Records:
Straight Up: 36-26
Spread: 28-32-2
Teaser: 2-1-1
Houston Rockets @ Washington Wizards
Straight Up: Wizards (+1.5)
Spread: Wizards (+105)
After a gargantuan collapse in Boston last night, the Rockets will travel to Washington with hopes to end their four game losing streak. While the Wizards have been one of the league’s most inconsistent teams this year, they boast a 10-6 record against teams above .500. Furthermore, Houston has the most three-point attempts per game in the NBA, while Washington holds opponents to a league low 33.9 three point percentage. The Rockets are 1-5 ATS in its last six games.
Atlanta Hawks @ Toronto Raptors
Straight Up: Raptors (-630)
Spread: Hawks (+11.0)
Riding a two game win streak, the inauspicious Hawks will travel to Toronto. Atlanta has proven that they can surprise people and hang with the league’s best, as evidenced by their last win against the Wizards. While I believe they cover the spread, I don’t like their chances to snap the Raptors’ 10 game home win streak. Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last five road games.
Brooklyn Nets @ Miami Heat
Straight Up: Heat (-240)
Spread: Heat (-6.0)
Hassan Whiteside returns for Miami tonight after missing their last 13 games. Whiteside’s return will be an added boost for the Heat, who have managed to stay afloat without him. On the other hand, the Nets are 1-7 SU in their last eight games. Brooklyn is also 1-7 SU in their last eight games in Miami.
Indiana Pacers @ Chicago Bulls
Straight Up: Bulls (-140)
Spread: Bulls (-2.5)
After dropping 20 of their first 23 games, the Bulls have won nine out of their last 11. As for the Pacers, they enter tonight’s road game on a two game losing streak. They may also be without their top scorer, Victor Oladipo. I’m riding with the streaking Bulls, who are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.
Dallas Mavericks @ New Orleans Pelicans
Straight Up: Pelicans (-240)
Spread: Pelicans (-6.5)
Rajón Rondo may be the catalyst the Pelicans have been looking for. After Tuesday’s 25 assist performance, everyone is touting the performance of the highly criticized Rondo. The former Maverick will look for revenge tonight against his old team. Presumably, there is still bad blood between the sides. Dallas is 1-8 SU in its last nine road games.
Milwaukee Bucks @ OKC Thunder
Straight Up: Bucks (+320)
Spread: Bucks (+8.5)
The Thunder may have finally figured it out, currently riding a six game win streak. However, things seem too good to be true in OKC. For example, during this win streak the Thunder are scoring 119.2 points per 100 possessions in the third quarter, which is nearly 20 points greater than the number before the streak. I think the Thunder are benefitting from an unsustainable hot streak on offense, which will cause them to leave their guard down against the Bucks at home. Thunder come back to Earth tonight.
Phoenix Suns @ Sacramento Kings
Straight Up: Suns (+130)
Spread: Suns (+2.5)
With the return of their top scorer, Devin Booker, the Suns are a significantly better team offensively. On the other hand, the Kings are riding high, with the memory of Tuesday’s win against the Cavaliers still fresh. But for me, I think the return of Devin Booker is enough to propel the Suns to a road victory. Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games.
Charlotte Hornets @ Golden State Warriors
Straight Up: Warriors (-555)
Spread: Warriors (-10.5)
Despite playing without the former two-time MVP, the Warriors are 9-1 in Curry’s absence. The key to their success has been in defense, holding six out of their past 10 opponents to under 100 points. On the other hand, the Hornets have lost 13 of their last 17. This cross-country matchup against the reigning NBA champs won’t make things any easier for them. Charlotte is 3-11-3 in its last 17 road games.
LA Clippers @ LA Lakers
Straight Up: Clippers (-135)
Spread: Clippers (-2.5)
The Battle for LA will likely be without two key stars for each team, Lonzo Ball and Blake Griffin. If Griffin does play (he is listed as questionable) it would be a huge boost for the “road team” Clippers. The Laker are clearly the team with the brighter future, but I don’t think the Clippers are ready to relinquish their hold over LA just yet. The Clippers have won 200 of their last 22 contests against the Lakers. Moreover, LAC is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games.
Tonight’s Teaser
Warriors (-5.0, -110)
Clippers (+3.0, -112)
Heat (-1.0, -110)
Pays 1.0 to 1.35
