Xam’s Gem(s):
Cavaliers Money Line -148
The Pacers just gave up 155 points in their last game, and the Cavs are playing good defense right now. The Cavs have been sluggish at times this year, but this Pacers team has the look and feel of a team that just won’t win many games this year.
Grizzlies Money Line -158
The Grizzlies have too much talent to be playing this poorly. They need a get-right game and Portland offers that. The Grizzlies have shown they can score some points, and if they can play some defense against a team that struggles to score, Memphis should get their first win of the year.
Mavericks/Nuggets Over 226 Points -110
The Nuggets no showed their last game against Minnesota, so you know they’ll come back with a vengeance tonight at home. This is an elite offensive team, and the Mavericks aren’t exactly known for their defense, particularly on the road. Luka should have his way once again and the rest of the team should be able to do enough offensively.
Xam’s Prop(s):
Jalen Brunson Over 4.5 Assists -140
The bigger issue for Brunson’s assists numbers to start the year has been his teammates missing shots. Brunson has been dishing early and often, as he knows teams are keying on him to slow down the Knicks offense. If his teammates can start knocking down shots, he should be able to hit this number in what could turn into a shootout.
Damian Lillard Over 5.5 Assists -156
Lillard turned in 6 assists in Milwaukee’s last game, the most he’s had since joining the Bucks. This came in a game that wasn’t competitive, so it shows Lillard is becoming more comfortable in the offense. Milwaukee has been electric on offense all year, which shouldn’t come as a particular surprise. Expect Lillard to only get more confident in the system as the season goes along.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 42.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists -122
Giannis is coming off the worst game of the season by a wide margin in his last game, so expect him to come out with a vengeance in front of the home crowd. With him going back to his usual scoring production, he should be able to grab enough rebounds and have a couple of assists to hit this number.
Stephen Curry Over 4.5 Assists -120
The Warriors have been a little out of sync on offense to start the year, but we know what they’re capable of when they get their offense rolling. Steph is the engine that makes the offense go, and the Thunder have given up at least 110 points in each of their last 3 games.
Cam Thomas Over 1.5 Made 3s -136
Cam Thomas had a roaring start to his season before going 4-19 in his last game. He gets plenty of looks in this offense, and the Bulls have given up 114 or more points in 3 of their games already. This is a game where Thomas should get back to his early season scoring prowess.
Dougie Hamilton Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -170
Hamilton has 3 or more shots on goal in 4 of his last 5 games. He has 8 shots on goal in his last 2 games. He’s a big part of what the Devils do offensively, and there’s no reason to think it’ll change in what should be another high scoring affair.