Another day, another triple-double for Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. The Joker put up 40 points and set a career record with 27 rebounds on Sunday in a 119-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Jokic added 10 assists to give him five triple-doubles this season and the 81st of his career. This game was a little more special, though, as he became just the second player to have a stat line of at least 40-27-10. The other? Wilt Chamberlain, who did it four times, most recently in 1968, when he went 53-32-44 for Philadelphia. Jokic also sealed the victory with two free throws with 13 seconds remaining in regulation. As we move into Week 10 of the 2022-23 NBA regular season, check out these two NBA betting picks.
NBA News: Week 10 Betting Preview
→ Monday, December 19
Utah Jazz (+6.5) at Cleveland Cavaliers (O/U 220.5) (7:00 pm ET)
The Jazz arrive in Cleveland on a five-game road losing streak, and they lost in their last outing as well, a 123-97 spanking at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks. Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 18 points and grabbed four rebounds, and Malik Beasley chipped in 18 points and three rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also hit double figures with 14 points and five boards. Defense has been the issue for Utah this season, as the Jazz surrender 116 points per game. Collin Sexton is questionable for Monday’s game with a hamstring issue.
Cleveland has a three-game winning streak going, although they barely edged a Dallas team resting multiple starters, 100-99, on Saturday. In that win, the Cavs only made 19.4% of their three-point attempts. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 25 points, four rebounds and three assists. Darius Garland contributed 18 points, a dozen assists, seven rebounds and four steals, and Evan Mobley had 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Defense is a strength for Cleveland, as they only permit 104.6 points per game. I’m not sure the Cavaliers cover here, as the Jazz bring in plenty of scorers. Jazz to cover.
Milwaukee Bucks (-1.5) at New Orleans Pelicans (O/U 228.5) (8:00 pm ET)
Milwaukee is firing on all cylinders right now, as they dominated both ends of the floor in a 123-97 win over Utah in their last game. They have moved within a half-game of Boston, still in second place in the East. On offense, they are about in the middle of the pack, averaging 112.6 points per game, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, who puts up 30.6 points per game while shooting 52.7% overall. He is questionable (knee) for Monday, so check updates before you lock in a wager. The Bucks have not shot well from distance, only making 35.2% of their three-pointers. Their free throw percentage (73.8%) is also subpar (27th overall). The key has come on defense, as the Bucks only permit 108.4 points per game and permit just a 44.9% shooting percentage. Khris Middleton (knee) is also questionable for Monday’s game.
The Pelicans have slid out of first place in the West, now a game back of Memphis. They are third in the NBA in points scored (117.3 per game), and Zion Williamson continues to lead the team with 25.5 points per game, shooting 61% overall. Their three-point shooting (36.5%) has been serviceable, but they also struggle at the free-throw line (78.7%). On defense, the Pelicans limit opponents to 112 points per game. From distance, they only permit a 33.8% shooting percentage. The Bucks like to crash the rim instead of jack the ball up from distance, so Milwaukee has the right offense to win this game. However, again, don’t lock anything in until you get more news about Giannis’ and Khris Middleton’s status. Pelicans to cover.
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