Decent day in NBA betting yesterday– we went 2-2 overall but one loss was a parlay and we were pretty dead-on about the Clippers. More opportunity today, more wins on the horizon. Let’s go!
Wizards -3.5 (-110), 1.5 units: Bradley Beal is questionable tonight and obviously we hope he plays, but even without Beal I like the Wizards in this spot. Or maybe I should say, I really dislike the Magic in this spot. Orlando’s big game was 3 days ago against the Nuggets and they played really well for 2.5 quarters. Motivated no doubt by the Aaron Gordon trade and out to prove they can still hang, they very nearly shocked the Nuggets… that is, until Denver decided to turn up the heat and they ended up easily winning (and nearly covering) by 10 points. The Magic led by as much as 18 in that contest but it wasn’t enough. Aaron Gordon actually ended up being the game’s leading scorer, go figure, and all hopes for an Orlando victory were torn to shreds. This is an obvious let-down spot for them tonight. Their season is over, and what residual effects does that loss against Denver still carry? One thing is for sure, Russel Westbrook won’t be affected by the Wizards’ record or playoff chances. The enigma that is Russel Westbrook plays hard no matter what and I could see him destroying an Orlando team that’s very injured and especially in the last 2 games, very poor on defense. I’ll take the Wizards for a light cover.
Nets/Pelicans over 233.5 (-110), 2.5 units: I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but New Orleans has been absolutely abysmal on defense lately. Allowing 117.6 points in their last 5 games and now ranked 26th in points allowed and 28th in Hollinger’s defensive efficiency ratings, this game does not set up well for a beat-up Pelicans team. Zion should play but Brandon Ingram is questionable and Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are out tonight. You know who’s NOT out tonight? Kevin Durant. And what a spot for the former MVP to be back in the spotlight. James Harden won’t play, which isn’t great for their offense, but I expect a big night from Kyrie and Durant and other Nets’ contributors to have their own success throughout the 48 minutes. I also expect a big game from Zion. Aldridge and Griffin will provide some front court support but Zion has shown confidence and an aggressive ability to drive the ball no matter who’s down low. He’ll have to push the pace to keep up with Brooklyn. A unique 2+ unit play for me, I see no reason why the Nets won’t show out tonight and send this total soaring over.
Jazz/Suns over 227 (-110), 2 units: This is the marquee matchup Wednesday night and I’m pretty damn excited to watch. The Utah Jazz travel to Phoenix to take on a white-hot team for the 2nd game in a row. Two short nights ago, the Jazz lost to the surging Dallas Mavericks. While that’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially with their dominant Western Conference record and position, it’ll be a tall task to turn around and win tonight in Phoenix. The Suns have won 10 of their last 12 games and have now scored 6 straight victories in a row. Remarkably, much of that success is due to their efforts on offense. In their last four games, the Suns have averaged a staggering 127.75 points per contest. Not your momma’s Suns, eh? We know about their ability on defense but they keep improving on the other side of the court. They’re a top 10 team in points per game and Hollinger metrics ranks them as 7th overall in offensive efficiency. The Jazz? They rank even better at 3rd overall in offensive efficiency. I think that’s the story of this game. Phoenix has increased their tempo significantly, now ranking 24th overall in pace, and I think they continue to use that recipe to try and overwhelm the Jazz. In their own right, the Jazz won’t be intimidated and it’s unlikely they’ll be stifled by the Suns’ defense. Utah averages 117 ppg and they’re top 5 in offensive rebounding– they’ll get theirs. I love this over tonight in what should be a great game with a testy playoff feel! Wooey!
