Saturday, April 6

Saturday, April 6

Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics, 11 am
Celtics +1.5

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers enter this one at 47-32 after convincing consecutive wins over the Pistons. Bojan Bogdanovic continues to lead the way offensively, averaging over 20 points on 52% shooting over his last 10. Thaddeus Young has also been a stabilizing veteran presence, dropping 21 points and 8 boards last time out.

Boston Celtics

The Celts also enter this one at 47-32, coming off impressive consecutive wins over Miami. Aussie big Aron Baynes has provided a much-needed spark, dropping a double-double in the starting lineup last time out. Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving are also beginning to find their groove, combining for 48 on Thursday against Miami.

Prediction: Celtics +1.5

In the game that will likely decide who gets the #4 seed out East, I have to give the edge to Boston in this one. I think their defence matches up very well with Indiana and they should shut them down here. Combine that with a few clutch Kyrie buckets and a road win and cover appears likely here.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers, 1:30 pm
Clippers -9

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clip Show enter this one at 47-32, coming off an embarrassing 30-point loss to Houston last time out. This was despite a solid display from rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the team with 20 points. That said, it has been a solid 2019 for the Clippers so far and they look poised to hold onto the #6 seed.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lake Show play a road game in Staples Center after a home tilt against Golden State last night. JaVale McGee has shown promise as they play out the string, averaging 16.7 points and 12.5 boards over his last 10. Rajon Rondo has also been a versatile presence, averaging 9 points and 9 assists over the same period.

Prediction: Clippers -9

The Clippers have been excellent as a favourite this season and I expect that to continue against the lowly Lakers. They match up very well with their cross-town rival, particularly in the second unit. Expect Williams and Harrell to go crazy in a double digit home win for the Clips.

Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers, 1:30 pm
Nuggets -6

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets got back on track last time out with a comfortable home win over San Antonio. Nikola Jokic was the main man in this one, dropping an efficient stat line of 20 points, 11 boards, and 9 assists. Jamal Murray also chipped in with a double-double, adding 14 points and 11 assists of his own.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers have remained in strong form despite a myriad of injuries, comfortably beating Memphis last time out. Damian Lillard and Enes Kanter led the way offensively, both enjoying 20 and 10 stat lines. Evan Turner also helped control things off the bench, dropping a triple-double for good measure.

Prediction: Nuggets -6

Whilst Portland have had an impressive year, they just aren’t the same team on the road. Denver is one of the best home sides in the association and are fighting hard for the #2 seed. With the better talent and motivation, I expect the Nugs to cover 6 points here.

Friday, April 5

Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks, 11 am
Bucks at the Line

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers return home for a back-to-back, having played in Atlanta last night. They’re essentially locked into the #3 seed and have been able to give Joel Embiid some valuable rest ahead of the playoff push. Young Aussie Jonah Bolden has impressed in his stead, dropping 19 points, 8 boards, and 3 blocks against Minnesota on Sunday.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks enter this one with a league best record of 58-20 after another strong win in Brooklyn last time out. Eric Bledsoe continued his strong recent form, dropping 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals. Giannis again put up great counting numbers with 28 points and 11 boards, while George Hill had an impressive 22 off the bench.

Prediction: Bucks at the Line

With some uncertainty about whether Philly will play all their starters I quite like Milwaukee in this spot. They’ve been playing hard of late and will be looking to avenge their loss in the last installment of this matchup. In what should be a relatively low line, I’ll happily take the Bucks here.

Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers, 1 pm
Kings -9.5

Sacramento Kings

The Kings enter this one at 38-40 after a very disappointing home loss to Houston last time out. Buddy Hield was the only one with an efficient night offensively, dropping 20 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Marvin Bagley also continues to show promise off the bench, adding 19 points and 8 boards.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs enter this one at 19-59 on the season with an even more atrocious 6-33 record away from home. Collin Sexton has been one of the few bright spots for this team, dropping 21 points and 4 boards last time out. Jordan Clarkson also continues to fill up the stat sheet, adding 20 points and 6 boards of his own.

