Records:
Straight Up: 30-20
Spread: 22-26-2
Teaser: 2-0-1
Toronto Raptors @ Charlotte Hornets
Straight Up: Raptors (-135)
Spread: Raptors (-2.5)
The Hornets look to host a red-hot Raptors team tonight. Not only have the Raptors won nine out of their last ten games, but they are also coming off a 3-1 West Coast trip. The Hornets have struggled to defend their homecourt as of late, dropping five of their last seven in Charlotte. Expect Lowry and DeRozan to pace the Raptors to yet another victory. Charlotte is 1-5 ATS in its last six games at home.
Indiana Pacers @ Atlanta Hawks
Straight Up: Pacers (-170)
Spread: Pacers (-4.5)
Despite a recent losing stint, the Pacers have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. They boast a 17-14 record in a proclaimed “rebuilding year” and have very quietly been 19-12 ATS. While they have historically struggled in Atlanta, I don’t expect this seven win Hawks team to be much a threat to them. Atlanta is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games at home.
Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics
Straight Up: Celtics (-400)
Spread: Heat (+9.0)
Despite being injury ravaged, I like the Heat’s chances to go into Boston and give the Celtics some trouble. After all, they were the team that spoiled the Celtics’ 16 game win streak earlier in the year. Boston just 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games at the TD Garden.
Sacramento Kings @ Brooklyn Nets
Straight Up: Nets (-200)
Spread: Nets (-5.0)
Maybe I underestimated the Kings a little bit last night, but I’m not showing them any more love tonight. Albeit inconsistent, but Brooklyn has a showed us they can be a competitive team this year. I like their chances in Brooklyn. Nets are 17-12 ATS this year and 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games.
LA Lakers @ Houston Rockets
Straight Up: Rockets (-1150)
Spread: Rockets (-14.5)
While the Lakers have been surprisingly competitive recently, they have dropped eight of their last ten games. Tonight, they face a Rockets team that is looking for its fifteenth straight win. Harden, Paul & Co. have been a problem for the young Lakers core this season. LA is 1-8 SU and ATS in its last nine games against Houston.
Orlando Magic @ Chicago Bulls
Straight Up: Bulls (-190)
Spread: Bulls (-5.0)
Don’t look now, but the Chicago Bulls are riding a six game win streak. Lucky for them, they get to face a struggling Magic team at home tonight. Expect the good times to roll for the Bulls tonight. The Magic are just 1-6 ATS in its last seven games and 0-5 SU in its last five games.
Utah Jazz @ OKC Thunder
Straight Up: Thunder (-300)
Spread: Jazz (+7.5)
Trouble in paradise? Despite boasting one of the league’s most talented lineups, the Thunder have yet to figure it out. They’ll get the win tonight mainly because they are the far more talented team, but I expect their struggles to continue. OKC is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games.
Detroit Pistons @ Dallas Mavericks
Straight Up: Pistons (+108)
Spread: Pistons (+1.5)
With the recent memory of a seven game losing streak, the Pistons have turned things around as they eye a fifth straight win tonight. With Dennis Smith Jr likely on a minutes restriction, the Mavs will struggle to find offense against one of the league’s better defenses. Detroit is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games when playing in Dallas.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets
Straight Up: Nuggets (-125)
Spread: Nuggets (-2.0)
While the T-wolves boast the more talented (and frankly more exciting) lineup, the Nuggets are right there with them in terms of playoff standing. In what should be a very even matchup, I’m giving the edge to the home team; especially when you consider it’s Denver. Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last five games.
San Antonio Spurs @ Portland Trailblazers
Straight Up: Spurs (+125)
Spread: Spurs (+2.5)
Arguably no team has had the Spurs number like the Portland Trailblazer do. Since 2008, the Trailblazers are 10-4 against the Spurs on their home court. But with Kawhi Leonard back and the Spurs back to full strength, I like them to take care of business tonight in Oregon. San Antonio is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Golden State Warriors
Straight Up: Warriors (-475)
Spread: Warriors (-10.0)
This one is really simple; in fact, consider it a lock. The Grizzlies are 2-17 SU and 4-14-1 ATS in its last 19 games.
Phoenix Suns @ LA Clippers
Straight Up: Suns (+175)
Spread: Sun (+5.0)
Clippers have been riding the struggle bus this year, as evidenced by their 11-18 record. Tonight, they host a tricky matchup against a Suns team that has one of the league’s most productive benches. Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games.
Tonight’s Teaser
Warriors (-4.5, -110)
Suns (+10.5, -105)
Spurs (+8.0, -109)
Pays 1 to 1.35
