We did not expect the New Orleans Pelicans to win straight-up nor did we expect game against the Chicago Bulls to go (way) over, but we’ll take it since it helped us improve our NBA prediction win-loss to 14-5 overall after Monday’s average day picks where we hit six of ten picks—no thanks to Indiana Pacers loss to the Trail Blazers which went way over the total too.

On to Tuesday’s schedule where we have 10 NBA games on tap. Early betting lines are in so we’re making our picks for those games…

Betting Lines: Denver Nuggets (-4.5) vs. Brooklyn Nets (O/U: 205.5)
 Game time: 11:30 am AEDT

With their atrocious start to the regular season, it’s difficult to start the Brooklyn Nets even if they are 4.5 underdogs at home… However, they will be playing without Paul Pierce (out 2-4 weeks because of a broken hand). That’s actually good news and that’s actually a sign that bettors should back the Nets on Tuesday night. Not only will Brooklyn pull off covering the spread, but they’ll get the straight-up win too.

Pick: Nets ATS, Over 205.5
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets 110, Denver Nuggets 102

Denver Nuggets Trends
 - Nuggets are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games
- Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on the road
- Nuggets are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games vs. Atlantic division teams

Brooklyn Nets Trends
 - Nets are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games
- Nets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. West teams
- Nets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games at home

Betting Lines: Detroit Pistons (+10.5) vs. Miami Heat (O/U: 200.5)
 Game time: 11:30 am AEDT

The Heat took two of three games in their season series versus the Detroit Pistons in 2012, but the Pistons were competitive against the spread, taking two games ATS. One of those covered games came in Miami, who were huge 15.5-point favourites in the contest.

Can we expect the same for the new-look Pistons? Yes and no … Yes, because the Pistons’ size can give Miami a lot of trouble on the boards. Then again, the Heat’s trapping on perimeter players and speed could really clamp down on this slow Pistons squad which has spacing issues on offense… Still 10.5 is too big.

Picks: Pistons ATS, Under 200.5
Prediction: Miami Heat 102, Detroit Pistons 94

Detroit Pistons Trends
 - Pistons are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games vs. East teams
- Pistons are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games vs. Southeast division teams
- Pistons are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games on the road

Miami Heat Trends
 - Heat are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. East teams
- Heat are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games
- Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. Central division teams

And some quick hits for Tuesday…

Betting Lines: Oklahoma City Thunder (-6.5) vs. Sacramento Kings (O/U: 203.0)
 Game time: 1:00 pm AEDT
Picks: Kings ATS, Under 203.0
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 102, Sacramento Kings 96

Betting Lines: Toronto Raptors (+7.5) vs. Golden State Warriors (O/U: 201.0)
 Game time: 1:30 pm AEDT
Picks: Raptors ATS, Over 201.0
Prediction: Toronto Raptors 109, Golden State Warriors 105 (UPSET!)

NBA Win-Loss Record Year to date: 14-5