There are 12 teams in action across the Association today, headlined by a matchup of stud point guards in what should be a competitive East versus West battle as Kyle Lowry and the Raptors host Dame Lillard and the Trail Blazers as 2.5-point favorites.
Monique Vág is here to bring you the must-read notes from around the NBA to help you make the day’s best wagers.
KEEPING THINGS CLOSE
The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled when they face off versus the Raptors, winning only twice over their last 10 games. And although they’ve struggled to get wins, the last three matchups have been very close, seeing an average score of 118-117 in favor of Toronto.
The Raptors received more bad news injury wise as Fred VanVleet will join Marc Gasol, Norman Powell, and Pascall Siakam on the sidelines. In what projects to be a close game, take Portland on the spread getting 2.5-points.
BUILDING A STREAK
The Oklahoma City Thunder are 1.5-point favorites as they travel to Brooklyn to take on the Nets. OKC has won five in a row and nine of their last 10 games overall, while the Nets are slumping, having lost five straight.
Although the Thunder have not lit up the scoreboard on the road this season, they meet a Nets team who have averaged only 100.7 points per game over their last three. With two teams trending in opposite directions, take the Thunder on the moneyline.
GETTING THEIR GROOVE BACK
The Memphis Grizzlies are 3.5-point favorites as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves who hope to get Karl-Anthony Towns back in the lineup after an extended absence.
The Grizzlies have been one of the higher scoring teams in the Association all year and turned it up over the last three games, leading the NBA at 128 points per contest. The Timberwolves have struggled without Towns in the lineup, but would receive a much needed offensive boost with him listed as questionable to return. Bet Over the game total of 228.5.
BACK-TO-BACK BLUES
The Sacramento Kings are playing the second half of a back-to-back after defeating Golden State last night 111-98. Today, they travel to Phoenix to take on a Suns team who have been struggling at home, winning only once in their last seven games at Talking Stick Resort Arena. On top of that, they have posted a 2-10 record in their last 12 games versus Western Conference opponents.
However, Sacramento has been one of the worst teams playing on consecutive days going 5-14 SU and 7-12 ATS dating back to 2018. With the Suns averaging 116.6 points per game on their home court, look for a big effort in front of the home crowd. Take Phoenix on the spread laying 6.5-points.
STARTING WITH A BANG
The Los Angeles Lakers are 12.5-point home favorites as they host the New York Knicks who have been one of the lowest scoring teams in the Association when it comes to scoring on the road, averaging 104.4 points per game away from home.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles has gotten out to very quick starts at the Staples Center averaging the highest points per game total at home at 31.4, with that number rising to 36 over their last three games. The Knicks on the other hand average only 25.8 away from home and will struggle going up against a Lakers team allowing only 25.3. Take Los Angeles on the first quarter spread laying 4-points.
