Tomorrow is a busy day for yours truly so I’m handicapping and picking my plays now. There’s a chance I add more, but here are my leans/plays for Monday’s NBA slate.
Lean: Hawks +6 (-110): I handicapped this line at 6 on the dot, so I think this is the right number. But it’s early and this line could be on the move. If it goes up to 7 or 8, I’d be on the Hawks to cover, especially if Anthony Davis is out. This could be a rest opportunity for Lebron, too. This isn’t a particularly great spot for either team, but I love how Atlanta looked last time out. They’re a deep roster that can score quick and they play solid defense. Although no match against the defending champs in big game situations, Atlanta could easily upset an unmotivated Lakers team; LAL is about to play their 7th straight road game. Yikes… Talk about a grind. Tune into this line and play on it if it rises.
Bucks -10 (-110), 1.5 units: This line is right where I thought it would be, but I still think the Bucks surpass 10. Look, the Bucks have looked absolutely awful. Just awful. But they got a little rest, they’re back at home, and trust me– they’re still leaps and bounds better than Portland. Without Lillard making one high pressure shot after another, where would this team be? Dame is the best thing to happen to Portland, but after such a triumphant win (and a game they should have lost), this is a terrible spot for the Blazers to contend with one of the NBA’s best teams, even if the Bucks haven’t played like it recently. Expect an aggressive, big game for Giannis and company. Portland’s porous defense will be the perfect anecdote for Milwaukee’s recent struggles.
Rockets -4.5 (-110), 1.5 units: OKC is a solid team trying to find an identity but this guy’s gonna keep riding that Houston-train until the wheels fall off. I love this team post-Harden. Great defense, playing with an attitude, and true superstar talent with Victor Oladipo and John Wall. No Harden, no problem. The Rockets are my favorite team in the NBA right now and it’s because of how consistent they’ve been, and I don’t think they’re close to their full potential. I also don’t think OKC is the team to stifle their momentum. This feels a bit square, but so be it.
