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Records:
Straight Up: 0-0
Spread: 0-0
Houston Rockets @ Philadelphia 76ers
Straight up: Rockets (-165)
Spread: Rockets (-3.5)
The Rockets will be without Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, and most likely Nene. While these losses may have created a legitimate problem for Houston in the past, this season their roster is much deeper.The 76ers had an unlucky draw to start the season, having to face the Wizards, Celtics, and Raptors in a row. Although they’re coming off a win against Detroit, things don’t get any easier for Philly as they look to overcome a Rockets team that is sure to be a top force in the league this year. Rockets have too much firepower for the young 76ers core.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Detroit Pistons
Straight up: Timberwolves (+125)
Spread: Timberwolves (+2.5)
The Pistons are in the midst of an identity crisis. Slow starts have lead the team to deal with 21 point deficits in each of its past two outings. Although they were able to overcome the Knicks (not surprising), they were unable to best the 76ers. Now, Coach Van Gundy is seriously considering lineups shifts to prevent slow starts. On the flip side, the T-Wolves are coming off an embarrassing 130-107 home loss to Indiana. I believe the T-Wolves to respond with a vengeance tonight when they face a Pistons team that is struggling to find their way.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Brooklyn Nets
Straight Up: Cavaliers (-310)
Spread: Nets (+7.5)
Now were getting a little more bold. Cleveland was surprisingly defeated by the Magic on Saturday and just slipped by the Bulls yesterday after being unable to hold a lead until the 3rd quarter. With Isaiah Thomas out until January and Derrick Rose battling an ankle injury, Coach Lue chose to start LeBron James at PG over expected starter Jose Calderon on Tuesday. While James excelled in his role, the team as a whole seemed to struggle. Defensively, they have the 23rd worst defensive rating in the NBA this season. On the other hand, the Nets are the first NBA team in over 30 years to score at least 115 points in their first four games. While Cleveland will ultimately win, this Nets offense combined with their defensive struggles should make for a challenge. The Nets are 3-1 ATS this season.
Denver Nuggets @ Charlotte Hornets
Straight Up: Hornets (+115)
Spread: Hornets (+2.5)
The Nuggets gave the Wizards are run for their money on Monday. Lead by center Nikola Jovic (29 points), the team fell 109-104. Their struggles have stemmed from a lack of production from their starters, while their bench has been their best unit. Paced by Emmanuel Mudiay (11.0 PPG) and Will Barton (16.7 PPG), the Nuggets bench has provided 44.7 PPG this season. For the Hornets, Howard is enjoying a nice start to the season, grabbing 15 rebounds in each of the teams first three games, the first time since Al Jefferson in 2014. While both these teams are even strength, I’ll take the better defensive team (Hornets 5th in DEF RTG, Nuggets 10th) and the home team.
San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat
Straight Up: Spurs (-180)
Spread: Spurs (-4.0)
Once upon a time, not so long ago, these two teams battled against each other for two consecutive NBA finals. Now, the narrative is different. Both teams haven’t been to an NBA finals since, and the Heat have just made the playoffs just once in the past three seasons. The Spurs continue to succeed without their two most vital players, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, thanks to the play of LaMarcus Aldridge, who is averaging 24.3 PPG and 9.3 RPG. The Spurs prevail, fairly easily, and move to 4-0.
Because I’m in a race against the clock to get these out, I’m going to speed it up a little bit…
Indiana Pacers @ OKC Thunder
Straight Up: Thunder (-900)
Spread: Pacers (+13.5)
The Thunder have been shaky to start the year, recording only one win against the NY Knicks. Sure the Thunder are at home, but the Pacers have already surprised us once this year against the T-Wolves. The game will stay within 13 points, maybe even closer, but in the end the Thunder’s firepower prevails.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Dallas Mavericks
Straight Up: Grizzlies (-160)
Spread: Grizzlies (-3.5)
A 4-0 team playing an 0-4 team in a rebuilding year. What do you think?
Utah Jazz @ Phoenix Suns
Straight Up: Jazz (-280)
Spread: Suns (+7.0)
The Jazz are on the second leg of a back to back and playing their fourth game in six days. They are the better team than the Suns, no doubt, but fatigue may play a factor here. In the end, Jazz edge out the Suns, but it stays close.
Washington Wizards @ LA Lakers
Straight Up: Wizards (-205)
Spread: Wizards (-5.5)
The Wizards are on the come up this year. They’ll improve to 4-0 tonight in relatively easy fashion, as they face a young Lakers team. The real matchup to watch will be Lonzo Ball vs. John Wall. Remember when Wall said that Lavar was putting a target on his son’s back? Let’s see how that plays out.
Toronto Raptors @ Golden State Warriors
Straight Up: Warriors (-910)
Spread: Warriors (-12.0)
Who would have thought the Warriors would already have two losses? For me, it’s nothing serious. Warriors will be looking to pounce on the Raptors at home tonight.
