NBA Picks & Parlay of the Weekend| December 22-24

As the NBA Christmas Day extravaganza unfolds, basketball bettors are treated to a thrilling lineup of matchups featuring some of the league's top contenders. Among the highly anticipated clashes are the Golden State Warriors taking on the Denver Nuggets, the Boston Celtics facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Dallas Mavericks challenging the Phoenix Suns. Each game carries its own narrative, with defending champions, offensive powerhouses, and perennial contenders vying for supremacy on the holiday stage.

In the showdown between the Warriors and Nuggets, the defending champions, led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, look to assert their dominance against the inconsistent Warriors, who face challenges without key defender Draymond Green. The Lakers, fresh off their NBA In-Season Tournament victory, aim to reignite their motivation against the talented Celtics, presenting an opportunity for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to shine. The Christmas Day finale features the Mavericks and Suns, with the Suns seeking redemption amid injuries and the Mavericks relying on the brilliance of Luka Doncic.

As the basketball world eagerly anticipates these captivating contests, betting enthusiasts can explore exciting opportunities and odds to make informed picks on FanDuel. Get ready for a Christmas Day filled with hoops action and potential betting triumphs.

Nuggets -6 |-108 at FanDuel

In the upcoming clash between the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena, the Nuggets are favored with a -6 spread according to FanDuel.. The Nuggets, defending NBA champions, have showcased moments of championship-level play, led by stars Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Despite their overall standing, they remain a formidable offensive force, ranking seventh in offensive efficiency.

The Warriors, though capable of defeating quality teams, have been inconsistent this season, standing at 13-14. The absence of Draymond Green, a key defender, poses a challenge, especially against Jokić, who excelled with a 35-point performance in their previous matchup.
In the first meeting, the Nuggets secured a 108-105 victory, and with Murray now back in the lineup, their offensive efficiency is expected to improve. The Nuggets hold a favorable ATS record against the Warriors, going 5-1 in their last six encounters.

Considering the Nuggets' offensive prowess and the potential defensive challenges for the Warriors, particularly without Green, the Nuggets are poised to cover the -6 spread. Expect the Nuggets to pull ahead in the fourth quarter, securing an 8 or 9-point victory on Christmas. Check out the odds on FanDuel for an informed pick on this intriguing matchup.

Lakers +2.5 | -110 at FanDuel

In the highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, the odds from FanDuel favor the Celtics with a -2.5 spread. The game is projected to be a high-scoring affair with an Over-Under set at 236.5 points.

The last encounter between these historic franchises ended in an overtime victory for the Celtics on January 28, with a final score of 125-121. However, the Lakers, coming off their NBA In-Season Tournament win, have displayed moments of inconsistency and lack of motivation.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis, key contributors for the Lakers, have the potential to shine on a national stage against the talented Celtics. The Celtics, while boasting a perfect 14-0 home record, have struggled on the road, making them one of the worst bets away from TD Garden.

Considering the Lakers' home-court advantage, the recent lackluster performances of the Celtics on the road, and the potential for James and Davis to step up, there appears to be solid value in betting on the Lakers as a slight home underdog with a +2.5 spread. Tune in to FanDuel for the latest odds and make an informed pick for this exciting Christmas Day matchup.

Mavericks +5 | -110 at FanDuel

In the concluding matchup of the NBA Christmas Day schedule, the Dallas Mavericks face the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center, with the Suns holding a -5 spread according to FanDuel. This anticipated showdown features the Suns as 4-point favorites, emphasizing the expectation of a closely contested game.

Despite the Suns entering the season with high Championship odds, injuries and a slow start have affected their performance. Bradley Beal's absence due to an ankle injury has impacted the Suns' depth, particularly in the bench scoring department, where they rank second to last in the league.

On the other hand, the Mavericks, led by the stellar Luka Doncic, showcase an impressive offensive game, ranking sixth in offensive efficiency with a rating of 1.151. Doncic's MVP-level performance, averaging around 33 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, has propelled the Mavericks to a top-10 road efficiency rating of 1.138.

Considering the potential for a closely contested game and the Suns' struggles in bench scoring, there's an opportunity to consider the Mavericks as underdogs with a +5 spread on FanDuel. Tune in for the latest odds and make an informed pick for this exciting Christmas Day matchup in the desert.