NBA Betting Expert Picks for Wednesday (12/18/19)

The Wizards and Bulls represent a matchup of contrasts. Washington and Chicago are both bottom dwellers of the Eastern Conference. Both teams have been fairly cold of late with Chicago going 4-6 in their last ten while Washington has gone 3-7. 

The Bulls come in with no rest and after just giving up 143 points to the New York Knicks of all teams. Washington won its last game and can give up 120+ and score 120+ points with much ease. It is why there exist a fun and interesting "double bet" potential.

However, this will not be as easy as it looks. Washington is 8-17 straight up on the season but is 5-5 ATS at home while Chicago is 10-19 straight up and 7-6 ATS on the road. That just seems to make some hesitant. However, giving up just a point and a half is not terrible. It's almost a push if one argues that home advantage can carry 2-3 points typically. Both teams have sailed past the over in two straight games. That includes last night's Chicago game where the Bulls and Knicks combined for 263 points. Even the moneyline is not bad for this game, but let's not push our luck. 

The Bobcats are on a bit of a roll winning four of the last five games and going 4-1 ATS in that span as well. That includes hitting the over in their last contest. Cleveland has connected on the over in three straight games but has lost two in a row. Cleveland is a dismal 3-10 at home while Charlotte is 6-9 on the road. The wrinkle is that Charlotte is 8-7 ATS on the road. There have been typically a lot of movements with their games so that will be something to watch out for. Could this spread move to +2 or +2.5? It is quite possible. This spread has moved to +3.5 in some places too. Keep that in mind.

One might be inclined to look at the over and again that is enticing. However, with two bottom-paced teams (27th and 25th in the NBA) facing each other, this game could be ugly offensively. The spread becomes a safer pick and betting Charlotte to win outright on the moneyline is not outrageous.

The most prudent thing is to take the Hornets with the points on Wednesday night. It is expected to be a very close game and again, Charlotte could win outright.

It is safe to say that Portland has improved a little over the last ten games -- going 6-4 in that span. They are a mediocre 5-6 at home but that is a lot better than Golden State's abysmal 3-13 road mark.

The first half over/under was pondered. On the other hand, this game could turn hot in the second half. The overall over/under carries some intrigue here as it is only 220.5. That is a reasonable number. Some sites even trended closer to 222 for a bit but that has backed off some.

However, the safest bet on Wednesday here is the spread of just nine points. Consider that Golden State has been outscored overall by a margin of 9,4 points per contest. That number jumps to almost 12 on the road. There is some risk given that Portland is only 4-6-1 ATS at home and Golden State is 8-8 on the road ATS. On the other hand, Portland could be a late hammer here and is a reasonable cover at -9.  If this gets to -10 or greater, then pivot to the under of 220.5 but otherwise, stay with the spread.