It’s Christmas Day, and that means it’s time for NBA action! On this day, we’ll see five matchups: Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks, Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Lakers & Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz.
Best NBA Christmas Day Bets (12/25/21)
Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks (-6) – TOTAL: 209.5
Pick: Knicks -6 (-110)
Christmas Day is always special in the heart of Manhattan, and it looks like the Knicks will be facing ATL’s G-League team. This could get ugly quickly with all the missing Hawks’ bodies. In fact, the Knicks really aren’t missing too many bodies at all; Kevin Knox and Nerlens Noel it’s looking like at the moment. The Hawks have Trae Young listed as doubtful, and basically, every key ATL player is either questionable, out or has some sort of black cloud around them.
Looking at the betting landscape the day before, we’re seeing about two-thirds of the money heading in the Knicks’ favor while the number of bets placed is right around 50/50.
Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks (-4.5)
Pick: Celtics +4.5 (-110)
This looks like low-hanging fruit to easily take the Bucks and roll to victory. However, the Celtics have won three straight meetings outright and covered seven of the last eight. It’s also worth noting that six of the last seven meetings have gone over the total.
Looking at the betting landscape, an overwhelming amount of money is heading in the Bucks’ direction. I will go against the masses and roll with the Celtics in this one, given the success they’ve had in the past over today’s opponent.
Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns
Pick: Under 215.5 Points (-110)
The Suns are hefty favorites at home in this monumental matchup of Western Conference heavyweights. In the two season meetings, the teams have split, and this sets up a clash of styles that could have an impact on the total.
It’s worth noting that the under has gone 9-1-1 in the last 11 meetings between the Suns and Warriors. We did see the total open at around 217.5 and fly all the way down to 215.5 points.
Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Lakers +1 (-110)
This is the most intriguing line of the day, probably because it’s the closest. Things got even more hectic when we learned that Kevin Durant will not be playing in the Christmas Day contest.
Both sides are going to be missing plenty of players, so that does make things hectic. Let’s roll with the Lakers at home, knowing that we get LeBron James in a primetime holiday matchup at home.
Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz
Pick: Jazz -12.5 (-110)
The Mavericks will be without pretty much everyone that matters on their roster. For most people, it would have been surprising to see the Jazz listed as double-digit favorites. However, missing guys like Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis will prove to be too much.
The Jazz are one of the best home teams in the NBA, even if the record doesn’t show it yet this season. As the last game of the day, most people will blindly take the +12.5 and go with Mavericks. Be smarter, and know that they don’t have a chance in this game.
