A 3-0 start to the week– can’t hate that! Unfortunately I don’t like many of today’s games, but here’s my attempt to find some value and something for YOU to bet on!
Timberwolves first half +4 (-115), 1.5 units: After what happened in Minneapolis, I think it’s fair to say that the fans and team that represent the Twin City will be pretty amped up for this contest. Durant will do his thing but he’ll have restricted minutes, while Kyrie is sitting out (shocker), and Harden is still injured. Aldridge was also announced as out for this matchup. At least in the first half, Minnesota is a very live dog in a good spot, at home, to either be ahead or keep this competitive.
Pacers win (+135), 1 unit: This is a nice little sandwich spot for Indiana. The Pacers have now won 3 in a row and they’re feelin’ themselves after a big road victory over Memphis, a team that was primed in a revenge spot and couldn’t get it done. Kawhi Leonard is out tonight for LAC and although Paul George and company are more than enough to overwhelm most teams, this game means considerably more to Indiana. Jockeying for the playoffs and below .500 on the year, every game counts right now for the Pacers and that’s an angle we like to play on. Meanwhile, Tyronn Lue and the Clippers don’t care enough about this game to start their star (Ibaka is out and Beverly may be, too) so why should I assume this road game is circled on their calendar? It’s not. LAC faces Detroit on the road tomorrow night, another let-down spot, before a prime showdown against Philly on Friday. I’ll take a shot on Indiana to take full advantage.
Blazers -1 (-110), 2 units: This is an interesting game. Two star-dependent and shot-dependent teams face off Tuesday night, and both squads are dying to earn a little more respect. Boston has won 3 straight games and 4 of their last 5 heading into tonight, although their last victory was anything but deserving. Mike Malone, as I’m sure you know, pulled out Jokic and other Nuggets starters late in the 3rd quarter of their game against the Celtics Sunday and Boston completely blew them out from that point on. I mean they got out-scored 31-8 in the fourth quarter. Pathetic. I hope that gave the mean-green a feeling of inflated jubilation, ‘cuz get ready for that to be DEflated tonight. The Blazers just got punked by a motivated Heat team 2 nights ago, at home, and me thinks that doesn’t sit well with Portland. Damian Lillard and the Blazers already know they have issues on defense but to not muster or scheme a way to overcome Miami’s defense isn’t a good sign for a team that has high aspirations in May and June. That’s playoff defense and it’s something Portland will need to figure out before it gets too late. Thanks to some inferior opponents, Boston has played better on defense lately, but I don’t think Portland is too worried about it. The Celtics travel to LA to face the Lakers Thursday, while the Blazers will get 3 days rest after tonight. Although they have plenty of flaws, Portland plays with more chemistry and they’re in a better spot Tuesday. I like Damian to go off, too– he loves to show off when up against other All-Stars. Bet Portland.
