Sunday will be another exciting day in the NBA. There will be a chance for last-second heroics like we saw from Dorian Finney-Smith and Cole Anthony on Saturday. There could be upsets, and there will be teams unseating others from the current positions in the playoff race.
Let’s look at three underdog picks that are worth investing in.
Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Picks
Raptors vs. Lakers Betting Trends
Best Bet: Raptors +8
Despite all of the losing that the Raptors have been doing this year, they have managed to find themselves in every single game they have played. Rarely have they been blown out, the starters playing their tail off for Nick Nurse. The lineup now is not at all what it was earlier in the season, but even better.
Ignoring the fact that they lost to the Jazz on Saturday night without Kyle Lowry, the team played hard. Fred VanVleet scored 30, and Khem Birch almost had a triple-double. Even if the Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the chemistry is going to take some time.
The Raptors have a chance against any team in the league on a given night. So, give some consideration to TOR +8 for Sunday night.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Picks
Best Bet: Nets +1
When it comes to the Nets, we’ve learned that anything can happen. It matters not who is on the floor for them but which players are on the roster. So many guys have stepped up out of nowhere, Alize Johnson putting up a 20-point, 20-rebound effort a few nights ago. The sudden retirement of LaMarcus Aldridge has not decimated the frontcourt and its hopes as many expected.
Blake Griffin has continued to look more and more comfortable. And the team should have both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving available. As James Harden continues his rehab, the other two stars will finally get some reps together. Giannis has missed the majority of the last few games, and so even if he comes back, he’d be rusty.
Brooklyn as a one-point underdog is a no-brainer. They’ve been a tough out for teams around the league this entire year. In Milwaukee, they’re a perfect choice at BKN +1.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat Picks
Hornets vs. Heat Betting Trends
Best Bet: Hornets +1
The final underdog idea to consider is the Hornets over the Heat. Both teams picked up wins on Saturday night and want to sweep their back-to-back set. One will get their wish while the other will just be wallowing following a defeat.
Charlotte finally got Malik Monk and LaMelo Ball back. LaMelo finished with 11-8-7 in 28 minutes of solid action against Detroit in the debut, while Monk helped add a nice scoring touch off the bench. With Devonte Graham out of the lineup, the timing was perfect. The problem now is that Gordon Hayward still needs some time to recover before he comes back.
The reason for Charlotte +1 being a feasible win here is the fact that they have beaten teams on their wavelength throughout the year. The Heat have more talent but have continued to struggle in finding consistency. Terry Rozier is poised for a breakout game, while Bam Adebayo and PJ Washington play a critical matchup on the interior.
The Hornets can do this thing.