2018 NBA Christmas Day Betting Preview
The NBA delivers their annual Christmas Day roundup of games on Tuesday, starting with an Atlantic Division clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics.
At the Bovada Sportsbook the Celtics are a 4-point home favorite. Boston is coming off a 119-103 win over the Charlotte Hornets as a 7.5-point favorite which snapped a three-game losing streak. At home Boston is 5-2 straight up and against the spread in their last seven.
The 76ers took down the Toronto Raptors 126-101 as a 7.5-point favorite last time out. They’re 6-4 SU and ATS in their last 10, but as an underdog this season they’re 4-5 SU and ATS.
Boston and Philadelphia last met on October 16 and the Celtics rolled to a 105-87 win as a 5-point favorite. Boston has won five of their last six versus Philadelphia both SU and ATS, and at home against them they’re 11-1 SU and 8-4 ATS in their last 12.
Warriors heavy favorites hosting Lakers
Christmas Day also delivers the first matchup of the season between the LeBron-led Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors are a 9-point home favorite and are coming off a tight 129-127 win over the Los Angeles Clippers as an 11-point favorite. That’s been the trend for Golden State of late, who are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games.
The Lakers were upset by the Memphis Grizzlies last time out, falling 107-99 as a 5-point favorite. The Lakers are 2-5 SU and ATS in their last seven on the road.
Leading up to this season the Warriors have dominated this matchup. Golden State have won seven straight against the Lakers at 4-3 ATS. At home the Warriors have won their last 11 against the Lakers while going 8-3 ATS.
Thunder underdogs against the Rockets
Our last Christmas Day look-in is the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Houston Rockets.
Houston is a 1.5-point favorite and heads into this matchup 6-1 SU and 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven. At home Houston has been cruising at 10-1 SU and 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11.
The Thunder had a four-game winning streak snapped last time out after a 114-112 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 6.5-point favorite.
Back on November 8 the Thunder blasted the Rockets 98-80 as a 5-point underdog. The Thunder are 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four versus the Rockets, but in Houston they’re 1-9 SU and 4-6 ATS in their last 10.