The Golden State Warriors (11-2) visit Barclays Center Tuesday to take on the Brooklyn Nets (10-4). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Warriors at Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
After a slow start to the season, the Nets have rebounded well, winning 8 of their last 9.
Led by former MVPs PF Kevin Durant and PG James Harden, they’ll look to crown themselves leader of the East with a big-time home win over the team with the league’s best record, the Warriors.
Golden State, thanks to a 7-1 homestand with the one loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, is the only team without at least three losses. It did lose its last outing on the road against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Warriors have the league’s best net rating and, by far, the best defensive rating. With PF Draymond Green and SF Andrew Wiggins defensively, they’ll matchup well with Brooklyn.
Warriors at Nets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:27 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Warriors +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Nets -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Warriors +2.5 (-105) | Nets -2.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Warriors at Nets key injuries
Warriors
- PG Gary Payton II (knee) probable
- SG Klay Thompson (Achilles) out
- C James Wiseman (knee) out
Nets
- PF Nic Claxton (illness/non-COVID) out
- SG Joe Harris (ankle) out
- PG Kyrie Irving (ineligible to play) out
- PF Paul Millsap (personal reasons) out
Warriors at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Warriors 113, Nets 111
Money line
BET on the WARRIORS (+122) as the best value. They’ve been unstoppable this season. Both their losses have come against quality opponents, and they were more rare than common.
In saying that, I mean this team shot drastically under their typical percentages from deep and turned the ball over often. Any team that does that will lose.
With the best defensive rating in the NBA and with Harris, a key 3-point shooter that would help space the floor for Harden, out, I’m siding with the team that’s proven to be more consistent.
The Warriors did defeat the Chicago Bulls, who are currently still atop the East. There should be concern with Golden State’s late-game execution if it’s close in the fourth, but with experience at all positions, it should figure those woes out.
As for the Nets, they’re actually just 4-2 at home and 6-2 on the road, so Barclays Center hasn’t been a place they’ve dominated opponents at.
Given they’re the best in the league in true shooting percentage, this should be a terrific clash of offense vs. defense. With Golden State ranked highly in both, I’d bet the Warriors, especially at plus-money.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the WARRIORS +2.5 (-105) because I think this is going to be a close battle between a few superstar former teammates. The points are nice, but for the value, I’d take Golden State to win outright.
Harris’ absence is game-changer for Golden State.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 222.5 (-108) as defense should trump offense.
While that seems backwards considering the pick for Golden State to win, it’s key to know that it is No. 2 in true shooting percentage and top five in offensive rating.
Backed up two-time MVP PG Stephen Curry, it is just as lethal.
With both teams top 10 in pace as well, the offensive firepower of some of the league’s best scorers (Curry is currently No. 2 with Durant No. 1) should be on display.
While betting the Over hasn’t been profitable in the NBA this season, in this instance, it feels like the better play but just for a small unit.
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