You know what’s really fun? Like kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck just pure jubilation? When one of the better shooting players in the NBA (Steph Curry) can’t shoot and a good shooting team (the Warriors) can’t score against the worst defense in the NBA (the Wizards). So. Fun. I’m not mad, you’re mad. There’s not a ton of opportunity today, unfortunately, but we’ll find some value. Onto the PICKS!
Lakers +6.5 (1st half only, -110), 1 unit and Lakers +11 (full game), 1 unit: Where’s the value on betting the Nets here? There is none. At this point they’re a -700 favorite, absurd, and I’m not sure why they would be particularly motivated for this game. No Lebron, no Anthony Davis; what is there for the Nets to prove? Still, reports from LAL’s camp say that the Lakers are in good spirits and expect to win. Andre Drummond is getting worked into the lineup and no doubt he’ll only improve with more time. He should battle well with LeMarcus Aldridge. Caruso and Gasol are probable, that’s good news for LAL, and it’s not like Brooklyn is firing on all cylinders. This is only Durant’s second game back, Harden is out, and so is Dinwiddie, Johnson, and Shamet. Even without their stars, the Lakers have managed to maintain a number 1 defense according to Hollinger’s metrics. I like a proud and motivated underdog here, against a line that’s just way too inflated.
76ers -10 (-110), 1.5 units: That was beyond a let-down game for Philadelphia against the Pelicans last night, and the Thunder have been getting their ass kicked, even by bad teams. With or without Embiid, this should be a blowout. I can’t find any rhyme or reason to think otherwise. Watch the Thunder play the game of a lifetime (eye roll).
Pistons/Blazers over 226.5 (-110), 1.5 units: Unless they’re facing the Knicks, the Pistons have been scoring some points lately. Discounting the contest against New York, Detroit has averaged over 117 points in their last 6 games. After bad offensive performances against the Clippers and Jazz, the Blazers scorers are considerably overdue for some positive regression. Expect a show-out performance from Damian and the Blazers here. Another player prop on Lillard’s points (26.5) going over wouldn’t be a bad look either.
