Best NBA Bets Today | NBA Picks December 29

The NBA's Thursday night schedule boasts six exciting games for the evening!

Opening the night are two teams looking to climb the Eastern Conference standings, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers. In the West, the Dallas Mavericks take on their state rivals the Houston Rockets! And looking to bounce back from a loss, the New York Knicks face the lowly San Antonio Spurs.

Let's check out the bets!

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Indiana Pacers

When: 7:00 PM EST

Total: Under 223.0 (-107) @ Unibet NJ

Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers are looking to solidify their position at the top of the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, owning a 22-13 record despite being on a two-game losing streak. The Pacers are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference and have gone 5-5 through their last 10 games.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost their last two games, both against Eastern Conference rivals. They've struggled on the defensive end through that span, allowing their opponents to shoot 53.6% from the field and 55.2% from three on 18.5 made. The Indiana Pacers are looking to build on their recent win over the Atlanta Hawks, where they shot 51.1% from the field and dominated the glass 49 to 42.

While both the Cavaliers and Pacers can put up good numbers, the Cavaliers' defense is expected to bounce back from their recent poor run of play. With the strength of their interior defense and ability to contest the three-point line, Indiana won't find the same early success as in their last game. Don't be surprised to see these teams hit the under in this matchup.

Houston Rockets @ Dallas Mavericks

When: 8:30 PM EST

Total: Over 222.5 (-110) @ WynnBet

The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks project to put on a dynamite matchup when they face off on Thursday night. The Dallas Mavericks have now won five games in a row and rest at sixth in the West after an incredible performance in their last game. The Houston Rockets are on the opposite trend, sitting last in the West with just three wins from their last ten games.

The Dallas Mavericks have found success through their four-game win streak due to their tough perimeter defense. On top of scoring 116.5 points per game through their last four games, Dallas have held their opponents to just 30.6% from three-point range. The Houston Rockets may be playing right into the Mavericks' hands in this matchup. As they've shot just 30.1% from three-point range on 33.5 attempts per game over their last ten matches.

While the Dallas Mavericks are the clear favorite in this matchup, the teams should combine for a high-scoring affair. Houston won't have the efficiency, but they have the pace to put up numbers regardless. Expect the Mavericks to continue to feast off of the individual play from Luka Doncic!

New York Knicks @ San Antonio Spurs

When: 8:00 PM EST

Spread: New York Knicks -4.0 (-115) @ BetRivers

Both the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs are looking to improve on their recent runs of form. After winning eight straight games to begin December, the Knicks have now lost four straight games to close out the month. The Spurs have gone 5-5 over their last 10 games, showing flashes of good play against solid teams, but also regressing against opponents of similar strength.

The Spurs have done well to come out and match their opponents over their last 10 games, despite continuing to struggle from range. San Antonio are still a great passing team, averaging 25.4 assists per game through their last ten, but they're also committing 15.1 turnovers in that same span of time. The Knicks have struggled through their four-game losing streak, especially as they've suffered injuries to Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett. The Knicks just haven't been strong enough on the defensive end, forcing just 5.8 turnovers through their last four games while also allowing their opponents 25.5 free throw attempts per game.

The Knicks won't have RJ Barrett for this matchup against the Spurs, but Jalen Brunson's status has been upgraded to questionable. The Spurs can certainly give them problems, especially with their passing and athleticism. If Brunson comes back, the Knicks still have the guard play and paint presence to take down the Spurs and get back on track.