Prediction: Kings -9.5

Whilst the season is over for both of these sides, I still expect Sacramento to keep playing hard in this one. They’ve been very good as a favourite this season, especially against the dregs like Cleveland. I expect their fast pace to wear the Cavs down here as they get another home win and cover.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors, 1:30 pm
Over 227

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lake Show enter this one 35-43 after a convincing road loss in Oklahoma City last time out. KCP has had a much bigger role offensively of late, dropping 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Alex Caruso has also shown a ton of promise on the bench of late, adding 15 points and 7 assists of his own.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors make the trip to Los Angeles at 53-24 after their third straight beatdown of the #2 seed Nuggets. Boogie Cousins led the way offensively with an impressive night that saw him total 28 points, 13 boards, and 5 assists. Steph Curry also had another solid evening, dropping 5 made 3’s en route to 17 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

Prediction: Over 227

In what is essentially a meaningless game, I expect minimal defence to be played in this one. The Lakers have been atrocious at the rim this season, which Golden State can easily exploit. I also expect a relatively fast pace in this one, which should propel this total over 227.

Thursday April 4, 2019

Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks, 10 am
Over 212.5

Orlando Magic

The Magic enter this one at 38-40, right on the edge of the Eastern Conference playoff mix. Center Nikola Vucevic has been the star man in a surprise Orlando season, averaging over 20 points and 12 boards a game. Evan ‘Don’t Google Me’ Fournier has also provided consistent backcourt production, averaging just under 15 points and 4 assists.

New York Knicks

The Knicks make the trip to Orlando after a rare win, defeating Chicago at home last time out. Luke Kornet was excellent in this one, leading the way with 24 points and 5 3-pointers. Mitchell Robinson continues to impress from the Center spot, adding another double-double to go along with 3 blocks.

Prediction: Over 212.5

The Knicks have a relatively porous defence, which I can see being exploited by a shooting big like Vucevic. I also expect the young Knicks side to play with a relatively fast pace here, creating more total possessions. With a relatively small total, both sides have enough offensive firepower to go over 212.5.

Denver Nuggets vs San Antonio Spurs, 12 pm
Over 213

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets return home on minimal rest after a late tilt in Golden State last night. They still look poised for a top 2 seed in the West and have comfortably surpassed a lot of pre-season expectations. Nikola Jokic has led the way with 21 points and 10 boards a night, whilst Jamal Murray also averages 18 of his own.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs also make the trip to Denver after a back-to-back, playing at home to Atlanta yesterday. LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan are both having stellar campaigns again this year, each averaging over 21 points. Rudy Gay and Bryn Forbes have both impressed as complementary pieces, combining to average over 25 a game.

Prediction: Over 213

The Spurs have been a great side for over backers this season, a trend I can see continuing here. Both of these sides have dynamic offences but definitely struggle on the defensive end. Expect big scoring nights from Jokic and Aldridge as this one sails over.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets, 1:30 pm
Rockets +1.5

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers enter this one a very strong 47-31 after a home win over Memphis last time out. Danilo Gallinari had another fantastic night, pouring in 27 points, 15 boards, and 5 assists. Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell continue to lead an outstanding second unit, combining for 37 points in this one.

Houston Rockets

Houston makes the trip to Los Angeles on a back-to-back after playing late in Sacramento last night. James Harden is having yet another phenomenal season in red, averaging over 36.5 points and 7.5 assists per night. Clint Capela and Eric Gordon continue to have underrated seasons, both averaging over 16 points a night.

Prediction: Rockets +1.5

Despite being on a back-to-back, I expect Houston to be really motivated for this one. They’re still battling hard to get the 3rd seed and avoid a potential second-round matchup with Golden State. Similarly, I expect a strong display from Chris Paul as he looks for revenge over his former side.

Wednesday April 3, 2019

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers, 11 am
Thunder 1st Half -6

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC enters this one off one of their worst defeats of the season, falling at home to the lowly Mavericks. This was despite another stellar performance from Steven Adams, who dropped 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Whilst he did register another triple-double, Russ Westbrook went a poor 10/19 from the field.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lake Show make the trip to OKC in some of their best form of the season, winning 4 of their last 5 games. JaVale McGee dominated inside against the Pelicans last time out, putting up 23 points and 16 boards. Rajon Rondo also continued his stellar recent form, adding 24 points and 12 assists.

Prediction: Thunder 1st Half -6

With the Lakers strong recent run of form, I think they’re overrated by the market here. OKC have struggled tremendously of late and it’s tough to see their value getting any lower. I expect a bounce back performance here, starting with a dominant first half.

