Thursday is a very important day around the NBA because a total of 74 players who signed new contracts this past offseason will become trade-eligible on Thursday. The Los Angeles Lakers are known to have circled that date as they look for veteran help. Here’s a look at two intriguing NBA matchups midweek.

Top NBA Betting Picks of the Week (December 12th, 2022)

The Pelicans reach new heights on the latest NBA App Power Rankings, thanks to a 7-game winning streak that has them perched atop the Western Conference!

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— NBA (@NBA) December 12, 2022

Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets

• When: Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 7:00 PM ET
• Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC/li>
• TV: BSSE-CHA, BSDET
• Radio: WXYT-FM 97.1 (Pistons) // 92.7 FM WFNZ (Hornets)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: Pistons (+2.5) // Hornets (-2.5)

Not the best matchup on paper between disappointing teams but the Pistons begin life without star player Cade Cunningham. He injured his shin back on Nov. 9 and hadn’t played since so it’s not like the Pistons are used to having him around, but when Cunningham was seen shooting jumpers last week there was hope the 2021 No. 1 overall pick might return soon. Nope, he will have season-ending surgery.

The cause of Cunningham’s pain is believed to be a hairline stress fracture. He wanted to avoid surgery and to determine if rest would alleviate the inflammation, but the procedure is the most efficient way to treat the lingering shin injury. He is expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp for the 2023-24 season.

The former Oklahoma State star was third in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting last season and this year was averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists through 12 games. He had a shot to become just the eighth second-year player in league history to put up at least 20 points, six rebounds and six assists per game.

The Pistons are last in the league’s standings at 7-22 and seem likely to go into tank mode without their best player. This also means Cunningham will lose a key season of development alongside the Pistons’ other young players. Going into his third season he will have barely played alongside the likes of Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes.

Charlotte remains without its best player in point guard and 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball. He has been limited to just three games this year due to various issues but at least should return fairly soon. Last season, he became the third player in NBA history to average 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists in his age-20 season, joining LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Ball and Magic Johnson are the only two players in NBA history to average 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals over the first 100 games of their career.

This is the first meeting of the season between the teams. The Pistons won their last matchup with the Hornets on Feb. 27, 2022, after Charlotte won the previous 15 from Jan. 15, 2018 to Feb. 11, 2022. Detroit has not beaten Charlotte at home since Oct. 18, 2017 (lost seven straight).

NBA Betting Pick: Hornets

Golden State Warriors vs. Philadelphia 76ers

• When: Friday, December 16, 2022, 7:30 PM ET
• Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
• TV: ESPN, NBCSBA
• Radio: 95.7 The Game (Warriors) // 97.5 The Fanatic (76ers)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: TBA

It’s a possible NBA Finals preview on Friday, shown by ESPN. Will the Warriors have former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins? He is dealing with an adductor injury and will have missed five straight games by Friday but was to be re-evaluated Thursday.

Playing in a total of 22 games thus far this season, Wiggins has once again proved to be an all-around weapon for the Warriors, as he has averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 45.0 percent from three-point range. Jordan Poole should continue to start in his place, with more minutes available off the bench for Jonathan Kuminga.

Golden State is averaging 30.6 assists in the past 14 games. The Warriors are ranked first in the NBA in assists per game (29.7 apg). Entering the 2022-23 season, they have led the league in assists in six of the last eight seasons (2014-15 – 2018-19, 2020-21).

The Sixers remain without probably their third-best player in Tyrese Maxey. He has not played since Nov. 18 against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a fracture in his left foot. The team expects him to return before Christmas, which means at some point during this seven-game homestand – just not Friday.

“He’s doing more, for sure,” said Coach Doc Rivers. “I think this week will be a big week for him as far as when he’ll come back.”

It’s the first meeting of the season between the teams with Philly going to San Francisco on March 24. Last year, the split with the Sixers winning 102-93 at home. Joel Embiid had 26 points and nine rebounds. Steph Curry was held to 19 points on 6-for-20 shooting and 3-for-14 from deep.

NBA Betting Pick: 76ers

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

READ MORE: Top NBA Betting Picks of the Week – December 19th, 2022