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We’ve settled back into the regular season after the excitement of Christmas Day and have a large card to work with on Tuesday. With injuries and various absences creating a ton of uncertainty, it can be hard to figure out where to go on these games. I’ve picked out a couple of bets I’m really into and will relay them to you now.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans (+4.5) Total: 213.5
This is a tremendous spot to take the Cavaliers now that Evan Mobley is likely going to play in this game after clearing the league’s health and safety protocols. Cleveland is second in the league in defensive efficiency which is due in large part to Mobley, who can guard all five positions.
With Mobley on the floor this year, the Cavaliers are allowing 98.2 points per 100 possessions. With him off, they’re allowing 105.8 points per 100 possessions. He is a huge impact player, but no matter what the Cavaliers have always seemed to find a way to win with or without him.
The Pelicans are particularly weak on defense, ranking 24th this year in efficiency, and the Cavs have really only been weak on offense at times when Mobley has been on the floor. This should be a no-contest with Cleveland being given every chance to score.
Edge: Cavaliers -4.5
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New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (+4.5) Total: 212
One of the best-kept secrets this year is how well the Knicks have played away from home. On the road, they’re scoring 111.7 points per 100 possessions and allowing 110.7, good for a +1.6 Net Rating. At home, they’re scoring just 107.1 per 100 and allowing 110.7, coming out to a -3.7 Net Rating.
That’s why I like them here. The Timberwolves — even if completely healthy and fit — rely on their defense to win them games. Against a better version of the Knicks on offense, life could be difficult. I’m also still not really sure I trust this team, given how we’ve seen players come out of virus protocols and struggle to shoot out of the gate. Should Minnesota’s big guns play, they could be rusty.
New York, meanwhile, has seemed to make due despite missing so many players over the last week or two and now have welcomed most back into the rotation. The Knicks are healthier and they’re on the road. Take them.
Edge: Knicks -4.5
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