San Antonio Spurs vs Atlanta Hawks, 11:30 am
Spurs -9

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have taken a slight dip in form of late, losing 4 of their last 6 to sit 44-33. LaMarcus Aldridge is still doing his best to carry this team offensively, dropping 27 points and 18 rebounds against Sacramento last time out. DeMar DeRozan continues to enjoy a consistent season, averaging over 21 points, 6 boards, and 6 assists.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks enter this one in some of their best form of the season, winning their 4th game in 5 over Milwaukee last time out. John Collins continues to ball on the interior, putting up 23 points and 12 boards in this one. Justin Anderson also enjoyed 24 points and 12 boards, whilst Trae Young added to his 16 assists by hitting the game-winner.

Prediction: Spurs -9

The Spurs have been an excellent home side all season and have a ton to play for in this one. They’re the better team in this matchup and need to win here to avoid the #8 seed. Expect a resurgent display that leads to a home win and cover.

Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets, 1:30 pm
Warriors -8

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors enter this one at 52-24 after an absolute demolition of the Hornets last time out. Steph Curry led the way in this one, dropping 25 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. Klay Thompson added 24 points of his own, whilst KD and Draymond both had 9 assists each.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets chances of the #1 seed dipped significantly after a curious home loss to Washington last time out. Nikola Jokic still performed admirably in this one, dropping an efficient 23 points and 14 rebounds. An inefficient 37% from the field ultimately doomed a usually strong offensive side.

Prediction: Warriors -8

A win here would have Golden State sitting pretty for the #1 seed in the West. They’ve dominated Denver both of the last 2 matchups and are definitely capable of doing it again. Given the stakes involved, I expect another comfortable Warriors win in this one.

Tuesday April 2, 2019

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls, 10:30 am
Bulls +3

New York Knicks

Despite 6 consecutive losses, the 14-62 Knicks actually enter this one as favourites. Emmanuel Mudiay continues to impress in the starting lineup, dropping 24 points, and 5 rebounds last time out. Rookie Mitchell Robinson is also showing a ton of positive signs, averaging 8 points, 9 boards, and 3 blocks over his last 10.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls make the trip to New York at 21-56 after 4 straight uncompetitive losses. New signing Walter Lemon Jnr was impressive against Toronto last time out, dropping 19 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Shaq Harrison is also becoming a key component in the starting lineup, dropping 15 points and 8 assists in the same game.

Prediction: Bulls +3

Whilst it’s a horrible matchup on paper, I think there’s some value on Chicago +3 here. The Knicks have been dreadful as a favourite this season and lack the consistency to blow opponents out. In what is a coin flip game, I’ll take the underdog.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers, 11 am
Timberwolves +4

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves enter this one at 34-42 after a home loss to Philadelphia last time out. Andrew Wiggins had one of his better games of late, dropping 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. KAT has also been incredible of late, averaging 24.7 points and 13.9 boards over his last 10 as he pushes for All-NBA.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers have been in relatively strong form of late, winning 6 straight before falling in Detroit last time out. Enes Kanter has stepped in admirably for the injured Jusuf Nurkic, dropping 20 points and 15 boards against Detroit. Dame Lillard has also been on fire of late, averaging 27 points and 9 assists over his last 10.

Prediction: Timberwolves +4

Whilst Portland have been a very strong road side of late, I think they’ll struggle here with their key injuries. I expect Towns in particular to have a big game against the poor interior defence of Kanter. Getting 4 points at home, I’ll happily take the underdog in this one.

Utah Jazz vs Charlotte Hornets, 12 pm
Under 218

Utah Jazz

The Jazz continued their strong winning run of late with a 4-point home win over Washington last time out. Donovan Mitchell was again the key man in this one, dropping an impressive 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Joe Ingles had a solid double-double, whilst Rudy Gobert also added 13 points, 17 boards, and 3 blocks.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets enter this one off a back-to-back after playing late last night in Oakland. Kemba Walker has been admirable this season leading up to his free agency, averaging 25.2 points and 5.9 assists per contest. Jeremy Lamb is also having the best year of his career, averaging 15 points and 5.6 boards in the backcourt.

Prediction: Under 218

With Utah’s strong defence and a tough travel schedule for Charlotte, I see this one comfortably going under. Expect another controlled display from Gobert and Mitchell as Utah get another home win in a relatively low-scoring affair.

