NBA Picks: Brooklyn Nets vs. San Antonio Spurs

Brooklyn Nets vs. San Antonio Spurs
Tuesday, 12/31/13, 7:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: San Antonio -12
Current Betting Line: San Antonio -12
Opening Total: 207.5
Current Total: 205.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Brooklyn Nets haven't enjoyed much success against the San Antonio Spurs historically — The Brooklyn Nets haven’t enjoyed much success against the San Antonio Spurs historically

Brooklyn has dropped five of its last six games, including a 105-91 setback to the Indiana Pacers as 13.5-point road underdogs last Saturday, while going OVER the betting total in two consecutive contests. The Nets are 4-11 on the road, including a 2-4 mark versus Western Conference opponents, which is important to consider when making your NBA betting picks. The franchise is looking to snap a 10-game losing streak to San Antonio, including both meetings last year by an average of 28.0 points per game. Brooklyn is 4-8 SU and 7-5 ATS as road underdogs of 9.5 to 12 points the last two-plus seasons.

The Nets have gotten tremendous production from their bench over the last four games, as their reserves have averaged 33.8 points and 21.0 rebounds over that span. Brooklyn head coach Jason Kidd has tried to find the right starting lineup with center Brook Lopez out for the season due to a broken foot, with former Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett moving into that spot. The team is facing foes that are a combined 73-17 record on its current three-game road trip.

San Antonio has won three of its last four games, including a 112-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings as 12-point home favorites Sunday, while going OVER the betting total for a second consecutive contest. The Spurs have three probable starters averaging in double figures, with point guard Tony Parker leading the way at 18.0 points a contest, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. The franchise is 11-4 SU at the AT&T Center, including a 5-1 mark versus Eastern Conference foes. San Antonio is 2-2 SU and 0-4 ATS in a home game with a betting total of 205 to 209.5.

The Spurs are outscoring opponents by an average of 7.2 points per game this season, as they also possess a capable bench. San Antonio’s second unit paces the league in averaging 46.5 points per game, while it ranks seventh in grabbing 16.2 boards a contest. Parker is the team’s main ball distributor, but the franchise is second in the NBA in averaging 24.6 assists per game.