76ers -6.5 (-110), 1.5 units: This is a square pick but so be it. Joel Embiid is playing lights out and Philadelphia is probably the hottest team in the NBA right now. Give me the significantly better team in a good spot after they didn’t play their best ball on Saturday against the very same Pistons. They should dominate game 2. Note: Philadelphia has covered 6 of their last 7 against Detroit.
Live Bet Total Opportunity- Nets vs. Heat: Look to live bet the over on the Nets/Heat game if the scoring slows down at any point. High scoring NBA teams usually score around 30 points per quarter, so if you see a quarter-total dropping well below 60 in this game, it would be wise to jump on the over. The total is set at 236.5, and for good reason. Expect more fireworks!
Mavericks win (+105), 1 unit: The Mavs have played up and down lately and still haven’t hit their stride. The Nuggets are coming off 2 straight OT games, with Jokic having a sensational 29 point, 22 rebound outing on Saturday against the Suns. As I predicted, the Nuggets were due for some positive regression and it’s shown in 3 straight wins. Now I think it’s Dallas’ turn. The Mavs have allowed average offenses to score 112, 117, and 133 in their last 3 contests. I expect improvement tonight. Dallas travels back home against a conference foe in what should have a mid-season playoff feel. I think Luka Doncic has a big game and the Mavericks top-10 defense reappears.
Celtics -4 (-110), 1.5 units: This is a trap game for Boston after an outrageous 141 point game against the Cavs last night. The books seem to know that, since they’re only a 4 point favorite against obviously weaker competition in Chicago. The Bulls are an improved team, but they’re not on the level of Boston. Jayson Tatum returns tonight for the Celtics, which is a huge boost, and I think Boston overcomes a bad spot and gets another solid team-effort in Chicago. If you want to bet on the Bulls, I’d suggest a first half bet.