Monday April 1, 2019

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks, 6:30 am
Under 222

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder enter this one in relatively poor form, losing against Denver last time out to sit 8th in the West. This is despite some solid counting stats from Russell Westbrook, who put up 27 points, 9 boards, and 9 assists. Paul George still continues to put up numbers, also dropping 25 points and 9 boards in the loss.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs enter this one at 29-46 after a road loss in Miami last time out. Even rookie sensation Luka Doncic had an inefficient night from the field, going just 6/18 from the field. Legendary big man Dirk Nowitzki has been a bright spot of late, shooting over 44% from 3 during his last 10 games.

Prediction: Under 222

Both of these offences have been on a downward spiral of late. Besides Luka, Dallas has almost nobody who can create and should struggle against this OKC defence. Westbrook and George have been increasingly inefficient of late, which makes me strongly lean to the under here.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers, 9 am
Lakers -2.5

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans enter this one at 32-45 after a rare home win last time out. Julius Randle led the way with an impressive statline of 34 points, 11 boards, and 3 assists. Even mercurial big man Christian Wood got in on the act, dropping 25 points, 9 boards, and 3 steals in his cameo off the bench.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lake Show have been in somewhat better form of late, winning 3 of their last 4 to sit 34-42. Both Kyle Kuzma and KCP topped 20 points in this one, whilst Rajon Rondo had an impressive 17 assists. News that LeBron will be out for the rest of the year should be a positive for team chemistry going forward.

Prediction: Lakers -2.5

The Pelicans have been an atrocious side to back as a favourite this season. With no Davis or Holiday, they simply lack the manpower to overwhelm even this Lakers side. LA have been playing with fun and energy of late and I think that translates to another win here.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Memphis Grizzlies, 1:30 pm
Clippers -8

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clip Show continues to march on, a 24-point win over Cleveland yesterday their latest conquest. Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a very nice afternoon, dropping an efficient 22 points and 8 assists. Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams continue to destroy opposing second units, combining for 41 points in the win.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies find themselves 31-45 after a comeback road win in Phoenix yesterday. Jonas Valanciunas was particularly impressive in this one, dropping an outstanding 34 points, 20 boards, and 5 assists. Mike Conley also continues to deliver, dropping 33 points and 5 assists in another impressive outing.

Prediction: Clippers -8

The Clippers have been fantastic ATS as a favourite this season, a trend I see continuing here. Especially against a Grizz side coming off an emotional win, I think they’ve got a depth and talent advantage. Laying only 8 points, they’re strong value for the home win and cover.

Sunday March 31, 2019

Los Angeles Clippers vs Cleveland Cavaliers, 6:30 am
Clippers -10

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers have been in very strong form of late, winning 6 straight before a road loss in Milwaukee last time out. Lou Williams has been absolutely key during this stretch, averaging 23.7 points and 5.1 assists over his last 10. Danilo Gallinari has also been especially effective, dropping 25 and 10 in a win over Minnesota last week.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs enter this one in relatively poor form, having lost their 4th consecutive game in San Antonio last time out. Kevin Love does continue to add a solid offensive element to this side, going off for 18 points and 8 boards. Rookie Collin Sexton is also showing that he’s one for the future, adding a further 24 points of his own.

Prediction: Clippers -10

The Clippers have been excellent as favourites this season, whilst Cleveland have largely struggled on the road. They’ve also got a lot to play for here, with playoff seeding on the line. Expect another strong showing from their 2nd unit as they claim the win here.

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings, 9 am
Kings +10

Houston Rockets

The Rockets enter this one an impressive 48-28 after a thumping win over Denver last time out. James Harden again led the way, dropping 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Clint Capela also appears to be back to his best on the interior, contributing 17 points and 15 boards of his own.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings continue to surprise a lot of NBA fans this season and appear well positioned to finish with at least a .500 record. Sophomore De’Aaron Fox has been particularly impressive, averaging 17.6 points and 7.3 assists. Backcourt mate Buddy Hield has also been outstanding, averaging 20.9 points and 5.1 boards.

Prediction: Kings +10

Houston enters this one off a very emotional win over the rival Nuggets and may not be completely up for it. I think they could struggle against an energetic and rested Kings side in a close affair. Getting 10 points, I expect Sacramento to be very competitive here.

Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies, 1 pm
Grizzlies ML

Phoenix Suns

The Suns have lost each of their last 5 games to sit 17-59. This is despite the excellent counting stats of Devin Booker, who dropped 50 points and 10 boards against Washington last time out. DeAndre Ayton also continues to emerge, adding a double-double with 2 blocks in that same game.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies enter this one in relatively mixed form, although they’ve generally been competitive of late. Jonas Valanciunas has been very strong since the trade, averaging over 20 points and 10 boards in his last 10. Even Bruno Caboclo is getting in on the act, dropping 24 points and 11 boards in a win over OKC last week.

