Let’s keep churning and burning in the NBA, my friends.
Wizards/Hornets under 221 (-110), to win 1/5 units
Again these Hornets totals are too high and I don’t see that changing against the slow moving, defense-oriented Washington Wizards. Bradley Beal just entered COVID protocol 2 days ago so I doubt he’ll be back. And even with Terry Rozier, who played 36 min against the Nets, the Hornets only found 94 points. This is a team searching for an identity and lost on offense without their stars. The Wizards will only make that harder. We’ll look to see where team totals are tomorrow but we’ll probably play on that, too.
Pelicans -5 (-110), to win 1 unit
This line may move down but I like this as a smash spot for New Orleans. Even though the Pelicans are on a tough 4 game road stretch, it doesn’t mean they’re not going to win. Zion should play in this one but I think he’s questionable. Either way, especially if Chris Duarte remains out, the Pacers aren’t in the same league as the Pelicans and I don’t think they have the personnel to stop the physical offense they’ll face.
Suns -1.5 (-110), to win 1.5 units
Talk about two teams not in the same class: Something is iffy with this line but I’ll gladly take it at this number. With Embiid and Harden out, the Sixers ultimately struggled to sustain offense against the Knicks and that was the difference three nights ago. Now a disciplined defensive team comes to town in the Phoenix Suns and even though this is the Suns’ first real road stretch, they’re built for consistency. Eventually the young guns in Philly will have a big game and show out without their two veteran stars but this isn’t the spot. Love the Suns.
Knicks/Timberwolves over 229 (-110), to win 1.5 units
Rudy Gobert should be out of this contest and that’s a big deal for this angle. Rudy only slows down Minnesota but without one of their bigs and already the 4th fastest team in the NFL, I think they’ll be off to the races quick Monday night. The Knicks tend to go by the pace of the other team but they’re still moving fast overall (12th on the road) and they’re a solid offensive team so far. Jalen Brunson only catalyzes this entire narrative.
Kings/Warriors over 230 (-115), to win 1.5 units
The first game between these two resulted in 255 points. Normally I’d anticipate some regression or at least consider it, but this is a chance for the Warriors to put up a classic offensive show at home against a team that doesn’t like to play defense anyway. And I love the offensive efficiency and pace I’ve seen from SAC. Another over!
Cavs -1 (-105), to win 1 unit
Eventually regression has to hit and maybe the Clippers flex and play like an actual team in a good spot at home, why is this is only 1 unit, but the Cavs are buzzing and playing with incredible confidence right now. I’m not sure if the Clippers can hang; though this line is strange.