Friday March 22, 2019

Friday March 22, 2019

Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets, 10 am
Wizards +6.5

Washington Wizards

The Wizards are all but out of the playoff mix after suffering a thumping loss to Utah last time out. A positive for Washington this season has been the superb play of Bradley Beal, who is averaging over 26 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists. Tomas Satoransky has also been very solid at Point Guard, averaging 11 points and 7 assists over his last 5.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets enter this one at 47-22 after an impressive 4-game winning streak, highlighted by a win in Boston last time out. Nikola Jokic was again the main man, dropping 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. Will Barton also chipped in nicely, adding a further 20 points and 4 boards.

Prediction: Wizards +6.5

Whilst they don’t have much to play for, the Wizards have still been very solid at home this season. Denver is a .500 type of team on the road, where Washington is one of the best teams ATS. Getting 6.5 points, I expect Beal and the Wiz to keep it close here.

Atlanta Hawks vs Utah Jazz, 10:30 am
Under 228

Atlanta Hawks

After a strong month of February, Atlanta has slumped of late and lost their last 3 games. John Collins still remains a huge bright spot, going for 20 points and 10 boards again last time out. Rookie Trae Young has also been phenomenal of late, adding 21 points and 12 assists of his own.

Utah Jazz

Utah has been very professional of late and enter this one after a tilt in New York last night. Sophomore Donovan Mitchell has put up some very solid numbers this campaign, averaging 23.5 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists. Rudy Gobert has supported him nicely on the interior, adding 15.4 points, 13 boards, and 2.3 blocks himself.

Prediction: Under 228

Especially on a back-to-back, I expect Utah to slow the pace down in this one. Their strong interior defense should contain Collins, putting a ton of pressure on Young. At 228 points, I think this number is a tad too high.

Phoenix Suns vs Detroit Pistons, 1 pm
Suns +7

Phoenix Suns

The unpredictable Suns enter this one 17-55 after a disappointing home loss to Chicago last time out. DeAndre Ayton really showed out in this one, dropping an impressive 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Devin Booker also continued his strong form, adding a further 25 points, 8 boards, and 7 assists.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons also enter this one off a disappointing loss, losing to Cleveland last time out, admittedly without Blake Griffin. Andre Drummond was still a beast on the interior, eclipsing 20 points and 20 boards to go along with 5 assists. Wayne Ellington has also been a solid addition for Detroit, dropping 25 points of his own.

Prediction: Suns +7

Whilst I expect Griffin back in this one, it’s tough to favour Detroit by this many points on the road. Phoenix definitely aren’t anything special at home, but Ayton and Booker give them a chance of competing here. Getting 7 points, I expect this one to be very competitive.

Thursday March 21, 2019

New York Knicks vs Utah Jazz, 10:30 am
Over 212

New York Knicks

After a surprise win over the Lakers on Monday, the Knicks went back to their usual ways last time out, getting demolished by Toronto. Allonzo Trier was the only Knick who could get anything going offensively, dropping 22 points off the bench. Rookie Kevin Knox is also showing some promise, averaging over 12 points and 4 boards this season.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz make the trip to New York after a very convincing road win in Washington last time out. Rudy Gobert again led the way on the interior, dropping 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Jae Crowder also added a spark off the bench, providing a quick-fire 18 points.

Prediction: Over 212

With how porous the Knicks defence has been of late, I don’t see Utah having any problems scoring. I expect them to build up a relatively solid lead in this one and eventually take their foot off the gas. This should allow New York to make the final score respectable and help this total sail over.

San Antonio Spurs vs Miami Heat, 11:30 am
Heat +6.5

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs enter this one off an emotional win over Golden State last time out, their 9th straight overall. DeMar DeRozan led the way here with a controlled performance, dropping 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. He was supported nicely by All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, who had 23 points and 13 boards of his own.

Miami Heat

The Heat strengthened their playoff chances with an impressive road win over OKC last time out. Goran Dragic was dominant off the bench in this one, dropping 26 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds. He was complemented nicely by veteran Dwyane Wade, who had 25 points and 5 assists of his own.

