The 21-12 Pacers host the 23-12 Sixers here, currently getting 1 point as an underdog. I really like the matchup for Philly here and will take them at this relatively low number.
Philly have admittedly been an awful road team this year, compiling a miserable 7-10 record away from home. Indiana has also been great at home, going 14-3 thus far. I think this hot start actually overvalues Indiana’s home court, giving value to Philly here.
The Sixers enter this one in full health, with all of their key players expected to play. Indiana are still contending with the injury to Oladipo, while Malcolm Brogdon is also questionable here.
The Pacers have struggled to generate consistent offence at times this season and I can see them struggling here. Philly have one of the best defensive units in the NBA and I’d expect them to really limit Indiana at the rim.
They should be well rested after two days off and motivated after suffering rare consecutive losses. At just one point, a straight up win is very likely to secure the cover here.
The 22-11 Rockets host the 23-9 Nuggets here, currently laying 1 point. As long as each of their big 3 play here, I like Houston at this relatively modest number.
These two teams are definitely pretty even and I think this short of a line really overvalues Denver. If the Nuggets have any major weakness, it is their inability to guard elite wing players.
They’ve struggled mightily in the past against James Harden and I can see more of the same here. This is only compounded by the fact that Gary Harris is 50/50 for this game and could be limited if he does play.
With Jokic at Center, Denver is also far from an elite rim protecting team. Not only could this prove hazardous against Harden, it isn’t ideal against the likes of Westbrook and Capela either.
While Denver are a decent road side at 8-5, they aren’t anywhere near as good as they are at home. Houston have been a very solid 11-4 at home thus far and appear much more likely to lay an egg on the road.
This is a favourable matchup for them and represents a chance at a statement win in the game of the day. At another very small line, I’d back them to both win and cover.