2024/2025 NBA Dec 12 Betting Predictions
The NBA Cup continues on Thursday with two matchups that I will preview below.
Atlanta Hawks (13-12) at New York Knicks (15-9)
The Hawks head into their clash with the Knicks sporting a 13-12 record and looking to bounce back after a rough 30-point loss to the Nuggets. That game saw Atlanta struggle on offence, shooting just 40.6% from the field and a dismal 22.5% from three, with zero leads throughout. Despite the setback, the Hawks have been solid recently, winning four of their last five games and averaging 119 points during that stretch. Their defence has been shaky, though, giving up 118.6 points per game. On the road, Atlanta has been impressive, riding a three-game away winning streak and a 6-4 record in their last ten road games.
When it comes to matchups with the Knicks, the series is tied 4-4 since 2022. Key players to watch include Zaccharie Risacher, who dropped 33 points in their last meeting, Bogdan Bogdanovic, who added 28, and Dejounte Murray, averaging 28 points in the last three games against New York. Atlanta will need to bring their A-game to break their one-game losing streak and keep their road momentum alive.
The Knicks are riding a 15-9 record into their next matchup against the Hawks, coming off a solid win over the Raptors on Tuesday. Karl-Anthony Towns dropped 24 points and Mikal Bridges added 23 to help secure a 5-point victory. The Knicks were sharp offensively, shooting 51.2% from the field and a strong 42.5% from three, despite some struggles at the free-throw line (63.2%).
Over their last five games, New York has been rolling with a 4-1 record, averaging 117.6 points while locking down defensively, allowing just 104 per game. While the team’s home streak is in the red with one loss, they’ve been strong overall in their last ten (7-3) and five (4-1) home games. Head-to-head with Atlanta since 2022 has been dead even at 4-4, but Towns will look to replicate his 34-point performance from their last meeting to tip the scales in the Knicks' favour.
Stadium Record
New York are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. Atlanta are 3-1 in their last 4.
Head to Head Record
In the last 8 meetings, the head-to-head has is tied 4-4 since 2022.
Best Bet
The Over has been a good bet with the Hawks and I'm sticking with the trend. It's 5-1 in this matchup and the Hawks are 6-3 against the Over in their last 9.
Same Game Multi
The Hawks should be eager to bounce back after a shocker against the Nuggets and Trae Young has beaten 12 assists in his last few games.
Hawks +6.5 / Over 237.5 pts / Trae Young 12+ assists = $4.90
Golden State Warriors (14-9) at Houston Rockets (16-8)
The Warriors, with a 14-9 record, are gearing up to take on the Rockets, looking to build momentum after an 8-point win over the Timberwolves. Stephen Curry led the way with 30 points in that game, supported by Buddy Hield's 27. The Warriors shot 46.7% from the field and a solid 39% from deep but struggled a bit at the free-throw line (70%). While their last five games have been tough (2-3), they’re averaging 104.6 points on offence and allowing 107.6 on defence.
Road games have been a challenge lately, with Golden State dropping their last three away from home. Their recent road record stands at 5-5 over the last ten and just 1-4 in the last five. However, their dominance over Houston is undeniable, boasting a perfect 9-0 record against the Rockets since 2022. Key players to watch include Jonathan Kuminga, who averaged 28 points against Houston in their last two meetings (including a 33-point performance), and Andrew Wiggins, averaging 30 in the same span. Curry has also been a consistent force, putting up 30 points per game in his last six matchups with the Rockets. Buddy Hield, fresh off a strong showing, will be another factor as the Warriors aim to keep their winning streak alive.
The Rockets, sitting at 16-8, are set to face the Warriors and will need to overcome a tough history, having lost their last nine meetings against Golden State. They’re coming off an impressive 11-point win over the Clippers, with Jalen Green leading the charge with 31 points and Amen Thompson adding 22. Houston shot 48.8% from the field and 84.6% from the free-throw line, but turnovers (15) were a concern.
In their last five games, the Rockets have gone 2-3, averaging 112.4 points while holding opponents to 111.2. Despite their overall strong home record this season (9-1 in the last 10), this matchup is on the road, where they’ll look to improve their consistency. Breaking their losing streak against the Warriors will require a big performance from Green and a strong defensive effort to contain Stephen Curry, who has averaged 30 points against them in the last six matchups.
Stadium Record
Houston are 9-1 in their last 10 at home.
Head to Head Record
The Rockets have lost 9 games against the Warriors in the last 9 meetings since 2022.
Best Bet
Should be a tight contest between these two teams and I like the Under trend with the Warriors. They are 5-0 against the Under on the road and 5-1 overall in their last 6.
Same Game Multi
Along with the Under, I like the Warriors to keep up their dominance over the Rockets. They've covered in 7 of the last 8 and always step in big games.