Prediction: Heat +6.5

After such an emotional win last time out, San Antonio could be poised for a letdown in this one. Miami has been a sneaky good road team this season, consistently cashing spread tickets. Getting 6.5 points, I think they have the talent and defence to at least keep it close.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Dallas Mavericks, 1 pm
Mavericks +10

Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers enter this one at 43-27 after an impressive home win over Indiana last time out. With CJ McCollum out, Damian Lillard unsurprisingly led the way and dropped an impressive 30 points and 15 assists. He is forming a nice duo with big man Jusuf Nurkic, who added 18 points and 11 boards of his own.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have been in dreadful form of late, covering just 2 of their last 10 games to sit 28-42. Rookie Luka Doncic is still performing well, dropping a 29-point triple-double at home to New Orleans last time out. Newly acquired Tim Hardaway Junior is also producing nicely, adding 21 points in that same game.

Prediction: Mavericks +10

With how poor Dallas has been of late, punters have been avoiding them like the plague. That said, I think there is some value here against a Blazers side without McCollum. With a relatively deep rotation and a strong coaching staff, Dallas should remain competitive here.

Wednesday March 20, 2019

Charlotte Hornets vs Philadelphia 76ers, 10 am
Over 225

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets suffered a dreadful loss last time out, dropping only 75 points as they fell on the road to Miami. Despite a solid season so far, Kemba Walker could only manage a measly 10 points on 4/16 shooting. Jeremy Lamb was the only player who could score all night, adding a quick-fire 21 off the bench.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers enter this one on an impressive 4-game winning streak that saw them down Milwaukee last time out. Joel Embiid was again the star in this one, delivering an epic performance where he dropped 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jimmy Butler also contributed nicely, dropping 27 points and 6 boards of his own.

Prediction: Over 225 points

Given Charlotte’s offensive struggles last time out, I believe the total is a bit undervalued here. The absence of Embiid in this one will create more driving lanes to the rim which I expect Walker to exploit. Similarly, I expect a Simmons and Butler led offence to have no trouble scoring.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers, 11 am
Lakers +13

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks enter this one with the best record in the NBA despite a home loss to Philly last time out. Giannis was incredible in defeat, dropping 52 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists. He was complemented nicely by Khris Middleton, who added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists of his own.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers had an embarrassing loss last time out, falling late to the lowly Knicks. LeBron had a solid night with 33 points and 8 assists, but was ultimately embarrassed by Mario Hezonja who blocked his game winning attempt. Kyle Kuzma also continues to have a solid season, adding 18 points and 8 assists of his own.

Prediction: Lakers +13

I expect the Malcolm Brogdon injury to take some time to get used to for Milwaukee. Despite having nothing to play for, this number still represents solid line value on the Lakers. They should at least keep this within double digits, with an outside shot of winning outright.

Sacramento Kings vs Brooklyn Nets, 1 pm
Kings -3.5

Sacramento Kings

The Kings enter this one at 34-35 after a comfortable win over Chicago last time out. Marvin Bagley looked back to his best after returning from injury, dropping a comfortable 21 points and 9 boards off the bench. De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield continue to be a premier young backcourt, combining for 33 points in this one.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets travel to Sacramento at 36-36 after a trio of consecutive road losses. This is despite the excellent quality shown by D’Angelo Russell, who dropped 32 points and 10 assists in LA last time out. Jarrett Allen also continued his stellar play, adding another double-double to go along with a couple of blocks.

Prediction: Kings -3.5

Sacramento has been the best side ATS as a favourite this season, which I can see continuing here. In the midst of a gruelling road trip, Brooklyn may struggle to contend with Sacramento’s fast pace. Laying just 3.5 points, I expect a home win and cover here.

Tuesday March 19, 2019

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons, 10 am
Cavaliers +7.5

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs enter this one off 5 losses in their last 6 to find themselves 17-53. Collin Sexton has shown some signs of life recently, dropping 28 points in the loss to Dallas on Sunday. This was matched by solid contributions from Kevin Love and Cedi Osman, who both added 22 points each.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons continued their strong recent form, getting an emotional home win over Toronto last time out. Blake Griffin again led the way in this one, providing an offensive outlet with 25 points and 8 boards. Andre Drummond also went beast mode yet again, adding 15 points, 17 boards, and 2 steals of his own.

Prediction: Cavaliers +7.5

Whilst it’s tough to back a side like Cleveland, the line value is just too strong here. Detroit aren’t exactly the deepest team and travel to Cleveland off an emotional back-to-back. The Cavs are a much better side with Kevin Love playing and should at least keep this close.

