factors:
Team Form:
Thunder (20-5): Oklahoma City has been dominant, especially recently. They’re 9-1 in their last 10, averaging 117.1 PPG while allowing only 102.8 PPG — a 14.3-point differential. Their road record (9-3) also shows they can perform away from home.
Magic (17-11): Orlando is strong at home (10-1), a significant advantage. They’ve gone 6-4 in their last 10, scoring 107.2 PPG and allowing just 104.4 PPG. Defense has been a hallmark for the Magic, but their offense (107.2 PPG) is not as potent as OKC’s.
Offense vs. Defense:
Thunder Offense vs. Magic Defense: OKC’s offense is on fire, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.3 PPG). They’re putting up 117.1 PPG over their last 10, while Orlando allows just 104.4 PPG in that span. Something has to give. The Thunder’s pace and efficiency might crack the Magic’s stout defense, but it will be challenging given Orlando’s strong home presence.
Magic Offense vs. Thunder Defense: Orlando’s offense, missing key scorers like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, might struggle. Without Wagner (24.4 PPG) and Banchero, their top offensive threats are diminished. The Magic’s moderate offense faces a Thunder defense holding opponents to 102.8 PPG recently.
Injuries:
Magic: Missing Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner is huge. They are the team’s primary playmakers and scorers. Gary Harris (day-to-day) further reduces wing depth.
Thunder: Missing Chet Holmgren and some bench pieces affects depth, but the Thunder’s core (SGA, Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey) remains intact and in great form.
Pace and Efficiency:
The Thunder excel in transition and forcing turnovers (11.9 steals/game in last 10). With the Magic short-handed, OKC can take advantage and create easy scoring opportunities.
The Magic’s success at home is impressive, but without their top scorers, it’s harder to keep pace with a red-hot Thunder offense.
Best Bet: Thunder -6.5
Reasoning:
The Thunder’s recent dominance, coupled with the Magic missing key offensive players, gives OKC the edge.
Even on the road, OKC’s balanced attack and defensive intensity should help them cover the spread.
Orlando’s strong defense and home record are noted, but losing key scorers Banchero and Wagner is likely too big a hurdle.
Secondary Bet: Under 212.5
Reasoning:
The Magic’s strong defense and missing scorers suggest a lower-scoring affair.
The Thunder’s defense is elite recently, and Orlando’s shorthanded offense could struggle to reach their usual output, pushing the total under.
Projected Score:
Thunder 110, Magic 98
THE BETS BELOW ARE FOR PREMIUM SUBSCRIBERS ONLY. SUBSCRIBE TO GET ALL OF OUR BETS EVERYDAY!

Subscribe to Premium Data to read the rest.
Become a paying subscriber of Premium Data to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content.
Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.
A subscription gets you:
- • See Where Smart Money Is Betting
- • Analytics Breakdown
- • Simulated Results Driven by A.I.