Another relatively small NBA Wednesday slate awaits us, with just 4 games on deck today. This is headlined by an exciting affair in Denver as the West-leading Nuggets play host to Dallas. The 20-10 Pacers also play host to the Cavs, whilst the 18-2 Lakers travel to Brooklyn in two other interesting games today. Let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets and daily multi suggestion on today’s slate.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers enter this one at 20-10, looking like one of the NBA’s form teams after winning 7 straight games. Shooting Guard Victor Oladipo looked back to his best against the Knicks, pouring in 26 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals. Center Myles Turner has also been very impressive of late, dropping at least 23 points in 3 of his last 4 games. Reserve big man Domantas Sabonis has also had an excellent season off the bench, averaging 14 points and 10 boards on 62% shooting from the field.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland enter this one off a relatively disastrous season so far, winning just 7 of their first 30 games. The team has struggled immensely offensively without the presence of Kevin Love. Small Forward Cedi Osman has been somewhat of a bright spot, averaging 11 points and 5 boards per game. Rookie Guard Collin Sexton has also shown flashes, averaging 15.3 points and 3 rebounds on 40% shooting from 3. Aussie Matthew Dellavedova will look to rejuvenate this Cavs bench, adding 13 points and 7 assists against Philadelphia last time out.
Prediction: Pacers -12
These are two teams travelling in opposite directions. Whilst 12 points is a lot to lay, I think the Pacers have a huge talent edge in this one. Their solid defence should shut down the Cavs offence, whilst I expect another big outing from Oladipo.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks enter this one at a dreadful 6-23, allowing 144 points to the Nets last time out. Power Forward John Collins has been a noticeable bright spot for this team, averaging 23.2 points and 13 boards over his last 5. Center Dewayne Dedmon was also solid offensively, adding in 24 points and 12 boards of his own. Despite being inefficient from the field, Trae Young has shown some promise this season, averaging 15.4 points and 7.2 assists. With little to play for, you have to question Atlanta’s motivation the rest of the way.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards enter this one at 12-18, managing a resurgent win against Los Angeles last time out. John Wall was outstanding in this one, adding 40 points, 14 assists, and 6 rebounds. Bradley Beal was excellent in a complementary role, dropping 25 points and 12 rebounds of his own. Even Reserve Forward Sam Dekker chimed in with a solid stat line, totalling 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. With Trevor Ariza set to make his return here, the Wizards get another solid piece as they make their playoff push.
Prediction: Wizards 1st Half -1.5
Not only have Atlanta’s performances been poor of late, they’re also playing with a lack of motivation. Their defence has been atrocious lately and I expect John Wall to have another strong performance here. Laying only 1.5 points in the 1st half, the Wiz look like very solid value here.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets appear to be in much better form of late, winning each of their last 5 to sit 13-18. D’Angelo Russell has performed much better recently, dropping 32 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds against Atlanta. Recently extended Point Guard Spencer Dinwiddie has also been excellent, averaging 24.6 points and 6 assists over his last 5. Sophomore Center Jarrett Allen has also shown signs of promise, averaging 12 points and 8 boards per game this season. It’ll be interesting to see if this Nets streak holds up against LeBron and the surging Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers enter this one at 18-12 and in a much better position out West. This is despite a disastrous 18-point loss in Washington last time out. LeBron wasn’t near his best in this one, totalling just 13 points and 3 assists on 5/16 shooting. Power Forward Kyle Kuzma is having an excellent sophomore campaign, averaging 22.2 points and 5.6 boards over his last 5. Shooting Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also had a big one last time out, pouring in 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Prediction: Lakers -2
Despite the Nets strong recent form, I continue to think that they’re overvalued. LeBron is clearly the best player on the floor in this one and will have the Lakers motivated after a poor display in Washington. Laying only 2, I think the Lake Show are very strong value today.
A bit of a different theme in today’s multi with less action on the board. Against two of the worst sides in the NBA, both the Pacers and Wizards appear solid value to get the job done today. I’m also expecting a Lakers win, which really helps beef this up to an appealing $2.99 price.