 

Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets, 10:30 am
Celtics -3

Boston Celtics

The Celts have won 5 of their last 6 games to sit a solid 43-27, still 5th in the East. Kyrie has been particularly strong of late, going 1 assist shy of a 30-point triple-double against Atlanta last time out. Marcus Morris continues to provide a physical presence up front, adding 19 points and 11 boards of his own.

Denver Nuggets

After a beat down against Golden State last week, the Nuggets have registered 3 straight home wins to sit 46-22. Nikola Jokic continues to be the main man, dropping 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists against Indiana last time out. He has been complemented nicely by veteran Paul Millsap, who had 15 points and 13 boards of his own.

Prediction: Celtics -3

Whilst Denver has had a very impressive season, they just aren’t the same team on the road. Boston still possess an elite homecourt advantage and have the best player in this matchup in Kyrie Irving. We’ve seen this movie before and I expect a home win and cover for Boston here.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Indiana Pacers, 1 pm
Pacers +3.5

Portland Trail Blazers

It wasn’t a pretty Sunday for Portland as they suffered a defeat in San Antonio and lost star Shooting Guard CJ McCollum. Damian Lillard still performed admirably, pouring in 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Bosnian big man Jusuf Nurkic continues to have an underrated season, adding 24 points and 16 boards of his own.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers continue to fly under the radar, beating OKC on Friday and losing by just 2 points in Denver on Sunday. Veteran Thaddeus Young has been particularly impressive of late, dropping 18 points and 10 boards against Denver. Domantas Sabonis continues to be one of the league’s premier 6th men, adding a quick-fire 16 points and 7 boards of his own.

Prediction: Pacers +3.5

The Pacers have been very tough to read of late, but this is more of a play against Portland. I think the CJ injury is huge and really puts a ton of pressure on Dame. With a thinner rotation against a strong Pacers defence, Indiana should at least keep this close.

Monday March 18, 2019

Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets, 4 am
Hornets +3.5

Miami Heat

The Heat enter this one at 32-36 after a dreadful blown lead against Milwaukee last time out. This was despite a solid display from Justise Winslow, who led the way with 20 points and 5 assists. Bam Adebayo and Hassan Whiteside are also starting to form a strong Center duo, both registering double-doubles against the Bucks.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets kept their playoff hopes alive with a road win in Washington last time out. Kemba Walker was again fantastic in this one, leading the way with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. The bench trio of Tony Parker, Jeremy Lamb, and Dwayne Bacon was also outstanding, combining for an impressive 47 points.

Prediction: Hornets +3.5

After losing to Miami at home in their last matchup, I expect Charlotte to come out looking for revenge here. This is a crucial game to determine the race for the #8 seed. Getting a solid 3.5 points, the Hornets should at least keep this close.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Philadelphia 76ers, 6:30 am
76ers +6.5

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks maintain the league’s best record at 52-17 after that impressive aforementioned comeback over Miami. Giannis unsurprisingly led the way in that one, going off for 33 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists. Khris Middleton was solid in a secondary role, adding 21 points, 8 assists, and 5 boards of his own.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers also enter this one in strong form, winning 3 straight home contests since Embiid’s return. He was especially solid against Sacramento last time out, going off for 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Aussie Ben Simmons has also been in impressive form of late, averaging over 18 points, 7 boards, and 7 assists over his last 5.

Prediction: 76ers +6.5

With essentially a full-strength lineup for this one, I expect Philly to be very competitive here. Their starting lineup is unmatched out East and I think their strong versatility gives them a shot at the upset in this one.

Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks, 9 am
Hawks +7.5

Orlando Magic

The Magic kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a thumping home win over Cleveland last time out. Nikola Vucevic again led the way with an efficient double-double, dropping 19 points and 11 rebounds. DJ Augustin also continued his strong season, adding 20 points and 7 assists of his own.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks make the trip to Orlando on a back-to-back after a competitive loss in Boston last time out. Young gun John Collins continued to show his quality, dropping 20 points, 11 boards, and 6 assists in the win. He was matched by excellent rookie Trae Young, who added a quick-fire 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Prediction: Hawks +7.5

Whilst Atlanta are on a back-to-back, it’s tough to back an inconsistent Magic side laying this many points. Young and Collins are a very exciting duo and their talent should definitely keep Atlanta in this. Through the key number of 7, the value is on the Hawks to at least keep it close.

