The 2018 NBA regular season slate comes to a close with 6 games in this exciting Monday of action. Today’s card is headlined by an exciting affair in Portland as the Blazers play host to Ben Simmons and the Sixers. Sacramento pay the Lakers a visit in a rematch of the Bogdanovic game-winner fixture last Friday, whilst OKC travel to Dallas in two other intriguing Western Conference affairs. Let’s take a look at our 3 best spread bets on the board today.
Orlando Magic
The Magic enter this one at 15-19 after a thumping win over the Raptors last time out. Center Nik Vucevic was phenomenal in this one, dropping 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 8 assists. Point Guard D.J. Augustin continued his performances of late, adding in 17 points and 6 assists of his own.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons enter this one at a middling 16-17 after getting thumped by the Pacers last time out. Power Forward Blake Griffin continues to lead the way for this side, averaging 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists each night. Andre Drummond is providing solid support on the interior, averaging 17.5 points and 15.3 boards of his own.
Prediction: Magic -2
Given Detroit’s struggles on the road this season, I’m comfortable backing Orlando laying just 2 points. The threat of Vucevic should force Drummond out of the paint, whilst I think the duo of Gordon and Isaac can contain Blake Griffin.
Miami Heat
The Heat have been on a very impressive run of late, winning 6 of their last 7 to find themselves 17-17. Justise Winslow was excellent against Cleveland last time out, dropping 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Shooting Guard Josh Richardson is also having a career year, averaging 18.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per night.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have fallen back to Earth lately, and currently find themselves at 16-19. Karl Anthony Towns is still having a very solid campaign, averaging 21 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Derrick Rose has been hearing MVP chants of late, continuing his solid averages of 19 points and 5 assists per game.
Prediction: Heat -3.5
I think the market hasn’t yet caught up to how well Miami has been playing of late. Minnesota also has one of the worst road records in the association, a measly 4-13. Laying just 3.5, I’m confident the Heat can pull off another home win.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers enter this one at 20-16 after consecutive losses in the absence of LeBron. Kyle Kuzma had another solid display in the loss to the Clippers, dropping 24 points, 5 assists, and 8 rebounds. Lonzo Ball also had one of the best displays of his career in Friday’s loss to the Kings, pouring in 20 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings enter this one at 19-16 after a Bogdan Bogdanovic buzzer-beater secured the win over the Lakers last time out. De’Aaron Fox delivered his trademark strong display against Lonzo Ball, going for 15 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. Center Willie Cauley-Stein had a strong night of his own, adding 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Prediction: 1st Half Under 118.5
With a full game total of 231.5, we’re getting 3 points of value with this line. In Lebron’s absence, the Lakers just don’t have the offensive firepower to continue with these high totals. I expect a slower paced one here as this sails under.