Picks of the Week: Rockets-Nuggets, Heat-Lakers
A collaboration between ALL-STAR Magazine and SportsPlus PH
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to be consumed as financial advice but rather as a way to provide context on sports betting.
When it comes to making sharp NBA betting decisions, few are as consistent and insightful as Denzeal Chung and Sanjay Belani. Both seasoned gamblers, Denzeal and Sanjay, have built reputations in their field for reading the game beyond the box score, blending deep basketball knowledge with an uncanny ability to analyze the ever-changing odds. This week, they’re back with their top picks, breaking down matchups, player trends, and betting lines.
Running Record:
Denzeal: 3-5-0
Sanjay: 4-4-0
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Thursday, January 16
Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets
The red-hot Houston Rockets head to the Mile High City to face the Denver Nuggets in a clash featuring two of the league’s premier big men: Alperen Şengün and Nikola Jokić. This matchup promises to deliver an exciting showdown.
The Rockets have been on a tear, winning five of their last six games. Their only loss in that span came against the defending champion Boston Celtics. During this impressive stretch, they’ve toppled playoff-caliber teams like the Lakers, Mavericks, and Grizzlies.
Meanwhile, Denver will be on the second night of a back-to-back, which could impact their energy levels. Houston, riding the momentum of their recent comeback victory, enters the game on a day’s rest. This dynamic makes the Rockets an intriguing pick, as fatigue may become a factor for the Nuggets in the second half.
Trends:
The Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
The Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last five matchups against the Nuggets.
Sanjay’s Pick: Rockets -1.0
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers (11:00 AM)
The Miami Heat find themselves in the spotlight amid swirling trade rumors involving Jimmy Butler. In Butler’s absence, Tyler Herro has stepped up as Miami’s offensive leader, delivering All-Star-caliber numbers: 24 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in 38 appearances this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from a three-game losing streak, including a recent defeat to the Spurs. Their last encounter with the Heat ended in a 134-93 blowout loss when Butler was active. This time, Miami will need to prove they can win without their star forward, especially against a Lakers team bolstered by new additions Shake Milton and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Anthony Davis will be the key for Los Angeles, coming off a stretch where he’s averaged 25.4 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists over his last five games. Expect the Lakers to rally and secure a victory, using this game to lift the spirits of their fans following the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
Trends:
The Heat are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games.
The Lakers are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games.
Denzeal’s Pick: Lakers -4
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