Sunday March 17, 2019

San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers, 11:30 am
Spurs -2

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs enter this one off a very impressive win streak, winning each of their last 7 to sit 40-29. DeMar DeRozan has been in sublime recent form, averaging 23.4 points and 6.6 assists over his last 5. Aussie Patty Mills is also playing a key role off the bench, averaging 10 points and 3 assists on the season.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland also enter this one on a back-to-back after a tilt in New Orleans last night. Dame Lillard is having another strong season, averaging 26 points and 6.5 assists to bring the Blazers into top 4 contention. Running mate CJ McCollum has also been very effective, dropping 35 points against the Clippers last week.

Prediction: Spurs -2

Whilst it has gone under the radar somewhat, the Spurs are one of the NBA’s best home sides. They’re a very impressive 27-7 at home this season and tend to lift their game for premier opponents. Laying only 2 points here, I expect another home win and cover.

Denver Nuggets vs Indiana Pacers, 12 pm
Over 215

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets enter this one at 45-22 after a Nikola Jokic game-winner got them over the line against Dallas. Paul Millsap was huge in this one, leading a sluggish offensive night with 33 points and 8 boards. Point Guard Jamal Murray continues to ball, averaging 18 points and 5 assists on the season.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers managed an impressive comeback win over OKC last time out to sit 44-25. Domantas Sabonis was huge off the bench in this one, dropping a quick-fire 26 points and 7 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic also continued his recent scoring frenzy, adding 23 points of his own.

Prediction: Over 215

The Pacers have been very tough to read of late and I think the value here is on the total. Especially at their home altitude environment, Denver will look to push the pace in transition here. Whilst their defence has been solid recently, I think they struggle to contain an offence of Denver’s quality, leading to a comfortable over.

Utah Jazz vs Brooklyn Nets, 12 pm
Jazz -8.5

Utah Jazz

The Jazz continue their home stretch after a very solid 20-point win over Minnesota last time out. Donovan Mitchell continued his strong recent form leading the way with 24 points and 6 assists. Gobert and Favors also continued to dominate on the interior, both registering double-doubles.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets make the trip to Utah at 36-34, winning 4 straight before losing to OKC last time out. D’Angelo Russell has had a breakout All-Star season, averaging a very solid 20.2 points and 6.8 assists. Spencer Dinwiddie also averages 17.5 points and 5 assists to create the league’s best Point Guard duo.

Prediction: Jazz -8.5

Given their strong home court advantage, it’s tough to look past Utah here. They’ll be fighting for a win to try and avoid Golden State in Round 1. 8.5 points is a fair bit to lay, but I expect a controlled display from Mitchell and Gobert in this one.

Saturday March 16, 2019

Washington Wizards vs Charlotte Hornets, 10 am
Hornets +3.5

Washington Wizards

The Wiz have kept their faint playoff hopes alive with consecutive wins over the Magic and Kings. Bradley Beal was again the key man, leading the way with 23 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Jabari Parker also showed some promising signs off the bench, dropping 19 points and 9 boards of his own.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets have been in dreadful form of late and appear to be in danger of missing the playoffs completely. An epic 40 points and 10 rebounds from Kemba Walker wasn’t enough to get the job done against Houston last time out. His supporting cast continues to let him down, with the second highest scorer being Frank Kaminsky at 15 points.

Prediction: Hornets +3.5

A win for the Hornets here could really put them right in the thick of the playoff mix once again. They’ve been a better team than their record indicates and Kemba has emerged as one of the league’s premier Point Guards. Against an inconsistent Wizards side, they’re strong value getting 3.5 points.

San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks, 11:30 pm
Spurs -12.5

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have been in some excellent form of late, winning 6 straight games to climb the West standings. DeMar DeRozan was excellent against Dallas last time out, leading the team with 33 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals. All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge continues to show his quality, adding a further 28 points and 7 boards.

New York Knicks

The Knicks appear to have given up on this season, losing 7 straight to have comfortably the worst record in the NBA. DeAndre Jordan is still providing some quality production, going for a double-double and 5 assists last time out. Emmanuel Mudiay also continues to fill it up off the bench, leading the way with 21 points.

