Best NBA Bets Today | NBA Picks December 8

The NBA's Thursday night will be putting on three exciting matchups showcasing six of the league's most exciting teams!

Kicking off the schedule is the LA Clippers taking on the Miami Heat on the second leg of a back-to-back. Two of the Western Conference's youngest teams, the Houston Rockets, and the San Antonio Spurs, will be looking to climb up the standings. And to close out the night the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers look to improve their positions in the West.

Let's take a look at the bets!

LA Clippers @ Miami Heat

When: 7:30 PM EST

Spread: Miami Heat -4.0 (-110) @ WynnBet

The LA Clippers enter this game coming off of a loss to the Orlando Magic. The Miami Heat on the other hand enter this second game of a three-game home stand off the back of back-to-back losses. Considering both rosters are rather shorthanded, it should be an interesting matchup!

In their last game, a loss to the Magic, the Clippers shot 41.1% from the field, 36.6% from three-point range, and 69.2% on 18 makes from the free throw line. On the other side, Miami will want to improve on their 41% shooting, 33.3% three-point shooting, and 15.5 turnovers per game over their back-to-back losses.

Despite their injuries, the LA Clippers' scoring offense is far from compromised. However, with Miami's stalwart defense and their form at home, they should be able to take a win. There could be a big bounce-back night from Leonard and George, but it's more likely that we'll see the Heat's gritty defense slow down a tired LA Clippers squad.

Houston Rockets @ San Antonio Spurs

When: 8:30 PM EST

Spread: Houston Rockets -1.0 (-110) @ Caesars Sportsbook

The two teams at the bottom of the Western Conference face off in this matchup! The Houston Rockets enter this game off the back of their second win in five games, while the San Antonio Spurs look to end their crushing 11-game losing streak.

The San Antonio Spurs have been positively terrible over their last 11 games. They're shooting just 44% from the field and 28.7% from three-point range, and are committing 15 turnovers per game while allowing their opponents to shoot 52.7% from the field and 42.6% from three. The Houston Rockets will look to challenge them with their downhill style of play, which has allowed them the best free throws made and attempted rate in the NBA (20.8 and 26.6) and the league's second-best offensive rebounding rate (13.4).

The San Antonio Spurs play at a high pace, but overall their offense and defense are nowhere where it needs to be. Houston have skilled players at every position and find second opportunities off the glass and at the free throw line. Houston should extend San Antonio's losing streak to 12.

Denver Nuggets @ Portland Trail Blazers

When: 10:00 PM EST

Spread: Portland Trail Blazers +1.0 (-110) @ bet365

The Portland Trail Blazers are looking to extend their winning streak to three when they take on the Nuggets. Denver on the other hand have lost their first three games of the month. Portland will be looking to build off of their early-season win over Denver.

The Denver Nuggets have the league's 10th-best scoring offence (114.8) and the league's best scoring efficiency (50.0%). They'll be challenged by the Portland Trail Blazers' 11th-ranked scoring defence (111.0) and fourth-ranked three-point field goal efficiency (38.3%). Despite their injuries, the Trail Blazers still have plenty to throw at the Nuggets' offence.

In terms of form, the Trail Blazers have the advantage over the Nuggets. The return of Damian Lillard to the lineup has buoyed their performance, which should give trouble to the inconsistent Denver defenders.