I have a crazy day today and the clocks going up an hour here on the east coast doesn’t help any. Just like my NCAAM write ups, these will be shorter than usual for that reason– onto my cash cow!
Grizzlies -7.5 (-110), 1 unit: OKC enters Sunday without guard Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, at least as far as we know, and we saw how that went in their game against the Knicks (not good). The Grizzlies don’t bring the same defensive prowess but they are in a good spot after a near-win against Denver 2 nights ago. Memphis is healthy and should easily beat the Thunder. This is only a 1 unit play because the Grizzlies have to turn around and face Phoenix tomorrow– not an ideal position. Hopefully they see this as a must-win.
Warriors +3.5 (1st half only), 1.5 units: The Warriors are due for some positive regression and with LAL on deck Monday, they could easily be looking at a 6 game losing streak if they’re not careful. Curry and company won’t be intimidated by the West-leading Jazz and they’re at home with 2 days to prepare. I think this is close at least in the 1st half.
76ers -4 (-110), 1.5 units: Seems like Philadelphia can plug and play anyone and still run away with big victories lately. That’s been especially impressive in their road victories. The 76ers will be without Embiid today but Simmons is back and Philly has a 16-3 home record. LeMarcus Aldridge is out today too, so it’s not like San Antonio is firing on all cylinders. The Spurs are a mid-tier team at best and Philly should take care of business at the Wells Fargo Center. Let’s not overcomplicate things.
Hawks -6 (-110), 1.5 units: Rut row– are the Hawks on the mend now after the All-Star break? Atlanta has now won four in a row and they’re creeping up as almost a top 10 team in point differential (right now they sit at #11 with a +.08). The Hawks are healthy, under new management, and they’re at home. Cleveland can be feisty but I have to favor the Hawks to win by more than 2 possessions. They’re 2nd quarter comeback and then effective dismantling of the Kings last night was impressive.
Blazers -4.5 (-110), 1.5 units and Blazers/T-Wolves over 234 (-110), 2 units: Check out my write up from yesterday— I have no reason to believe this won’t happen again. I’ll play less units on Portland since Minnesota matched up and played surprisingly well last night. The Blazers should have covered, though. Again, with the pace and lackluster defenses that these teams display, I don’t know why this total sits at under 240. Automatic over play for me.
Lean, Pelicans +6 (-110): Why do I have a sneaky feeling the Pelicans will show up and play really good basketball tonight? They’re so volatile and I hate betting on them lately so this is just a lean, but on paper and even against LAC’s stars, Zion in a high tempo offense is a mismatch for most teams. They’re at home and need an impressive win. Hmm…