Prediction: Spurs -12.5

The Spurs have been very consistent of late and generally put the league’s worst sides to the sword. They’re in a very competitive West playoff race and will be looking for another win here to try and avoid Golden State. Against a Knicks side already in holiday mode, I expect a comfortable home win and cover.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Chicago Bulls, 1:30 pm
Clippers -8.5

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are another side in very strong form, winning 5 straight before a loss against Portland last time out. This was admittedly without Forward Danilo Gallinari, who has a strong case as their best player this season. Fortunately, Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams keep balling off the bench, combining for 40 points in this one.

Chicago Bulls

Things were briefly looking up for Chicago, however 5 losses in 6 has them sitting at 19-50. Otto Porter has made a noticeable difference of late, averaging over 16 points and 6 boards over his last 5 games. If Chicago can find some backcourt upgrades this off-season, they have the frontcourt talent to compete for an East playoff spot.

12 Clippers -8.5

This should be another routine home win for the Clippers. They are comfortably the better team here and have a strong advantage on the second unit. Especially against an inconsistent Bulls side, I’m comfortable laying the 8.5 points.

Friday March 15, 2019

Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder, 10 am
Thunder -1

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have been somewhat shaky of late, but enter this one after a solid victory over New York. Bojan Bogdanovic was again the lead man, adding 24 points and 4 rebounds. Myles Turner also continued to ball on the interior, adding 15 points and 9 boards of his own.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC make the trip to Indiana at 41-26 after an impressive road win over Utah last time out. Russell Westbrook had another strong outing, going for 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Dennis Schroder was also huge off the bench, leading the side with 24 points of his own.

Prediction: Thunder -1

Whilst Indiana have had an impressive season, they’ve struggled of late against the league’s better sides. This is a homecoming of sorts for Paul George and I expect the MVP candidate to be at his best here. Laying just 1 point, I have to lean with the surging Thunder.

Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Lakers, 11 am
Raptors -9.5

Toronto Raptors

Whilst they’ve had a solid season so far, the Raptors enter this one off a brutal loss to the Cavs last time out. Kawhi Leonard was the only man who stepped up, going for 25 points and 9 rebounds. Serge Ibaka sparked a huge controversy by throwing a few haymakers and will miss this one through suspension.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers finally got back to winning ways last time out with a comfortable victory over the lowly Bulls. LeBron looked close to his best in this one, dropping an impressive 36 points and 10 boards. Double-doubles from JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo complimented him nicely en route to victory.

Prediction: Raptors -9.5

I think there is strong line value on the Raptors at this price. The Lakers have nothing to play for the rest of the way, whilst Toronto is battling hard for the #1 seed. In front of a national audience, I expect a home win and cover for the Raps.

Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks, 1:30 pm
Nuggets -11

Denver Nuggets

The Nugs have been impressive of late and enter this one at 44-22 after a home win over Minnesota last time out. Jamal Murray led the way here, dropping an efficient 30 points on 10/16 shooting. Paul Millsap also added a very solid 23 points and 5 rebounds to seal the win.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have struggled immensely of late, losing 11 of their last 12 to sit 27-40. Jalen Brunson has looked like a potential future contributor, dropping 34 points against San Antonio last time out. Luka Doncic also continues to firm as the Rookie of the Year, averaging 21 points and 7 boards on the season.

Prediction: Nuggets -11

In a matchup between one of the league’s best home sides and worst road sides, I have to go with the surging Nuggets here. They still have a ton to play for against a Dallas side that is openly tanking. For a team with Denver’s offensive quality, 11 points isn’t too many to lay.

Thursday 14 March, 2019

Atlanta Hawks vs Memphis Grizzlies, 10:30 am
Grizzlies +1

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks enter this one at 23-45 after a solid home win over New Orleans last time out. John Collins was the star performer yet again, dropping a 23-point double-double to go along with 4 blocks. Rookie Kevin Huerter also had a smooth shooting night, pouring in 27 points and 4 made three-pointers.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizz also enter this one in very solid form, comfortably winning 4 of their last 5 contests. Mike Conley continues to be excellent, dropping 26 points and 8 boards against Orlando last time out. Avery Bradley has also proved to be a fantastic addition, averaging a shade under 17 points and 5 assists over his last 5.

Prediction: Grizzlies +1

I’ve had some success backing the Grizzlies lately and I’m planning to continue the trend here. Memphis have been very solid of late and I think they’ve got the excellent backcourt defence to contain Trae Young. If Valanciunas can outplay Collins inside, we should be looking at a road Grizz win.

