As we near the NBA trade deadline, the biggest headline has come out of Dallas, where the Mavericks have traded for Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets. Irving had requested a trade out of Brooklyn – leaving his third team in a row – and the Mavericks are the latest to hope that he will change for them, as superstar Luka Doncic needed help with Dallas stuck in seventh in the West. The deal sends Irving and Markieff Morris to Dallas in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 and an unprotected first-round pick in 2029. That gives the Nets more capital to try and improve their roster before Thursday, the trade deadline. Heading into the week, let’s look at a couple of primo NBA betting picks.
NBA News: Top Betting Picks for Week 17
Cleveland Cavaliers (-2.5) at Washington Wizards (O/U 221.5) (7:00 pm ET)
Cleveland (33-22) comes to Washington sitting in fifth in the East, thanks in large part to their efficient offense. They rank sixth in the NBA in overall field goal percentage, including 10th from behind the three-point arc. They are seventh in fewest turnovers committed, so while they are just 26th in scoring at 111.6 points per game, they get the most out of their possessions. Their defense leads the NBA in fewest points permitted (106.9 per game), and that slightly slower, grinding pace that they employ explains their low ranking in scoring. Donovan Mitchell leads the team with 27.1 points per game, and Darius Garland adds 22 points and 8.2 assists per night. Evan Mobley is the top scorer (9 per game) and chips in 15.3 points per contest.
Washington (24-28) is looking to clamber back into playoff position; they finished January with a six-game winning streak to get within two games of .500, but they have dropped two in a row and sit tied for tenth with Indiana after a 125-123 nailbiter of a loss against Brooklyn. Monte Morris went to the free-throw line with seven seconds left in regulation with a chance to tie the score, but he clanked both free throws to spoil an 18-point, 8-assist night. Kristaps Porzingis put up 38 points, and Deno Avdija added 23 points, six rebounds and four steals. Bradley Beal missed the game and is questionable for Monday’s visit from the Cavaliers. Kyle Kuzma is also questionable. Cavaliers to win and cover.
L.A. Clippers (-7.5) at Brooklyn Nets (O/U 220.5) (7:30 pm ET)
The Clippers (30-26) wrap up a six-game road trip in Brooklyn, having won three of the first five dates on the East Coast. In their last two games, they lost by one in Milwaukee on Thursday but bounced back with a 134-128 win over the Knicks on Saturday, and they are just 1 ½ games out of first in their division. The Clippers have also covered the spread in seven of their last eight games. Paul George had a banner night on Saturday, dropping 30 points on the Knicks. Kawhi Leonard looks to be back, with at least 30 points in three of his last four games, now averaging 22 points and 6.2 rebounds per night. Norman Powell has also produced 24 or more points in three straight games.
Brooklyn (32-20) took a 130-96 beating in Boston on Wednesday but recovered with a 125-123 home victory over Washington on Saturday. The Nets are in third place in the Atlantic Division and have covered in three of their last four games. Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith should be ready to contribute for Brooklyn on Monday night. Dinwiddie has put up 17.1 points per night for Dallas and should come in with plenty of motivation to excel after the trade, and Finney-Smith is a strong perimeter defender. Kevin Durant (knee) remains on the shelf, but Nic Claxton has emerged during KD’s absence as a force, putting up 15 points on Saturday and averaging 13 points and nine boards per game. Ben Simmons is also expected to miss the game due to injury. Given how hot the Clippers have been, and given the difficulty of winning without KD or Ben Simmons while also integrating two new players, this could be an ugly night in Brooklyn. Clippers to win and cover.
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