Xam’s Gem(s):
Pistons Money Line -172
The Pistons are a point away from being 3-1, and the Pistons have shown an elite ability to score points. Portland will have to go on the road and keep up with Detroit, which will be a tough task for that young team.
Thunder Money Line -158
Aside from a loss to the reigning NBA champs, the Thunder have played well this year. They’ve scored 124 points twice already in the early part of the season. Their offense is proving to be explosive. The Pelicans have shown to be uneven in the early part of the year, scoring less than 100 points at home against the Knicks, and getting drubbed by the Warriors in their last game.
Rockets Money Line -142
The Rockets may be 0-2, but they’ve played 2 very competitive games so far. They scored over 120 points in the 1st game of the year, and held the Warriors to 106 points in their last game. Meanwhile, the Hornets just hate to play defense, apparently. They have yet to give up less than 110 points in a game, and in their last 2 games at home, they’ve given up 244 points!
Nuggets Money Line -130
The Nuggets are off to a 4-0 start this year, dispelling any notion of a championship hangover. Minnesota is a team in transition that can struggle defensively, as evidenced by the 127 points they surrendered to the Hawks in their last game.
Bulls/Mavericks Over 222 Points -110
The Mavericks are great at scoring points, and great at giving up points. The Bulls have given up 118 points or more in 2 of their 4 games this year. The Mavericks have scored 125 points or more in all 3 of their games this year, and have given up no less than 110 points in each of their 3 games this year.
Stars Money Line -132
The Stars are off to a wonderful start this year, while the Flames can’t get out of their own way. In each of Dallas’s last 3 wins, they’ve scored 4 goals or more. The Flames have also given up a ton of goals this year. In 2 of their last 4 games, they’ve given up 5 or more goals. They’ve scored more than 2 goals once since October 19th.
Jazz Money Line -134
The Jazz haven’t gotten off to a particularly good start this year, but their 3 losses have come against top tier teams, and they beat the Clippers. The Grizzlies are just a mess at 0-4. The Grizzlies have scored more than 106 points just once so far this year. The Grizzlies are just sorely lacking on offense.
Clippers/Lakers Under 226 Points -112
It’s the 2nd night of a back-to-back for the Clippers, and the Lakers have scored more than 107 points just once so far this year. The Lakers also play good defense, holding 2 opponents to 103 points or less, and the powerful Suns to just 95 points. The Lakers have lost 11 straight games to the Clippers. This is the game for them to win, and the best way for them to do so is with lockdown defense.
Kings/Warriors Over 227.5 Points -110
The Warriors and Kings combined for 236 points in Sacramento on October 27th, and the Warriors are coming off a dominant 130 point performance in their last game. The Kings have scored 130 points or more twice already this year and have given up 114 or more points in all 3 games so far this year.