The Pacers couldn’t pull off the comeback last night and Durant had to leave due to health protocols in the third quarter, so who knows how that game could have ended, but overall we’re still charging forward at 9-6 in NBA betting this week. Onto Saturday!
Knicks win (even), 1 unit: The Knicks are in a good spot today, off 3 days rest and healthy, as the Blazers continue to be plagued by injuries. It looks like Lillard will play, but he’ll have the weight of his team on his shoulders without McCollum and other key starters. The Knicks have one of the best defenses in the association, 2nd only to the Lakers in points allowed per game, and stars RJ Barrett and Julius Randle are starting to produce more consistently. The Blazers have rode their offensive production into a 2 game winning streak against a porous Wizards defense and a 76ers team in a bad spot without Ben Simmons. Expect a disciplined and motivated effort from New York today after losing to Portland in their first matchup. The Blazers will travel back home and get a solid 3 days rest after today’s outing in the Big Apple; I don’t think they care as much about this game.
76ers -3.5 (-110), 1.5 units: Make no mistake about it, Kevin Durant is the best player on the Nets. Harden and Kyrie and company still present a big challenge for Philadelphia, and could definitely win this game, but I love the spot for Philly and I hate it for the Nets. Coming off a disappointing loss last night and now learning that you’re losing your best player for at least a few games has to have Brooklyn feeling bad for themselves. Harden and Kyrie openly expressed frustration after last night’s game. The Sixers come into this contest off a surprising loss against Portland, a game where they sat Ben Simmons. Philadelphia should be primed and motivated for tonight. Many think Joel Embiid is the league’s MVP up until today and I can’t argue that. The Sixers are a significantly better team when he’s playing and his numbers so far (29 ppg, 56% from the field, 42% from beyond the arc and 11 rebounds per game) are sensational. While the Nets flounder emotionally, I’m on the Sixers to thrive and cover the number tonight.
Grizzlies win (EVEN), 1.5 units: Memphis is rested and it looks like they’re getting back some starters they’ve sorely missed in Jonas Valanciunas and Grayson Allen tonight. Battling through a 2-game losing streak, the Grizzlies should be highly motivated heading into this divisional matchup. Last night New Orleans squeaked by the Pacers late after almost allowing a comeback win. Facing a team like Indiana takes its toll, both in how they play defense and how they push the pace, so the Pelicans have to be tired heading into tonight’s contest. Unfortunately for them, the Grizzlies play a very similarly style to the Pacers. I like the Pelicans’ rising stars, but all things regress to the mean and I don’t think New Orleans is quite as good or as consistent as they’ve looked in recent games. This is one of those spots where the Pelicans leave fans and bandwagoners disappointed. I favor a rejuvenated Memphis squad to tire out their opponent and get a solid divisional win.
Pistons +14 (-110), 1 unit*: The Lakers don’t play on Super Bowl Sunday, so this is a great spot for them to annihilate a weak team, but it’s looking more and more like Anthony Davis and Lebron may sit this one out. Watch for updates before the game (it’s a late spot 10:00pm EST tip-off), but the Pistons are in a prime spot to show up, play competitive and feel better about themselves. They need it. Derrick Rose should also be back, which should give Detroit a boost. * If Lebron does play, this bet is OFF!
