NBA Premiums, 11.25

This is a much better spot for a Knicks team, coming off a road win 4 days ago, which is excessive rest in the NBA, even though they weren’t playing their best basketball. They still scored 129 points and found a rhythm in their 2-point game. Lately the Blazers are sinking and their defensive efficiency has gone way down. I hate a road spot for a team that’s already declining, coming fresh off Thanksgiving and into this contest away from family. This is the 2nd to last leg of the Blazers’ east coast road trip, while the Knicks get to stay at home all weekend. I handicap this at Knicks -5.5 so there’s a very slight disparity but I’m pulling the trigger because of the spot.

This is an inflated line for sure but it deserves to be there. The Kings finally had a down game offensively but we saw that coming the other night. Now they’re refreshed off the break and going up against the only other team that’s been as efficient and explosive as they have in November. The Kings and Celtics are the #3 and #1 scoring offenses in the first half and their tempo should each catalyze the other into a real “I can do it better than you” kind of situation. Full game could slow down again, so we take the first half.

Well I don’t understand this line. The Rockets haven’t played since Sunday, I get it, but this is still a bad situation for an injured team against a healthy Hawks squad. The Hawks should be able to take advantage of the fact that Houston’s big man, Alperen Sengun, is doubtful today. When the Hawks have an interior advantage it’s usually bad news for their opponent, especially with Trae’s perimeter ability and Murray’s short-range game at the top of the key. The Rockets also have a quick turnaround game tomorrow. Unless the Rockets have their game of the year, I don’t see them able to cover.Only 1 unit out of respect for a weird line – Atlanta beat this team by 10 early in the year when Houston was healthier and more competitive.

I get it, it’s tough to take Milwaukee after a disappointing loss against the Bulls at home, but this is a great setup for them to get some revenge. I love that Love and LaVert will be sitting out tonight, which should give the Bucks’ second unit a very solid advantage. Giannis didn’t play to his full capacity two nights ago but I’m sure he’ll be all-in and as aggressive as ever against a Cavs team that’s a real threat in the eastern conference. Jrue Holiday is probable, thank God, while this is the start of a tough road trip for Cleveland. All Bucks for me.

CJ McCollum out for the Pelicans should only make New Orleans run faster – he’s a great player obviously but he’s less likely to push the pace. The Grizzlies are running at a much faster tempo, top 10 over their last 5 games, and New Orleans should attack the basket with ferocity like they always do. The Grizzlies shot poorly in their first matchup and will look to correct those inefficiencies tonight, while the Pelicans are top 5 in OFF EFF lately and I trust that their chemistry will continue against a less able defense in Memphis.