2024/2025 NBA Dec 14 Betting Predictions
The NBA season continues on Saturday with three interesting matchups. Can the Lakers step up without LeBron, the Grizzlies look for a 7th straight home win and the Nuggets are looking to break a 4-game losing streak against the Clippers.
Los Angeles Lakers (13-11) at Minnesota Timberwolves (12-11)
The Lakers are heading into their matchup against the Timberwolves with a 13-11 season record and a 4-6 run in their last 10 games. They’ve shown some fight lately, picking up a solid 9-point win over the Trail Blazers on Monday, thanks to Anthony Davis dropping 30 points and D’Angelo Russell adding 28. Despite that win, they’ve been inconsistent, going 2-3 in their last five games while scoring an average of 103.4 points and allowing 115.8 points per game. On the road, they’ve struggled, losing their last two away games and posting a 2-3 record in their last five road contests.
Looking at the head-to-head matchups since 2022, the Lakers trail 4-6 in the last 10 meetings with the Timberwolves. Anthony Davis has been a standout in these games, averaging 30 points, while LeBron James has contributed 26 points per game in the last five meetings. However, the Lakers will be without LeBron James this time due to injury, which could make things tougher against a Timberwolves team they’ve struggled to beat consistently.
The Timberwolves head into their game against the Lakers with a 12-11 record this season and a 5-5 split over their last 10 outings. They’re looking to bounce back after an 8-point home loss to the Warriors, where they led by as much as 12 but couldn’t hold on, finishing with a 114-106 defeat. Despite the loss, Minnesota’s recent form has been solid, going 4-1 in their last five games while averaging 104.6 points and holding opponents to just 91.2 points per game.
At home, the Timberwolves have been strong, winning their last two games and holding a 7-3 record in their last 10. They also have the edge against the Lakers in recent head-to-head matchups, winning six of the last 10 meetings. Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid have been key contributors in those games, averaging 26 points apiece. With no reported injuries, Minnesota will look to take advantage of a LeBron James-less Lakers squad to build some momentum.
Stadium Record
Minnesota are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Los Angeles are 2-13 in their last 15 games.
Head to Head Record
The Timberwolves hold a 6-4 record in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
I think the Timberwolves defence should be the key factor in this matchup going Under. The Timberwolves are 5-1 against the Under and 10-4 when they face LA. The Lakers also have a 7-2 record against the Under in their last 9 and LeBron is out.
Same Game Multi
Rui Hachimura has 5 and 9 rebounds in his last 2 games and LeBron out helps him get around the boards. Timberwolves should win this comfortably too.
Under 213.5 pts / Timberwolves Win / Rui Hachimura 5+ Rebounds = $4.20
Brooklyn Nets (10-14) at Memphis Grizzlies (17-8)
The Nets are gearing up to face the Grizzlies with a 10-14 season record and a 5-5 split in their last 10 games. They’re coming off a close 118-113 loss to the Bucks at home, despite shooting 50.6% from the field and 45.7% from three. Brooklyn has struggled in their last five games, going 1-4 while averaging just 101.2 points and allowing 111.8 points per game.
On the road, the Nets have been inconsistent, losing their last game but holding a 3-2 record in their last five away outings. Historically, they’ve had the upper hand against the Grizzlies, winning four of their last six matchups. Dennis Schröder has been a standout in those games, averaging 27 points in his last two meetings against Memphis. However, the Nets will be without Cam Thomas, which could impact their scoring depth in this matchup.
The Grizzlies are heading into their matchup with the Nets on a roll, boasting a 17-8 record and an impressive 9-1 streak over their last 10 games. They’re riding a 3-game winning streak, including a dominant 28-point win over the Wizards on Monday, where Jaren Jackson Jr. dropped 21 points and Santi Aldama added 19. The team has been lighting it up offensively, averaging 126.8 points per game in their last five contests, though their defence has allowed 117 points per game during that stretch.
At home, Memphis has been nearly unbeatable, with a 6-game win streak and a 9-1 record over their last 10 home games. However, they’ve struggled against the Nets recently, holding a 2-4 record in their last six meetings. Ja Morant has been consistent against Brooklyn, averaging 26 points in the last three matchups, while teammates like Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard have all delivered big performances in recent games against the Nets. Memphis looks to keep their hot streak alive as they continue their road trip.
Stadium Record
Memphis are 9-1 in their last 10 at home. Brooklyn are 2-2 in the last 4.
Head to Head Record
The Grizzlies have lost 4 games against the Nets in the last 6 meetings since 2022.
Best Bet
I like the chances of a high-scoring affair. The Grizz are on fire, scoring 120+ pts in their last 2. Hopefully, the Nets can keep up the pace. The Over is 5-2 in this matchup in Memphis so I like the trend.
Same Game Multi
Ja Morant averages 28 pts in his last 4 games against the Nets and put up 32 against the Celtics last time he played. Grizz are 6-0 at home so I don't see the Nets beating them without Cam Thomas.
Grizzlies Win / Over 231.5 pts / Ja Morant 25+ pts = $5.00
LA Clippers (14-11) at Denver Nuggets (12-10)
The Clippers head into their matchup against the Nuggets with a 14-11 record but are looking to snap a 2-game losing streak. Their most recent game saw them fall 117-106 to the Rockets at home, struggling with just 44.6% shooting from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc. Over their last five games, the Clippers have gone 2-3, averaging 106.2 points while giving up 109 points per game.
On the road, the Clippers have been up and down, holding a 5-5 record in their last 10 away games but losing their most recent one. Against the Nuggets, they’ve had mixed results, going 4-6 in their last 10 meetings. With their current skid, the Clippers need to find some rhythm and step up offensively if they want to compete with Denver.
The Nuggets come into their matchup with the Clippers holding a 12-10 record and riding high off a dominant 30-point win over the Hawks. Nikola Jokic was unstoppable in that game, dropping 48 points, with Michael Porter Jr. adding 26. The Nuggets shot an impressive 62.9% from the field, although they were a bit sloppy with 18 turnovers. Over their last five games, Denver has gone 2-3, averaging a strong 121.8 points per game but allowing opponents to score 120 points on average.
Against the Clippers, the Nuggets have had the upper hand, winning six of their last 10 meetings. Jokic has been a standout in these matchups, averaging 31 points in the last three games. With both teams looking to gain consistency, Denver will aim to build on their momentum and keep their offence rolling in this one.
Stadium Record
Denver are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. Los Angeles are 1-5 in their last 6.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets have won 6 games in the previous 10 matchups.
Best Bet
Both teams should be fresh from a break and I like the Over trend with the Nuggets. They're 14-6 against the Over in their last 20 at any venue and 7-1 at home.
Same Game Multi
The Clippers are 5-1 ATS when they play Denver and have won the last 4 matchups, so I can see them keeping it close. But I don't think they'll have a matchup for Jokic as he's scored 35+ pts in 3 of his last 5 games.
