Yours truly was 4-1 last night and now I’m 12-6 overall betting the NBA this week, a cool 66.6% win rate. The fire is blazing– let’s keep it alive!
Pacers -1.5 (-110), 1.5 units: The Hawks are skidding right now and things may get worse tonight. Atlanta is coming into this contest without a ton of dependable players, including De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Rajon Rondo. They got obliterated last night by San Antonio, which isn’t a good look considering the 2021 Spurs don’t frequently dominate anyone. The Pacers looked back to form 2 nights ago against the Pistons, bringing the balanced attack we’re used to seeing from Indiana when they’re playing up to par. This is another good spot for the Pacers, while Atlanta is begging for rest before a 3-game road trip. Take the Pacers.
Rockets/Knicks under 213.5 (-110), 1 unit: Houston is limping into this contest and the Knicks aren’t a good anecdote for a struggling team right now. New York isn’t a great unit overall, but they do play consistently great defense. They’re disciplined, aggressive, and they lead the NBA in points allowed per game. John Wall and the Houston offense is really struggling. Victor Oladipo is out today and PJ Tucker is questionable. I keep looking for spots to bet on Houston but they’re just so tough to trust lately. I think the Knicks steal a win, but I have to take a total that mysteriously keeps rising. This is 10 points too high.
Heat +7 (-105), 1.5 units: No one is more a fan of the Jazz right now. Utah is white-hot heading into Saturday after blowing out the Bucks and controlling that game from start to finish. Not many teams are capable of doing that to Milwaukee. Not to mention, I won some good money on Utah last night– can’t hate that. I’m only taking this position because that was a HUGE game Friday night and these guys are human after all. Utah can’t possibly play with that level of intensity in every game, let alone the next night after such a big statement win. Miami is starting to find their groove. Winners of now 4 straight, I love the way they fought and strangled the Rockets down the stretch 2 nights ago. Miami knows how to play under pressure– the Jazz, even with their new-found prowess, won’t intimidate Jimmy Butler and company. Look for the Heat to make a statement today. The Jazz should win, but Miami will push Utah.
