Tripling down on the Warriors/Pacers total, God help us, because we disagree with the line movement. Both teams score and run really fast early, so we’ll play on that, too.
Raptors ML (even), to win 1.5 units
The Celtics are fresh off a tough battle with the Nets in Brooklyn and now they have to turn around, go over the border, and face a Raptors team that’s exceptionally healthy and in a much better spot at home. This is where the great can fall. The Celtics are good but they’re not a Warriors-like team of yesterday that can win 70 games. I think they lose Monday.
Heat +2.5 (-110), to win 1.5 units
The Grizzlies played Sunday, while the Heat are coming off 3 days of rest from a big OT win against Boston. The injury report suggests this could be a game where a lot of Miami players sit but I think not. The important dudes- Strus, Vincent, Herro, Butler– should all be in. Since we think that’s the case, it’s unlikely Memphis will be able to deal with Miami at full strength, especially in a back to back. Since they’re at home and Ja is a superstar, I’ll take the points instead of the ML.
Pacers/Warriors over 241 (-110), to win 1 unit
Pacers/Warriors 1Q over 61.5 (-102), to win 1.5 units
Pacers/Warriors over 237.5 (-110), to win 1 unit
This is a sky-high total but it should be. So far the Warriors are unable to play any brand of solid defense this season (it probably has to do with their constant rotations to work-in the young blood), and the Pacers play as fast as any team in the NBA and they’re an offense-first outfit. Two teams that should be chasing one another, I’ll take the over. Only 1 unit since my number has it close at 244.
