NBA Week 16 Betting Picks: Lakers vs Pelicans, Heat vs Bucks

We’ve surpassed the 50-game mark of the NBA season, and the All Star Break and trade deadline are rapidly approaching. That means that teams are gearing up for their playoff runs. Every game becomes that much more important this time of the season. In looking at the weekend slate of games, we’ve found a couple that have caught our attention. We’ll preview each of those games, and then we’ll give you our best NBA Betting advice for the weekend.

Best 2023 NBA Games to Bet On February 4th

Los Angeles Lakers @ New Orleans Pelicans – Saturday Night

There are lots of storylines surrounding this game. The major one being that LeBron James is just 63 points shy of surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that James could put up 63 or more points in this one. The Lakers are on the brink of finally getting back into the playoffs. And even with their poor record, they are just 2.5 games back of not having to be in the play-in round.

As for their opponents, things couldn’t be any worse. The Pelicans have lost their last 10 games. Just a few weeks ago they held the top spot in the Western Conference, and now they’re in jeopardy of not even making the playoffs. Zion Williamson didn’t play on Thursday night, so we’re not sure what his status will be for this one. Since returning from a groin injury, Brandon Ingram hasn’t been able to get things going. Even though he’s averaging just over 17 points per game, he’s only shooting 29% from the field.

The only thing that seems to get going for the Pelicans in this one is the fact that they are 17-9 at home. However, we don’t see them winning this one. We think the Lakers win a tight one, as James has a stellar night. Closely monitor the status of Williamson, as that could be a difference in which way you go. Even if Williamson plays, we still like the Lakers to win, it would just probably make a difference in the spread.

Miami Heat @ Milwaukee Bucks – Saturday Night

The Milwaukee Bucks are starting to put things together. The winners of six straight are fighting to stay in the race for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. They are currently just two games back of the Boston Celtics. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing at an all-time level, as he has been scoring like a mad man. In Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers he led the Bucks to a 21-point come-from-behind win, as he put up 54 points. With Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton, the Bucks are capable of beating anyone on any given night.

As for the Miami Heat, they are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but they just don’t look as good as they did last year. They struggle shooting the ball, and their offense just can’t seem to click. They get to the free throw line a lot, and that seems to be one of the main reasons that they’re in the playoff hunt.

The Bucks are 22-5 at home, and we don’t think the Heat have what it takes to knock them off at Milwaukee’s home court. The Bucks will probably be favored by 2-4 points, and we like them to cover.