The Milwaukee Bucks have been without starting center Brook Lopez for several games due to injury so they have decided to sign former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins to a non-guaranteed deal to join the defending NBA champions. Teams must guarantee contracts for the balance of the season by Jan. 7. Cousins isn’t what he used to be but should help Milwaukee. Here’s a look at two interesting early-week NBA matchups and picks.

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Phoenix, welcome to the No. 1 spot.

The Suns overtake the Warriors in our new NBA Power Rankings.

Agree with @talkhoops?

? https://t.co/FJ8N6X5kbd pic.twitter.com/CLWrmVqIW6

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) December 6, 2021

Brooklyn Nets vs. Dallas Mavericks

• When: Tuesday, December 7, 2021. 7:30 pm ET
• Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
• TV: NBA TV
• Radio: WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM (Nets) // 97.1 The Eagle (Mavericks)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: TBA

On Dec. 4, Brooklyn played a great game versus Chicago, coming up short by 4 points. The game happened at the United Center in the House that Mike built. So we shouldn’t read too much into the loss.

On the same day, Dallas fell to Memphis. It was the Mavericks second straight loss to an inferior squad. The day before, on Dec. 3, the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Mavs 107-91. Luka should return for this, giving the Mavs a much required boost. Will it be enough? Nope. The Nets won’t lose two in a row. Brooklyn wins and covers.

NBA Betting Pick: Nets

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat

• When: Wednesday, December 8, 2021. 7:30 pm ET
• Where:FTX Arena, Miami, Florida
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: Newsradio 620 WTMJ AM (Bucks) // 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio (Heat)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: TBA

Two of the best in the East clash when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Miami Heat. In the last head-to-head between these two, Milwaukee rolled, dominating the Bucks 124-102. The rematch happens on Miami’s court. Bam Adebayo is out until mid-January due to a thumb problem. But Jimmy Butler should play. If Butler steps onto the court, and double-check before backing Miami, the Heat win and cover.

NBA Betting Pick: Heat

Utah Jazz vs. Philadelphia 76ers

• When: Thursday, December 9, 2021. 7:00 pm ET
• Where: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
• TV: NBA TV
• Radio: Newsradio 620 WTMJ AM (Jazz) // 97.5 The Fanatic (76ers)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: TBA

The Jazz pushed their winning streak to 4 after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-108 on Dec. 5. Utah is at Minnesota on Dec. 8, which should be another victory. But then they face the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers aren’t a very good team. Philadelphia did cover in their last couple heading into the week, a 1-point loss to Boston as a 3-point underdog, and a 2-point win over Atlanta as a 2.5 dog. It’s tough seeing the Jazz pushing their winning streak to 6. So the 76ers should win this. If Philly ends up the favorite, unlikely but there’s a chance, they’ll cover.

NBA Betting Pick: 76ers

Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns

• When: Friday, December 10, 2021. 10:00 pm ET
• Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub FM (Celtics) // 98.7 Arizona’s Sports Station (Suns)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: TBA

Boston simply doesn’t have the firepower to beat Phoenix. The Suns’ incredible 18-game winning streak ended in a loss to Steph Curry and the Warriors up in Oakland. Phoenix figures to get back on the winning track versus San Antonio on Monday. But oddsmakers have an idea of the lines to set on Phoenix games. So even though the Suns should win, they’ll have trouble covering. Take the points on the Celtics to cash.

NBA Betting Pick: Celtics

Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers

• When: Saturday, December 11, 2021. 8:30 pm ET
• Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: 95.7 THE GAME FM (Warriors) // 97.5 The Fanatic (76ers)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: TBA

The Sixers have a tough week. Doc Rivers squad just doesn’t have it this season. Ben Simmons is an offensive liability, but without the point guard, Philadelphia has struggled. Nobody can stop Steph Curry, who figures to warm up for the week by dropping close to 40 against Orlando on Dec. 6. The Warriors dropped a game to San Antonio a day after ending the Suns winning streak. That was the bounce. Don’t expect another for a while. The City wins and covers.

NBA Betting Pick: Warriors

Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks

• When: Sunday, December 12, 2021. 12:00 pm ET
• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: Newsradio 620 WTMJ AM (Bucks) // 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio (Knicks)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: TBA

In the last head-to-head, the Bucks blasted the Knicks 112-100. Not only that, but NYK is also in bad form having lost 3 straight heading into the week. Ah, but the 3 losses were to the Nets, the Bulls, and the Nuggets. Randle and his mates play San Antonio, Indiana, and Toronto this week before the Sunday game versus Giannis and his team. The relatively soft schedule means the Knicks should have plenty of energy in this road tilt. Take the expected points on the home dog to cover.

NBA Betting Pick: Knicks

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READ MORE: Top 2021 NBA Week 9 Betting Picks