Miami Heat vs Detroit Pistons, 10:30 am
Heat -1

Miami Heat

The Heat have won 4 of their last 5 games to sit atop the Southeast Division. Justise Winslow has significantly lifted his play of late, falling 1 assist and 1 board shot of a triple-double against Cleveland last week. Dwyane Wade has also been very reliable in his season, providing a consistent 14 each night off the bench.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons had their impressive win streak ended by Brooklyn last time out. Blake Griffin is still having a stellar season, averaging 25.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Andre Drummond has also been nice on the interior, putting up over 17 points and 15 boards a night.

Prediction: Heat -1

Whilst both of these sides are fighting for a playoff spot, I think Miami is the more desperate team here. They’ll also be looking for revenge after getting crushed by Detroit in their last matchup. Laying just 1 point, I give the edge to the home side here.

Phoenix Suns vs Utah Jazz, 1 pm
Jazz -7

Phoenix Suns

The Suns enter this one off one of their most impressive wins in recent seasons, a road victory over Golden State. Devin Booker again stole the show, dropping an outstanding 37 points and 11 assists. Kelly Oubre and DeAndre Ayton have emerged as future contributors, combining for 40 points in this one.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz make the trip to Phoenix off a relatively disappointing loss to OKC last time out. Donovan Mitchell has lifted his form significantly of late, now averaging over 23 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists. He has been matched by Rudy Gobert on the interior, who is averaging 15 points and 13 boards of his own.

Prediction: Jazz -7

After such a huge win last time out, I wonder what type of energy Phoenix will play with here. Conversely, I expect a very motivated Utah side after consecutive losses. Expect Gobert and Favors to dominate on the inside as Utah gets the road win and cover.

Wednesday March 13, 2019

Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers, 11 am
Lakers -1

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls enter this one at 19-49 after 3 defeats in their last 5 games. Sophomore Lauri Markannen is having a very solid season since his injury, averaging 19.2 points and 9.2 boards per game. This has been matched by newly acquired Otto Porter, who has been very solid since arriving from Washington.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lake Show enter this one at 30-36 after losses in each of their last 5 games. LeBron is still putting up solid counting stats, averaging 29.2 points, 10.2 assists, and 8.2 rebounds over that stretch. With both Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball likely out for the year, it appears to be another wasted one in Los Angeles.

Prediction: Lakers -1

This is more of a bet on LeBron’s quality against a Bulls side that just doesn’t have the weapons to guard him. Especially laying just 1 point, expect the Lakers to put on a show in Chicago that gets them a road win and cover.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks, 11 am
Under 237.5

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans enter this one at 30-39 after yet another loss last time out, this time in Atlanta. Elfrid Payton had one of his better games here, highlighting his versatility with a triple-double. Frank Jackson also looked capable replacing Jrue Holiday, going off for 23 points and 6 rebounds.

Milwaukee Bucks

After becoming the first side to win 50 games, the Bucks travel to New Orleans off a loss in San Antonio last time out. This was despite another stellar display from Giannis, who poured in 27 points and 13 boards. Eric Bledsoe also kept up his consistent play, adding a further 21 points and 6 assists.

Prediction: Under 237.5 points

With Jrue Holiday out and Anthony Davis still on a minutes limit, I expect the Pels to have trouble scoring here. Milwaukee will want to put things right after Monday’s loss and look to grind out a road win here that goes under this very high total.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Portland Trail Blazers, 1:30 pm
Blazers to Win $1.70

LA Clippers

Looking like a near lock to make the playoffs, the Clippers enter this on a back-to-back after a tilt with Boston last night. Lou Williams has been a consistent presence off the bench all year, averaging over 20 points and 5 assists. Danilo Gallinari has also shown immense quality, averaging 19 points and 6 boards of his own.

Portland Blazers

The Blazers enter this one at 40-26 after a comfortable home win over Phoenix last time out. C.J McCollum led the way in this one, going off for 26 points and 4 assists on 11/14 shooting. Seth Curry also channeled his enter Steph, adding a quick-fire 22 from the bench.

Prediction: Blazers ML $1.70

With the Clippers having played last night, I think Portland has the talent and rest advantage here. Expect a big night from both Dame and CJ as the Blazers take this one on the road.