Usually overshadowed by the NFL action, this strong NBA Monday slate brings us 7 games from across the association. This is headlined by a very intriguing inter-conference affair in Denver, as the Nuggets play host to the Raptors. The Lakers travelling to Washington and the Mavericks hosting the Kings represent two more intriguing matchups. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best bets and favourite daily multi opportunity on the board.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets enter this one of an impressive 4-game winning streak that has taken them to 12-18. Reserve Point Guard Spencer Dinwiddie has been outstanding of late, averaging 25 points and 5.5 assists over his last 5 games. Starting Point Guard D’Angelo Russell is also having a solid season, averaging 17.5 points and 6 assists of his own. Latvian big man Rodion Kurucs has looked solid since joining the starting lineup, averaging 14 points in his previous two starts. Brooklyn will be looking to make it a surprising 5 straight wins when the lowly Hawks come to town.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks make the trip to Brooklyn at a precarious 6-22, having lost 6 of their last 7 games. Power Forward John Collins has looked very solid since his return from injury, leading the Hawks with impressive averages of 17.7 points and 9.4 boards. Rookie Point Guard Trae Young continues to put up solid counting stats, averaging 15.1 points and 7.7 assists of his own. Based off their poor start, Atlanta look to have a good chance of adding a 3rd player to this solid young core in the 2019 Draft.
Prediction: Hawks +8
Having won 4 straight, I believe the bookies are starting to overrate the Nets here. This is still an inconsistent team that is capable of losing to anyone. Getting 8 points, I’m happily taking Atlanta here and will sprinkle some on the moneyline too.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards enter this one at a precarious 11-18, having just made a trade for Trevor Ariza. This is despite the strong play of Shooting Guard Bradley Beal, who is averaging 29 points, 6 assists, and 4 boards over his last 5. Point Guard John Wall is also having another solid year, averaging 20.8 points and 8.7 assists of his own. After trading away both Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers, you have to wonder how the Wizards rotation will hold up here.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have had a relatively strong season so far and enter this one after yesterday’s tilt in Charlotte. The PED’s are still clearly working for LeBron, as he enjoys averages of 28.4 points, 7.6 boards, and 7 assists per night. Forward Kyle Kuzma is also looking like the Lakers best sophomore, averaging 18.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per night. Lance ‘Born Ready’ Stephenson is providing a nice spark off the bench, pouring in 17 points against Houston on Friday.
Prediction: Lakers +1
Despite the Lakers being on a back-to-back, I think the wrong team is favoured in this one. I don’t anticipate Ariza playing in this one, with the Lakers talent and depth proving too much. Lakeshow by 5+ here.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks enter this one at an impressive 15-12 despite a surprising loss to Phoenix last time out. Rookie Luka Doncic is having an outstanding campaign, averaging 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per contest. Small Forward Harrison Barnes has also been outstanding on the wing, averaging a shade under 18 points and 4.5 boards of his own. Franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki made his debut in that loss to Phoenix and will be looking to get back to winning ways here.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings enter this one at 15-13 after suffering a heartbreaking loss to Golden State last time out. This was despite an excellent performance from Shooting Guard Buddy Hield, who poured in an efficient 27 points. Big-man Willie Cauley-Stein won the battle on the interior, totalling 22 points and 11 boards of his own. Point Guard De’Aaron Fox was again outstanding, adding 25 points and 9 assists. After a crushing loss, you have to wonder how motivated Sacramento will be here.
Prediction: Mavericks -5
I think the Mavericks have a clear matchup advantage on the wing here. With a very strong homecourt and the rest advantage, expect another big one from Luka Doncic as they cruise past Sacramento here.
The Pacers have looked very strong since Victor Oladipo’s return and should comfortably take care of the Knicks at home here. At the end of a long road trip, I also expect Miami to struggle against the Pelicans. And, as outlined earlier, I expect the Mavericks to take care of business at home against the Kings. At $2.17, this is a strong value play.