Boston Celtics over Los Angeles Lakers: Bost has underperformed for most of the regular season. However there are signs they are starting to come together for the playoffs. When this team is focused and plays together they are very good. On Feb 7 Lal went into Bost and won 129-128. Bost should not be lacking motivation tonight. Irving is expected to go tonight and even if he does not this is still a bet. Lal are 2-8 s/u in their last 10 all but solidifying there will be no playoffs for them. Lal are a mess. James will go on a minute’s restriction.
Los Angeles Clippers over Oklahoma City Thunder: When Lac traded away leading scorer Harris the thought was they were packing it in for the season. Not so fast. Gallinari has stepped up backed by a strong bench led by Williams and Harrell. Chandler is expected back for Lac tonight as well. Lac are right there for a playoff spot and they have an extended home stand to solidify their position. Okc is in a very difficult spot. This will be their 5th game in 7 nights with a court change each time. They won in OT on the road in Port last night.
Los Angeles Clippers over Los Angeles Lakers: No travel involved for this game. Yes the crowd will be pro Lakers but it is virtually a home game for both teams. Few factors inflating this line. You will always pay a premium to bet on James and the Lakers based on past reputation. Secondly Lac will play their 4th game in 6 nights. However yesterday was nothing more than a glorified scrimmage as they cruised past Ny. Expectations are Lal bounce back from a bad road loss in Phx however the Lal have been playing badly for awhile. Lal are 3-8 in their last 11.
Portland Trailblazers over Charlotte Hornets: Port is 6-0 ATS on their current road trip. Statistically Charl is a middle to low end eastern team. They are a bubble to make the playoffs. With the acquisitions of Hood and Kanter to add depth Port is rolling. Port is 6th in rod rebounding while Charl is 23rd at home. Port has played the 6th SOS while Charl comes in at 29th. Charl is 4-15 vs. top 10 teams on the year. I have this game at 4.5 giving us excellent value.
Detroit Pistons over San Antonio Spurs: Det is playing their best basketball of the year. Det is 8-2 s/u in their last 10. Led by the improvement of SG Kennard they are have a legitimate shot at being a low seed in the east playoffs. SA returns limping home from their annual rodeo road trip. They have been home for 2 days since going 1-7 s/u on the trip. The last 2 losses against Ny and Brooklyn.
Indiana Pacers over Washington Wizards: Two teams with contrasting styles. Ind plays slow and is defensive oriented Wash plays fast and in offensive oriented. Who will win the pace battle will win this game. Both teams played last night both have had to travel for tonight. Beal had 46 in a loss Ind needed a big second half to overcome a 20 point deficit. Matthews was a good pick up for Ind and will help with the loss of Oladipo. Ind is 7-1 s/u in their last 8. Wash has given up 120+ points in their last 4. I have this game at 3.0 giving us excellent value.
Orlando Magic over Charlotte Hornets: Orl has won 4 in a row confidence is high as they try and keep it going before the break. Wins recently include Ind, Mil Brkln, and Minn. Charl on the other hand has no quality wins recently. If Walker is on they are tough if he is avg they are a mediocre team at best. CHarl has a big home away dichotomy. Lastly Orl has lost 13 straight to this team and do not think that is not on their mind to end that streak. I have this game at 5.0 giving us excellent value.
Milwaukee Bucks over Indiana Pacers: Give Ind all the credit in the world. Everyone wrote them off after Oladipo went down for the year. Ind has won 6 in a row. However that was against weak competition. Now they take a big step up in class facing Mil. Mil is obviously the team to beat in the east ranking just behind GS overall in most statistical categories. Defensively Ind and Mil are fairly equal give a slight edge to Ind who plays at a slower pace. However the adv on offense points to Mil. Mil is 2nd in points scored and 3rd in off Fg % on the road.
Portland Trailblazers over Miami Heat: Port is in good form 6-1 last 7 7-3 last 10 s/u. They are especially tough at home 22-7 s/u. Center Nurkic is questionable but Port has had 5 days off plenty of time to rest the knee. Port also made a good pick up with Hood who will help on the defensive end especially. Mia is 3-7 s/u their last 10 and are struggling as they start a tough west coast 5 game road trip. Their 3 wins have come against Ny,Clev and Chic. Port will dictate the pace 8th at home while Mis is 23rd on the road.
Oklahoma City Thunder over Orlando Magic: Orl is 1-6 s/u in their last 7. They have lost a number of close games during that stretch. It is also 5 straight games with a court change. This game however should not be close down the end. Okc plays at the fastest pace on the road. Orl at home plays 22nd ranked. Once Okc does take the lead it will force Orl to speed it up taking them out of their comfort zone and right into Okc hands. Okc is ranked 1st in rebounding Orl 24th. Every key stat the check mark points to Okc.