Records:
Straight Up: 12-12
Spread: 12-12
Sacramento Kings @ Indiana Pacers
Straight Up: Pacers (-190)
Spread: Pacers (-4.5)
The Pacers are rolling right now thanks to superb play from Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Oladipo is averaging 28.7 PPG over his last three contests, while Sabonis is averaging 13 PPG and 10.3 RPG on the year. At home against a Kings team that is riding a four game losing streak, the Pacers should have no problem covering the 4.5 point spread tonight. The Kings are 1-4 ATS in their last five games.
Phoenix Suns @ Brooklyn Nets
Straight Up: Suns (+170)
Spread: Suns (+4.5)
Complacency has set in for the Brooklyn Nets as they have dropped their last two games since upsetting the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nets shot 40.5% from the field in 107-86 loss to the Knicks and then were routed on their home court by the Nuggets, 124-111. As for the Suns, they won their first two games under new head coach Jay Triano. Moreover, their defense has improved, allowing only 105.7 PPG since Triano took over coaching duties, compared to 128.7 PPG at the start of the year. The Nets will likely be without their two best three-point scorers (Quincy Acy and DeMare Carroll) and to make matters worse, the Suns are holding opponents to a 36.5 three point percentage under Triano.
OKC Thunder @ Milwaukee Bucks
Straight Up: Thunder (-120)
Spread: Thunder (-1.5)
The Thunder, in the midst of a three game road trip, visit the Bucks led by MVP probable Giannis Antetokounmpo. This was a really tough game for me to pick. The Thunder are playing their sixth road game in a seven game stretch, but the Bucks will be without starting center Greg Monroe. Ultimately, the Thunder have too much firepower for the Bucks to handle. Giannis scores 30+ points for the sixth time in seven games, but it’s not enough to carry the Bucks to victory.
Detroit Pistons @ LA Lakers
Straight Up: Pistons (-160)
Spread: Lakers (+4)
The Pistons are red-hot right now, coming off of road wins against the Clippers and Warriors. They will finish up their California road trip with a visit to Tinseltown. Lonzo Ball and the Lakers have a knack for showing up in primetime games against top-tier opponents. Do the Lavar Ball and speak it into existence. “Lakers will cover, Lakers will cover!”
