Denver Nuggets over Los Angeles Lakers: Yes Lal will not have James and for the most part that is already baked in the line. However you always pay a premium to bet on the Lakers and against a very good Den team tonight is no exception. On Dec 3rd Lal beat Den 105-96. The Lakers also return from a long road trip having lost the last 2 vs. Ind and Mil. Lal have home court and an offensive adv everything else is relatively equal. I have this game at 2.0 giving us excellent value.
Chicago Bulls over Detroit Pistons: Both Griffin and Kennard are questionable tonight. Even if they do go we have value with Chic. Det will play their 4th game in 6 nights. They are 1-4 ATS on zero days rest. I expect this game to be a grinder slow pace. Both teams have bad offenses and defenses. I have this game at pick giving us excellent value.
Boston Celtics over Indiana Pacers: Bost has Philly tomorrow but with 2 days off prior to this one I do not think they look past Ind on the road. The return of Hayward is big. I also believe Bost will be able to control the boards. Ind is playing well without Olidipo but when they have to step up against top 10 teams they are 0-4. I have this game at 2.5 giving us excellent value.
Dallas Mavericks over New York Knicks: The heat is already on coach Fizdale by mgmt. after 2 wins to start the year. Not sure why other than delusional that they thought this team would be better. One of these 2 wins came last Friday on the road in Dall. This will be the return to Ny for Porzingis and Hardaway Jr. Given this and the recent result Dall will not be taking this game lightly. It is very early but Ny ranks lat in offense and offensive FG % at home. Dall is ranked 1st in offensive on the road and 2nd in offensive FG%.
Los Angeles Lakers over Miami Heat: Mia is playing really well hence part of the reason the line is low. However this is a really tough spot for them. This will be their 4th game in 6 nights. This will be their 9th straight game with a court change. This is the 3rd game of road trip before heading home. They will also likely be without Jones and Winslow. Lal have won 6 in a row they return home from a 3 game road trip and have had 3 days off. They will also likely get Bradley back. I have this game at 10.0 giving us excellent value.
Washington Wizards over Indiana Pacers: Injury list for Ind is long and add Lamb as now doubtful. Wash is nothing special that is for sure very weak defensively not a playoff team but this is a horrible spot for Ind. Ind short handed will play their 6th game in days. They lost in Charl OT last night. This will be their 1st back to back this year. Not sure what they will have let in the tank they were out of gas last night once the 4th quarter hit getting outscored 35-21.
Phoenix Suns over Memphis Grizzlies: In the tough west no I do not think Phx is a playoff team. However they are off to a nice early start. They could literally be 5-0 s/u. 1 point home loss to Ut and a1 point road OT loss to Den. The additions of Baynes and SAric have really helped. Mem is in a full re-build with Conley Gasol gone. This re-build will centre around Morant and Jackson. However at this point this is little supporting talent. I have this game at 4.0 giving us excellent value.
Cleveland Cavaliers over Indiana Pacers: On Oct 26th as a home dog of 4.5 Clev beat Ind 110-99. Now the revenge factor comes into play. Even if Ind wins here at home does not mean they will cover. Thompson is healthy again and playing well as is Love. The energetic back court of Sexton and Garland are young but continue to improve. I am not saying Clev is a good team but they are headed in the right direction. Ind will be without Turner and Sumner. I do not think this has accurately been reflected in the line. Clev has also played the tougher schedule early on.
Cleveland Cavaliers over Milwaukee Bucks: For new followers you will hear this often through the year. Can Mil win by more than the spread of course they can but will they is the key question. This is simply a win and move in for Mil. Mil has Bost on the road Wed. It is early but Love and Thompson look to have accepted their leadership role on this young team. There is some talent and Sexton looks to take the next step. I have this game at 13.0 giving us excellent value.
Golden State Warriors over Portland Trailblazers: This bet is similar to the one we made in the NHL with game 4 of the Bost-Car series. After a long long season success in the playoffs a team down 0-3 are not giving up they are professionals with pride. However sub-consciously they know it is over. Port as well will not go down without a fight. It becomes more pronounced to find the energy even at home if you fall behind. Iguodala is questionable for Gs but even if he does not go McKinnie is a very capable back up. Green is looking like the Green of old playing at a very high level.