NBA Picks: Bet This Two-Team Parlay Tonight

There has been a lot of change going on in the NBA lately, with big trades and, of course, those residual effects of COVID-19.

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We take some of that into consideration as we compile a Wednesday parlay of NBA games, which you can wager on at HRWager:

Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets Predictions

Suns vs. Rockets Betting Analysis

When: 9:35 PM ET

NBA Betting Odds: Suns -5.5

Like you, we have been able to read between the lines when seeing and even hearing what Houston players have said about the presence and then departure of James Harden. The bottom line is that Harden was more or less a cancer to this team, and that he had bailed out. As such, they couldn’t have him around any longer.

We did figure this team would get a “bump” after the trade, and they did. But those things don’t often last long. We assume John Wall is happy,since he was kind of unhappy when Harden was present. We assume Christian Wood is happy. We know Victor Oladipo is happy; he had 32 points against Chicago the other night. But that took place in a loss. And the Rockets have dropped four of five, as these guys really have to get to know each other.

The Suns finish up a road trip here. And they have lost three of four, including a painful 21-point beatdown by Washington. But the bright side – if you can call it that – is that they did not play for a week because of COVID-related postponements and then came back, uh, not sharp against Memphis.

With two days off, you can say that they are fresh but no longer “rusty.” And there is still some chemistry around this camp, which is always going to be the case with Chris Paul running the show on the floor.

Coach Monty Williams believes he will improve both the first and second units with his lineup change that puts Cam Johnson in the starting lineup ahead of Jae Crowder. Okay, we trust him.

The Play: PHOENIX -5.5

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Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors Predictions

Heat vs. Raptors Betting Analysis

When: 7:35 PM ET

NBA Betting Odds: Raptors -4 (-115)

Well, if you’re a Raptors fan, you’re probably saying “Yeah, that was more like it” after seeing this team get off to a 2-8 start,now that there is a three-game winning streak. Actually, that streak could easily be six, if not for a pair of one-point losses to Portland and Golden State (where they were able to tie up Steph Curry pretty well).

This is an all-Florida affair; in case you are not aware of it, the Raptors, because of the travel restrictions going to and coming from Canada, have to take up residence this season in Tampa. They are actually 4-2 in their adopted hometown (must be a lot of support from snowbirds). And this is the first of two games at the Amalie Arena.

The Heat have not carried the momentum of their NBA FInals appearance in the bubble into this season.They have had a hard time getting out of the starting gate, and missing All-Star Jimmy Butler and defensive ace Avery Bradley right now doesn’t help them. Both are out because of COVID protocols.

Then there are the guys who are banged up and a little iffy. Tyler Herro made the trip to Tampa for this two-game series but is questionable with a neck injury. Center Meyers Leonard, who provides an offensive option to stretch opposing defenses from the pivot, is out with a shoulder ailment. Goran Dragic is being bothered by a foot injury, but how can they do without him?

It hurts just to read that injury report.

The Play: TORONTO -4 (-115)

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