6 exciting fixtures await us on this enticing NBA Monday card. This is highlighted by a couple of interesting inter-conference matchups as the 76ers play host to the upstart Grizzlies, whilst Anthony Davis leads the Pelicans into Charlotte. Utah also travels to Miami, whilst Dallas plays host to the Clippers in an exciting tussle out west. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite daily multi on the board.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets enter this one at 11-11 and currently sit first place in the Southeast division. Point Guard Kemba Walker has most definitely been the star man this season, putting up impressive averages of 27 points, 6 assists and 4.5 rebounds per contest. Shooting Guard Jeremy Lamb is also having by far the best season of his career, averaging 15.5 points and 5.5 boards per game. In Marvin Williams, Nicholas Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte has a capable collection of veteran wings that match up well in the modern NBA.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans make the trip to Charlotte sitting at 11-12 so far, largely due to their dismal 2-10 road record. They appear to be in a major dip in form of late, losing 5 of their last 6 games. None of the blame can be placed at the feet of star big man Anthony Davis, who’s averaging an impressive 32 points and 13 rebounds in his last 5 games. Jrue Holiday and E’Twaun Moore continue to form one of the NBA’s better backcourts, averaging an efficient 35 points per game between them. Where the Pelicans have struggled of late is on the wings, where they’ll be at a noticeable disadvantage in Charlotte.
Prediction: Hornets -2.5
This is definitely a contrarian play, but I think Charlotte are simply the better team here. They’ve had a very strong start to the season and could easily be 16-6 if close games had gone their way. I think they match up well with New Orleans and expect a comfortable cover here.
Miami Heat
The Heat enter this one with a dismal 8-13 record, Saturday’s win over the Pelicans breaking their streak of 5 losses in 6 games. Injuries to both Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson have led the Heat without a proper starting Point Guard and the offence has suffered as a result. The recent return of Heat legend Dwyane Wade has helped ease the burden, the fan favourite averaging 17 points and 4 assists per game over his last 5. Center Hassan Whiteside has also continued to provide a solid presence on the interior, averaging over 13 points and rebounds per game.
Utah Jazz
The 11-12 Jazz seem to have righted the ship of late, winning each of their last 3 road games. Sophomore Shooting Guard Donovan Mitchell was excellent in Saturday’s win over Charlotte, pouring in 30 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Center Rudy Gobert continues to be one of the association’s premier big men, averaging 17 points, 12 boards and 2.5 blocks per game over his last 5. In Joe Ingles, Jae Crowder and the newly acquired Kyle Korver, Utah now has 3 capable shooting swingmen that should help resurrect this offence.
Prediction: Jazz -2 1st Half
I’ve had some more success betting on the Jazz lately and I’m keeping the trend going here. Miami have struggled mightily of late and I think they’re overvalued after their win over New Orleans. Utah have a significantly stronger rotation and I expect them to race out to a big first-half lead here.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks had won 7 of their last 8 games prior to Saturday’s loss to the Lakers and currently find themselves at 10-10. Rookie Luka Doncic has been a revelation this season, averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4 assists per game. Small Forward Harrison Barnes has also noticeably raised his level of late, pouring in 20 or more points in 3 of his last 4. In J.J. Barea and Devin Harris, the Mavs have a very strong combination of reserve guards that can significantly outscore most opposing second units.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have won 9 of their last 10 games and make the trip to Dallas with a West-leading 15-6 record. Forward Tobias Harris has been en fuego of late, averaging 24 points and a shade under 9 boards per game over his last 5. Montrezl Harrell continues his campaign for sixth man of the year, averaging 19.5 points and 8.5 boards over his last 5. Small Forward Danilo Gallinari is having one of the better seasons of his career, whilst veteran Shooting Guard Avery Bradley appears to be rounding into form after returning from injury.
Prediction: Mavericks +2.5
Whilst the Clippers are in a phenomenal run of form, they’ve had a lot of luck with their schedule of late. I believe they’re overrated in this spot and that there’s significant line value on Dallas here. The Mavs have every chance of taking this outright, but the extra 2.5 points gives us some flexibility here.
There are definitely a few standout matches for today’s daily multi. As an 11-point favourite, the Lakers appear a near lock to beat Phoenix at home. With Marc Gasol questionable, I expect Philly to continue their strong home form against Memphis. The Jazz appear to have turned a corner of late and their inclusion really bumps up this price.