Another huge day of action awaits us in the NBA, with the majority of teams in action in 9 games across the association. This is headlined by an exciting affair out West, as LeBron and the Lakers travel to Memphis to take on the upstart Grizzlies. Dallas also plays host to Houston, whilst Minnesota travels to Portland in two other intriguing matchups on today’s slate. As always, let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and favourite multi on the board.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks enter this one at 12-11 and currently find themselves second in the Southwest division. Rookie Luca Doncic has been a revelation for Dallas this season, averaging 18 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Big man DeAndre Jordan has provided the Mavs with a much-needed interior presence, averaging 11 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. Small Forward Harrison Barnes is also having a resurgent season, averaging 20 points and 4.5 boards over his last 5. Whilst Point Guard Dennis Smith is likely out for this one, the Mavs have more than enough playmaking to offset this loss.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets have had a bitterly disappointing season so far, losing 6 of their last 8 games to find themselves 11-13. They were crushed by 27 points in Utah last time out, in a game where Rudy Gobert was ejected very early on. This record is more surprising when you consider James Harden’s excellent stats so far. The veteran Shooting Guard is currently averaging 30 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. Center Clint Capela has also built on his fantastic 2017 campaign, averaging a shade under 18 points and 12 boards per contest.
Prediction: Mavericks +2.5
I’ve had strong recent success backing Dallas and fading Houston, including Dallas’ road win over Houston just last week. Right now, the Mavericks are simply the better team in this one and shouldn’t be catching points at home. With Houston’s rotation looking relatively weak, I expect Dallas’ depth and versatility to prove too much here.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have had a surprisingly very good season so far and currently find themselves first in the Southwest division. This is in large part due to the consistently excellent play of Point Guard Mike Conley. Conley is averaging 21 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.5 boards per game, looking like a promising bet to make his first All-Star appearance. Center Marc Gasol is capably supporting Conley with his strong play. The 33-year-old Spaniard is currently averaging 17.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4 assists per game on 40% shooting from 3. I’d be remiss not to mention talented Rookie big Jaren Jackson, who has flashed with averages of 14 points and 4.5 boards so far.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers seem to have figured things out of late and enter this one in very strong form. LeBron James is having a stellar first season in Los Angeles, averaging 28.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Sophomore Forward Kyle Kuzma is proving to be an excellent complementary piece, averaging 17 points and 5.5 rebounds this season. Big man Tyson Chandler has given this Lakers team a noticeable boost, providing 23 minutes of energy and rebounding each night. If the Lakers can add to this side at the trade deadline, they are a definite contender out West.
Prediction: Over 207.5 Points
With both of these sides coming off a back-to-back, I feel as though the totals here are artificially too low. The Lakers have had a lot of totals above 230 this season and this line seems very undervalued. I expect at least 210 points here in what should be a competitive affair.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers enter this one at 14-11, breaking off their slide with a dominant recent win over Phoenix. Damian Lillard was outstanding in this one, pouring in 25 points to go along with his 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Jake Layman provided some much-needed offence off the bench, dropping a quick-fire 24 points on 10 made field goals. Bosnian big man Jusuf Nurkic is having another strong campaign, averaging 14.7 points and 10.6 rebounds this season. With C.J. McCollum expected back in this one, expect the Portland offence to find some form here.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have been on a tear of late, registering wins in 6 of their last 7 games. Center Karl-Anthony Towns has spear-headed this run with his excellent play of late. He was outstanding last time out against Charlotte, dropping 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 blocks in a dominant display. Often-maligned Small Forward Andrew Wiggins also got in on the act, putting up 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. I’d be remiss not to mention the excellent passing display of Point Guard Jeff Teague in this one, who notched an impressive 18 assists.
Prediction: Over 218 points
With the pace these two teams play at, I think this total is significantly undervalued. Minnesota’s lack of backcourt defence means that Lillard and McCollum should go wild here, whilst Portland won’t be able to handle KAT on the inside. All of this makes for a high scoring affair that goes over this middling total.
There are a few very solid options for today’s daily multi. Playing on the road against two of the NBA’s worst teams, I expect very comfortable wins for both the Nuggets and Celtics. At home against a Heat team off a back-to-back, I also think the Clippers are very strong value. With a $2.52 price point, this multi is hard to pass up.