Best NBA Bets Today | NBA Picks December 21

The NBA is presenting a loaded Wednesday night schedule with 11 games from across the NBA!

In an Atlantic Division matchup, the Toronto Raptors look to end their losing streak against the surging New York Knicks. In the Western Conference, the shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves look to make it two in a row against the Dallas Mavericks. And the Los Angeles Lakers hope to take down their division rival Sacramento Kings.

Let's check out the bets!

Toronto Raptors @ New York Knicks

When: 7:30 PM EST

Spread: Toronto Raptors +1.0 (-110) @ DraftKings Sportsbook

It's a classic Atlantic Division matchup when the Raptors and Knicks face off! The Toronto Raptors are on their worst losing streaks in a long time, having dropped six straight games. On the other hand, the Knicks are surging up the Eastern Conference table, winning eight games in a row.

Interestingly enough, the Raptors aren't playing terrible basketball overall. Sure they're shooting just 30.9% from three-point range, but they're also forcing 15.7 turnovers per game while committing just 9.7 of their own. The Knicks though, have been stellar over their recent run. Particularly on the defensive end where they're holding their opponents to 43.0% shooting from the field and 27.6% from three-point range.

It's easy to take the team on the hot streak in this matchup, but in terms of styles, the Raptors seem to match up well with the Knicks. New York were uncharacteristically hot from three in their last game, so don't expect that to be maintained. Don't be surprised to see the Raptors end their losing streak here.

Dallas Mavericks @ Minnesota Timberwolves

When: 8:00 PM EST

Spread: Dallas Mavericks -3.5 (-110) @ WynnBet

The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will be facing off for the second time in two games when they meet on Wednesday night. The Timberwolves have now won three games in a row, despite them missing a number of key players. The Mavericks on the other hand are on a two-game losing streak and looking to avenge their recent loss to Minnesota.

The Dallas Mavericks had to play catch-up for a fair amount of their last game against the Timberwolves, despite shooting 40.8% from the field and converting on 19 three-point field goals. The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Mavericks in the paint, converting on 51.7% of their two-points attempts with little opposition.

Minnesota exceeded expectations when they beat the Mavericks last time out, but it's rather unlikely they'll find the same success for two games in a row. It isn't as if their defense significantly improved, so barring a mass return from their injury list the Mavericks should bounce back with their own offensive quality.

Los Angeles Lakers @ Sacramento Kings

When: 8:00 PM EST

Spread: Sacramento Kings -5.5 (-110) @ FanDuel Sportsbook

In a Pacific Division matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings are both looking to get back on the winning track. The Lakers are coming off of a loss in their last game, where their stars LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook were out with injuries. The Sacramento Kings are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss in their last game.

The Lakers lost their last game against the Sacramento Kings, where they were outpaced and unable to contain their opponents in the final frame. Sacramento on the other hand were running the Lakers out of the gym in that meeting, converting on 51.7% of their field goals while also hitting 12 threes.

With up to five players unavailable for the Lakers in this matchup against the Kings, their outlook isn't promising. Already with one of the league's poorer scoring defenses, the Kings' rapid pace and offensive versatility should bury the Lakers.