Early Premiums, 3.18

March 17, 2022

227

NBA Lines already came out for Friday – here’s some early sides I like:

Knicks -4.5, 2 units
- Just gotta keep playing on the Knicks. They’re surging, playing MUCH better defense, and the Wizards don’t have the firepower to hang with them right now, especially if they’re nailing 3s. I’d take this up to -6.
Mavericks +4, 1.5 units
- The Mavericks are low-key surging into the postseason. They’re 60% ATS as an underdog and 57% ATS overall. I’ll take Luka all day over Harden, but Embiid will likely be a problem for the Mavs’ shallow front court. Even so, the Mavericks figured it out in their first matchup and with their slow pace and efficiency from the perimeter and guard position, an area where the Sixers struggle to challenge, they should continue to find success.
Nets -13, 2 units
- There may not be ANY number that’s too big here. The Nets are chasing their spot in the playoffs and they’re at home, with one of the best players in the world in Durant, off a loss, against the worst roster in the association. I’d take this up to -18. I’m not kidding.
Raptors 1H -4, 1.5 units
- How can we not play this? It’s not available at most books yet, but grab it when it is. The Lakers have not covered in 11 straight first halves, and they had serious trouble against the Raptors 3 days ago. Toronto easily won the battle in the paint and I see no reason why they won’t again. They didn’t shoot very well in the first game and it didn’t matter– they beat the Lake show by double digits. Raptors -7.5 is probably the right side, too, but I like the 1H more. I’d take it up to -5.
Pacers/Rockets over 239, 1 unit
- It’s gross but this is a fast-paced game with matchup advantages on both sides– mainly Christian Wood against a BAD Indiana front court and talented Pacers’ guards against a bad perimeter defense in Houston. Lock and load- the over should be golden. Only 1 unit because these are two hard teams to trust. I’d take it up to 242.