Will the Knicks score enough against Miami's stout defense?
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The Suns' critical win over the Pelicans on Monday led to a profitable night for us in this forum. There are nine NBA games Tuesday night, including a TNT doubleheader.
Let's get to our four best bets.
Thunder @ Sixers (+2.5, O/U 221)
Philadelphia has a reason to be optimistic again. The Sixers expect Joel Embiid to return this week after a two-month absence, but he apparently won't be back Tuesday. This line is lower than it should be based on both teams' market ratings over the last few weeks since Jalen Williams is out and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is questionable for the Thunder as he deals with a quad issue.
If Embiid plays, I'd hold off on this bet. If Gilgeous-Alexander sits, I'd still take the Thunder in this spot. In many ways, this is a lookahead game for Philadelphia, which will await Embiid's return Thursday if he doesn't suit up Tuesday.
The Thunder proved they could win without Gilgeous-Alexander when they dominated the Suns on Friday. Even without Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have the necessary depth to defeat a lowly opponent. Although they're playing better lately, the Sixers have been a disaster without Embiid, especially against elite competition.
Pick: Thunder -2.5
Knicks Team total: Over 102.5 points
The Heat have a top-five defense, but the Knicks have a top-10 offensive unit. Even with New York's injuries, the club is dangerous offensively when Jalen Brunson is clicking. Brunson unlocks other role players' offensive arsenal that can lead to explosive stretches.
I'm not claiming New York will dominate Miami's impenetrable defense, but it only has to score 103 points, which the Knicks have done in eight of their last 10 games. As long as Brunson doesn't have a rare off night, he should lead New York's offense to success in Miami.
Odds: -115
De'Aaron Fox: Over 26.5 points
De'Aaron Fox is a big game player, and the Kings desperately need a win at home against the Clippers. Every one of Sacramento's final eight contests matters as it looks to avoid the play-in tournament - it's currently the eighth seed.
You can usually count on Fox to show up in a marquee matchup against a West contender. Although his inconsistent scoring and shooting have led to some disappointing scoring performances over the last few weeks, he's relished playing against Los Angeles this season. Fox is averaging 29 points in three games against the Clippers.
Odds: -115
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.