NBA best bets: Wiesguy's 2 Picks and a Prop for 1/12

Picks and Prop Records

NBA Sides:  7-5

NBA Props: 2-4

Winning Days: 4 (of 6)  

NBA Picks for Thursday, January 12

Cleveland Cavaliers -3 (at Portland Trail Blazers)

I was on the Cavs at Utah on Tuesday and they disappointed, even though they got a big game from returning guard Donovan Mitchell. They lost outright, failing to cover in the process. Portland is another team that they match up well with though. Their high-scoring backcourt can match that of the Blazers and they have more depth up front. We might be getting a point or two of value off their recent loss and the loss of the Blazers to Orlando. 

Dallas Mavericks -3.5 (at Los Angeles Lakers)

Luka Doncic is a must-see attraction in the NBA right now. The Mavericks are coming to L.A. and I think it will be pretty electric, especially with the Lakers playing competitive ball. They do not play great defense though and LeBron is not going to be able to hound the emerging star all over the court. I wish Dallas played a little faster, especially when they are the favorite because sometimes they let teams stay in the game with their pace. They are in a little funk in January but seeing the bright lights will help them emerge from it. 

NBA Prop

Spencer Dinwiddie Over 15.5 Points 

Another double dip here. For the Mavs to win in L.A. they need someone to score just a little in support of Luka. This number is under his seasonal average and they are giving him lots of playing time, over 40 minutes in two of the last four games. He can be an efficient scorer and many nights is overlooked amidst all of the attention Luka gets. The Lakers get his juices going too though.