Detroit Pistons
The Pistons enter this one at a relatively middling 17-20 after losing 4 of their last 5 games. Blake Griffin has still been turning in admirable performances, pouring in 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a loss to Utah last time out. He continues to get excellent interior support from Andre Drummond, who had 15 points, 18 rebounds, and 3 steals of his own.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs enter this one as the form team in the NBA, winning 5 of their last 6 to sit 23-17. Shooting Guard DeMar DeRozan has been excellent of late, enjoying a triple-double on Friday against his old Raptors teammates. LaMarcus Aldridge also continues to provide a steady presence on the interior, dropping 18 points and 7 assists against Memphis last time out.
Prediction: Pistons +4
I’m buying low with Detroit and selling high with San Antonio in this one. Despite their recent run of form, the Spurs are still a pedestrian 6-12 on the road this season. Expect a solid day from Griffin and Drummond as the Pistons at least keep this close.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics enter this one at an improving 23-15 after winning 5 of their last 7 games. Jaylen Brown had a solid performance in a rare start last time out, pouring in 21 points on 9/15 shooting against Dallas. Gordon Hayward also continued his improved form of late, adding 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists off the bench.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets make the trip to Boston off the back of a very convincing win in Chicago last night. Point Guard D’Angelo Russell led the way, dropping an efficient 28 points and 5 assists. Jarrett Allen added 19 points, whilst DeMarre Carroll and Shabazz Napier had 20 and 18 respectively off the bench in what was very much a team effort.
Prediction: Nets +10
Although Kyrie is likely back for this one, the Celtics have had trouble with pesky opponents like the Nets this season. I’m not sure how motivated they’ll be here and whilst I expect them to win, I also Brooklyn to cover a relatively high line of 10 points.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings enter this one off the back of 5 losses in their last 6 to sit 19-20. Buddy Hield delivered a solid display in the loss to Golden State last time out, dropping 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 points and 7 assists in a rare start, whilst Forward Justin Jackson added a career-high 28 points off the bench.
Orlando Magic
Orlando make the trip to Sacramento off the back of a disappointing loss against the Clippers yesterday. This was despite a monster display from Center Nikola Vucevic, who dropped an epic 16 points, 24 rebounds, and 8 assists. Aaron Gordon also added an inefficient 17 points, but Orlando struggled all night to generate reliable offence.
Prediction: Magic +5.5
When these two sides faced earlier in the year, this line was exactly reversed. Despite their poor recent form, this makes me think there’s some value in Orlando here. I can’t trust Sacramento laying 5.5 and expect the Magic to remain competitive in this one.
A relatively simple equation for today’s daily multi. 3 home teams with playoff aspirations and the clear talent advantage. $1.81 looks a very appealing price.