Prediction: Grizzlies ML

With the spread currently sitting at even money, I’ve got to go with the team I trust more here. Valanciunas and Caboclo have been excellent on the interior of late, whilst Conley and Delon Wright have held down the backcourt. Against a woeful Phoenix side, expect the competitive Grizz to get the win and cover.

Saturday March 30, 2019

Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers, 10 am
Pacers +6.5

Boston Celtics

The Celts enter this one at 44-31, breaking a 4-game losing streak with a win over Cleveland last time out. Marcus Smart led the way in Kyrie Irving’s absence, dropping 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jayson Tatum and Al Horford also stepped up, dropping a combined 40 points in efficient fashion.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers find themselves just ahead of the Celtics, sitting 45-30 despite 5 losses in their last 6 contests. Bojan Bogdanovic continued his strong form in a loss to OKC last time out, pouring in 28 points and 6 made 3’s. Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner continue to form a beastly Center pairing, both men again registering double-doubles.

Prediction: Pacers +6.5

The Celtics should’ve overtaken the Pacers weeks ago, yet here we are. Indiana are one of the pluckiest sides in the NBA and will definitely be fully motivated in this one. Getting 6.5 points, I think they at least scare Boston here in a close one, if not claim the outright upset.

Atlanta Hawks vs Portland Trail Blazers, 10:30 am
Hawks +3.5

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have quietly been balling lately, winning 3 straight games to sit 27-48. Trae Young has been legitimately outstanding, dropping 33 points and 12 assists in New Orleans last time out. Young big John Collins also continues to impress, averaging just under 20 points and 12 boards on the season.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers have also been in particularly strong form of late, winning 8 of their last 9 to move to 3rd place out West. Seth Curry has been a revelation recently, dropping a quick-fire 20 points off the bench in Chicago last time out. The loss of Jusuf Nurkic is a big one but Enes Kanter should be capable of filling his shoes.

Prediction: Hawks +3.5

Whilst Portland’s winning streak has very much been in the public eye, Atlanta continue to go under the radar. With new lottery rules in place, there just isn’t that incentive to tank anymore. Especially against a thinner Portland rotation, I think Atlanta is great value at 3.5 points here.

Utah Jazz vs Washington Wizards, 12 pm
Jazz -12

Utah Jazz

The Jazz are another side in excellent form, winning 8 of their last 9 games to sit 45-30. Rudy Gobert was again fantastic last time out, dropping 22 points and 11 boards as they comfortably beat the Lakers at home. Joe Ingles turned into Rajon Rondo all of a sudden, adding 11 points and 14 assists of his own.

Washington Wizards

Whilst their season is all but over, the Wiz broke a 5-game losing streak with a promising win over Phoenix last time out. Thomas Bryant came up big on the interior, dropping an impressive 18 points and 19 rebounds. Bradley Beal also contributed 28 points, whilst Jabari Parker had 28 and 15 off the bench.

Prediction: Jazz -12

Despite the Wizards road win the other night, they’re no match for this Utah side. The Jazz are firing on all cylinders right now and should enter the playoffs in red-hot fashion. With Gobert and Mitchell playing as they are, I’m expecting another home win and cover for the Jazz here.

Friday 29 March, 2019

Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks, 10:30 am
Mavericks +7.5

Miami Heat

The Heat enter this one at 36-38 after a disappointing home loss to Orlando last time out. This was despite a fantastic performance from Dion Waiters, who dropped 26 points and 5 made 3-pointers. Dwyane Wade also clearly wants one last playoff berth, going off for 22 points, 7 boards, and 7 assists himself.

Dallas Mavericks

A weird blowout win of Golden State aside, the Mavs have been absolutely atrocious of late. Luka Doncic is still putting up phenomenal numbers, dropping 28 points, 12 boards, and 12 assists against Sacramento last time out. Dwight Powell is also showing signs of promise, going off for 21 points and 13 boards in the same game.

Prediction: Mavericks +7.5

Whilst Dallas has been dreadful on the road this season, Miami have largely struggled as favourites. This Mavs side has a lot of players playing for their NBA life and I expect them to be plucky down the stretch. Getting 7.5 points here, they should at least keep this close.

Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets, 11 am
Over 218

Houston Rockets

The Rockets have been in some strong form of late, but they do enter this one after a disappointing loss in Milwaukee. James Harden is still having an incredibly solid season, averaging 36 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per contest. Clint Capela also looks all the way back from his injury, averaging 16.5 points and 12.5 boards.

Denver Nuggets

Denver makes the trip to Houston at a strong 50-23 after a home win over Detroit last time out. Jamal Murray delivered an offensive masterclass in that one, going off for 33 points and 5 assists. Nikola Jokic was again outstanding on the interior, adding 23 points and 15 boards of his own.

Prediction: Over 218 points

Whilst Denver has been strong defensively this year, I expect them to struggle against James Harden and Co. Expect Jokic to be picked apart defensively as Houston goes wild here. The Denver offence can easily also exploit this Houston defence, making for a high-scoring encounter.

San Antonio Spurs vs Cleveland Cavaliers, 11:30 am
Spurs -13

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs find themselves mired in a mini slump, losing 3 of their last 4 games. DeMar DeRozan has still been putting up quality numbers, dropping 30 points and 8 boards against Charlotte last time out. LaMarcus Aldridge also continues to show his quality, adding 20 points and 15 boards of his own.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs continue to be one of the worst sides in the NBA, losing each of their last 3 to sit 19-56. Kevin Love has admittedly provided a spark for this team, averaging 15.6 points and 11.3 boards over his last 8 games. Collin Sexton is also showing some potential, dropping 24 points and 3 assists against Boston last time out.

Prediction: Spurs -13

Whilst they’ve struggled somewhat of late, the Spurs are still a dynamite 29-8 at home this season. Cleveland has nothing left to play for and is really just playing out the string here. Expect DeRozan and Aldridge to get the Spurs back on track in this one.

Thursday March 28, 2019

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers, 11 am
Thunder -6

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC enter this one at 43-31 after a disappointing stretch of 5 losses in their last 6 games. Despite dropping solid numbers of 30 points and 12 rebounds, Paul George was a relatively inefficient 10/29 from the field last time out. Russell Westbrook also struggled mightily, going just 6/20 en route to 16 points.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers got back to winning ways last time out, thumping the Nuggets at home to sit 45-29. Bojan Bogdanovic was the key man in this one, dropping 35 points and 6 boards on 13/16 from the field. Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis continue to form a two-headed monster at Center, both dropping double-doubles in this one.

Prediction: Thunder -6

Despite their recent poor form of late, I think OKC turns it around here. Paul George will be looking for revenge against his former side, especially after losing in Indiana earlier this year. Laying 6 points, I expect OKC to take this one by double digits.

Phoenix Suns vs Washington Wizards, 1 pm
Under 231.5

Phoenix Suns

This season has been another disappointing one for Phoenix, who enter this contest at a dismal 17-58. At least Devin Booker’s stats haven’t been affected, with the star Shooting Guard dropping 59 points last time out as they were thumped in Utah. DeAndre Ayton has also been strong for a rookie Center, dropping 16 points and 10 boards a game.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards enter this one on minimal rest after playing late in Los Angeles last night. Bradley Beal has been the bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season, averaging over 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists a night. In young bigs like Thomas Bryant and Bobby Portis, they also have some future building blocks.

Prediction: Under 231.5

Both of these offences have regressed somewhat of late and both of these sides are clearly just playing out the stretch. With how reliant on their Shooting Guards they both are, neither defence should have too much trouble here. Especially with Washington on a back-to-back, expect a slower pace in this one.

Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers, 1:30 pm
Jazz -12.5

Utah Jazz

The Jazz enter this one a solid 44-30 after thumping the aforementioned Suns at home last time out. Rudy Gobert feasted on the interior, dropping 27 points and 10 boards in a very efficient night. Derrick Favors also had another solid night, adding 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists of his own.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lake Show got back to winning ways against Sacramento last time out, but still sit 32-41. LeBron James was admittedly solid in this one, dropping a 29-point triple-double. After a late encounter at home to Washington last night, LeBron likely won’t be available in this one.

Prediction: Jazz -12.5

Whilst the gap in talent is huge, I still definitely expect Utah to get up for this game. They have an excellent homecourt advantage and should absolutely dominate on the interior. Expect Mitchell and Gobert to control things as they comfortably win here.