Houston @ Orlando. Very happy about the fact that I have Houston +4. Not only should this starting lineup lean towards legit with Jalen Green continuing to grow into a more elite player, but there is legit depth here as well. This combination is something Orlando simply doesn’t have. Even with the core staying the same, Orlando’s rotation likely isn’t nearly as established as we think with the lottery picks Jett Howard and Anthony Black’s roles not ironed out.
Hawks @ Hornets — This line did jump, but it’s still a weird line. Makes me think Hornets 1H @ Home and then a Hawks live bet at some point. Hawks seem to be the clear better team. Funny business and makes me want to back off from the game. Small play on Hawks -2.5. Lean would be OVER but this is a high total. I’d guess this one is more high scoring than Wizards/Pacers
Wizards @ Pacers — I’m expecting the Pacers to win this game. Kuzma is questionable and my approach with all these games is going to be taking Poole points OVER and then the other team’s spread. This game moved against Indiana down to -5 from the original -7.5. On Indiana at -5.
Celtics @ Knicks — Knicks 1Q is always something to look at but will not be a play for me in this game. Celtics Full Game -2.5. This is an elite basketball team and I will frequently be looking to back them when everyone is expected to be on the floor.
Cavs @ Nets — No Jarrett Allen which is a huge issue for the Cavs, Damian Jones will be playing big minutes. Really like the offseason moves and hopefully those are on display… but I’ve seen slow starts from other new units. Sneaky over here where the Nets try to run the Cavs off the floor. Definite advantage to Brooklyn and I’ll take +1.
Wolves @ Raptors — Maybe the game of the day. Two units that seemed to improve. I would expect this to be a defensive battle, and McDaniels being out for the Wolves shouldn’t help their scoring. No lean here but it’s crunch time for both teams.
Pistons @ Heat — Heat have a lookahead to Boston here. That makes me want to take Pistons +9 but it’s hard to make a case for them especially without Bogdanovic. Miami should be held accountable by Spo and ready to take care of business. Looking at Heat 1H -5 and 1Q -3. No interest in full game.
Pelicans @ Grizzlies — There should be a lot of swings in this game due to the huge losses and lineup inconsistencies. The Pels have the better starting group, but their depth will inevitably cause issues, especially scoring the ball. Total moved from 227 to 224 overnight. Looking like this will go UNDER.
Thunder @ Bulls — Thunder have relevant losses with J Will and Kenrich out tonight. Bulls have an excellent turnover rate and deflection rate. This defense is elite and the offseason additions do a LOT to strengthen the unit. One of my sneaky teams this year should get things started off right against an overrated Thunder team. Bulls +1 @ the house.
Kings @ Jazz — No Trey Lyles but I’m backing the Sacramento Kings here at -1, who will instantly be able to plug in Sasha Vezenkov. Chris Duarte is questionable. This is one of those where I’m going to take a shot with a better team. Utah is respectable and isn’t a great matchup for Sac but late game I want to be backing Fox. Similar to Atlanta, this is a weird one.
Mavericks @ Spurs — No Graham and Zach Collins is questionable. Advantage Mavericks who already had one. Luka is questionable — Hardy and Powell now probable. Play is on Mavs -5.
Clippers @ Blazers — Pretty fascinating matchup with the Clippers missing meaningful talent (Mann and MAYBE Bones) facing a new look Blazers team. Interested to see how quickly some of these new pieces can transform the defense with a piece like Thybulle already there. But how easily will the points flow for Portland?? Seems like Simons/Scoot/Shaedon need to be flame throwing to keep up. If the Clippers are going to cover this spread I’m expecting big things from Kawhi and PG, so their points OVER might be the easier play.
Plays:
Rockets +4
Mavericks -5
Nets +1
Celtics -2.5
Heat 1Q -3 and 1H -5
Pacers -5
Weird Lines:
Hawks -2.5
Kings -1
Player Points Overs
Kawhi Leonard
Paul George
Jordan Poole
Patrick Williams
Benedict Mathurin
West Coast Hoops 