With eight games on tonight’s NBA slate, a handful of them will have big implications for play-in tournament and playoff races. Needless to say, it’s a big Monday for bettors and the NBA. Odds powered by PointsBet.
Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards (-4) Total: 245.5
The Washington Wizards are 18-12 since the All-Star break and have been one of the league’s best
ATS in the second half of the season. If the season were to end today, the Wizards and Pacers would play in one of the Eastern Conference play-in games. The Pacers have been a poor ATS team all season, so it’s tough to confidently back them ATS.
The Total on this game opened up at 246, while PointsBet currently has the Total at 245.5. The
Pacers are not a good defensive team, but Washington has been better on defense in recent action.
Even though this Total looks high, I’m going to back the Over tonight as this game should be a highly
competitive one, with a chance for overtime.
Edge: Over 245.5
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks (-2.5) Total: 235
When the Trail Blazers left Portland for their current road trip, their season was on the line. They
have responded by winning four straight games, all by double digits. Public bettors are backing the Trail Blazers as the 2.5 point underdog, though there is some sharp money backing the Hawks. Portland is playing great basketball, but tonight’s game will mark its fifth straight road game. That’s going to be a fade for me more nights than not.
Edge: Atlanta -2.5
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New York Knicks vs. Memphis Grizzlies (-2.5) Total: 218.5
Two of the best ATS teams in the league meet tonight in Memphis. The Knicks are 9-1 SU and
ATS in their last 10 games and look like a real contender in the Eastern Conference. Memphis has cooled down a bit, losing three of their last four games. The Grizzlies have been a good team to bet on for most of the season, but as home favorites they are are 9-7-1 ATS.
Last month the Knicks and Grizzlies played an OT game at Madison Square Garden, where New York earned the win. It will be a public play but I’m going with the Knicks, as I don’t think it’s a good idea to get in front of them right now.
Edge: Knicks +2.5
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Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (+4) Total: 215
Eventually I will get tired of losing money betting against the Denver Nuggets. I thought things
would get tougher for them after losing Jamal Murray for the season, but Michael Porter Jr. has
really stepped up. The Nuggets are a legit title contender, while the Lakers are struggling.
Los Angeles, losers of three straight and seven of its last 10, is in danger of falling to the seventh seed and into the play-in tournament. LeBron James will be questionable for the Lakers tonight, and the team will likely have its back against the wall. I think they will come out and play well, but there is no way you can fade the Nuggets at this point.
Edge: Nuggets -4
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