1 bet for Wednesday’s NBA games, including Lillard’s, Embiid’s points

Welcome to the Bet For The Win’s 1 Bet Per Game series, where we make a bet for each of the games on the slate. Throughout the 2022-23 season, we’ll be looking at some of the biggest games of the night and predicting how teams and players will perform.

It’s simple – we find the best match accessory and if we like it, we take over. Otherwise, we take the bottom.

Wednesday’s NBA lineup features eight games that all offer tempting bets to grab. Whether it’s a simple bet on the money line or predicting which star player can exceed their point total, let’s identify the perfect bet to make for each game.

Here are the bets that could add to your bank account.

All odds via BetMGM

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(AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)

The Grizzlies and Trail Blazers have had a tough time recently after a super hot start to the season (although the Grizzlies’ start to the season was so hot they’re still in second place in the West despite a recent streak of five consecutive defeats).

Still, Portland’s downfall didn’t stop Damian Lillard from playing his best basketball in years. He just finished January averaging 34.5 points per game on almost 50% of the field with just under 4.0 3-pointers per game. That magical January streak included three 40-point games, one 50-play, and a ridiculous 60-point performance. So what reason is there to doubt he’ll reach over 32.5 points against Memphis on Wednesday?

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The Sixers picked up a huge victory from behind against the Denver Nuggets last Saturday, but followed it up with a disappointing home loss to the Orlando Magic a few days later. To be fair, the Magic have repeatedly beaten some of the best teams in the East this season (namely the Boston Celtics), so their win over Philly on Monday shouldn’t come as a surprise.

But it would be surprising if it happened again, given that the Sixers just got this wake-up call. I would expect Joel Embiid to put his foot down and deliver an MVP-like stat line as he drags Philly back into the win column. Get the upper hand on his points.

(Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports)

Nic Claxton started January recording at least three blocks in 10 straight games, including a four-block performance against the Celtics during that streak. Those are some seriously crazy stats that shouldn’t be overlooked, and with few other options in the Nets’ center, you can count on Claxton to stay grounded and pull off similar defensive numbers.

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Let’s cut to the chase. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the best in the NBA at covering, and the Houston Rockets are second worst. Put the two together, then add the fact that OKC are a far superior team, and you’ll see why betting on them to cover the spread (-5.5) is the decision to make.

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

I really wanted to bet Minnesota (moneyline) given how well documented the Warriors road struggles are. But the dubs have won two games in a row and although the T-Wolves are finally looking like the team we’ve all expected, something in me doesn’t believe they’re continuing.

Specifically in this game, I don’t like Rudy Gobert trying to manage the way the Warriors operate on offense. He’s already averaging the fewest blocks per game he’s had in his career and he won’t even have enough chances to register two on Wednesday. Under 1.5 blocks seems about right.

(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

Behind De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and the leadership of new head coach Mike Brown, the Sacramento Kings have the second best offense in the NBA this season. Meanwhile, the rebuilding Spurs, who Gregg Popovich previously told us not to bet on, have the worst defense in the league.

You see what I mean ? The Kings are also the strongest team in the league and will score a LOT of points in this game and bettors should bet they will score over 126.5 points.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

One of my favorite bets to make when betting on Toronto Raptors games is on Gary Trent Jr.’s 3-point props. He’s a high-volume shooter who’s never afraid to hoist them, and he usually converts a good portion of his 3-point attempts. Over 2.5 marks should be easy for a guy who’s taken 10 or more in nearly half of the team’s January games.

(Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports)

Finally, all seems well in Phoenix. Chris Paul is back and playing as well as he did before his 37th birthday, Cam Johnson is back in the lineup and the Suns suddenly click. They’ve won six of their last seven games and shouldn’t have much of a problem with an Atlanta Hawks team that’s been struggling lately. I take Phoenix to cover.

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