Giannis Antetokounmpo had another transcendent night for Milwaukee, needing only 30 minutes on the floor to score 50 points and grab 13 rebounds in a 135-110 home win over New Orleans on Sunday. He went 20 of 26 from the floor and posted his fifth 50-point regular-season contest in his career. It was also his second in the month of January, making this the first time he has had more than one 50-point night in the same season. His career high came on January 3, when he dropped 55 on Detroit. He and Joel Embiid are the only players who have more than one 50-point, 10-rebound game this season. Let’s look ahead to a couple of promising NBA betting picks for Monday night’s NBA action.
NBA News: Top Betting Picks for Week 16
Monday, January 30
L.A. Lakers (+8.5) at Brooklyn Nets (O/U 230.5) (7:30 pm ET)
The Lakers (23-27) will not have LeBron James or Anthony Davis in this matchup. Davis is resting due to a right foot stress injury after playing in the last two Laker games. He had missed 20 straight due to the injury. James will miss the first game of a back-to-back in New York City with soreness in his left ankle. The Lakers continue their uneven journey through the 2022-23 season, as a 2-10 start has been followed by a 21-17 record, including nine wins in their last 15 games. However, their last game was an overtime loss in Boston on Saturday. It looked like LeBron James was fouled on the last play of the fourth quarter, but it was not called, and James’ petulant reaction has received all kinds of attention on Twitter. James put up 41 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, and AD had 16 points and 10 rebounds. Russell Westbrook continues to struggle, starting 0 of 6 and finishing 4 of 14.
Brooklyn (30-19) is another team that started slowly, posting a 2-6 record after eight games. However, from the end of November to the start of January, they had a sizzling 16-1 record, but Kevin Durant’s knee injury has had them struggling for the last three weeks, during which time they have a 3-6 record. They did beat the Knicks on Saturday, 122-115, behind 32 points and nine assists from Kyrie Irving. Irving has now put up at least 30 points in six consecutive games, including a 48-point night against the Jazz on January 20. Against the Knicks, 21 of his points came in the last 9:30 of the fourth quarter. The only Brooklyn injury is Ben Simmons (knee), who is questionable to play. Nets to win and cover.
Toronto Raptors (+1.5) at Phoenix Suns (O/U 220.5) (9:00 pm ET)
Toronto (23-28) is likely to miss O.G. Anunoby (wrist), as he is listed as doubtful. They won their last game, beating Portland on the road, 123-105, to bounce back from a 12-point loss at Golden State. Toronto roared out to a 37-14 lead after one quarter and also dominated the fourth quarter by 13 points to cement their third win in their last four games. Precious Achiuwa set a career mark with 27 points, and he also posted 13 boards. Pascal Siakam put up 24 points, and Scottie Barnes had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Phoenix (26-25) saw a four-game winning streak end on Thursday, as the Dallas Mavericks came in and won, 99-95. They recovered with a 128-118 road win in San Antonio, but they needed overtime to win after they blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul put up 31 points and 11 assists to lead the Suns. Mikal Bridges contributed 25 points, and Deandre Ayton chipped in 23 points and eight rebounds. They permitted 17 offensive rebounds and 66 points in the paint, which is how the Spurs were able to claw back and force the extra frame. Devin Booker missed that game and will also miss Monday’s clash. Raptors to cover.
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