Xam’s Daily Gems:
76ers Money Line -118
The 76ers have lost 3 straight and simply need to get back in the win column. The Kings are giving up on average about 117 points per game this season, so even without Joel Embiid, the 76ers should be able to score tonight. The 76ers should be pretty rested coming into this game as they’ve only played once since January 6th. They’ve also proven to be quite formidable at home, posting a 13-6 record at Wells Fargo Center. The Kings are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights tonight, so they can be tired in this one. If the 76ers can control Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, they should be able to score enough to get it done tonight.
Stars Money Line -170
The Stars, led by Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, are one of the best offensive teams in the league. They have scored 149 goals on the season, 3 or more goals in each of their last 7 games, and 7 or more twice in that span! The Predators are a quality team in their own right, but they’re only 10-7 on the road. The Stars will be looking for revenge after losing 4-3 against Nashville at home last week. The key for Dallas tonight will be their defense. If they can contain guys like Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly, their offense should be able to do enough to take care of the rest.
Clippers/Grizzlies Over 224.5 Points -108
The Clippers have been playing like one of the best teams in the NBA recently. They have been scoring at will with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden, and have been playing quality defense. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, can’t catch a break. Ja Morant is out for the year after having shoulder surgery and Marcus Smart is out for weeks with a finger injury. The Clippers are averaging 117 points per game and should be able to score early and often tonight. The key is whether or not Memphis can keep it close to keep the Clippers entertained. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. have to step up tonight. If the Grizzlies want any chance at the upset, they need to ball out. If the Grizzlies can keep it close, the Clippers should be able to score at will and do the bulk of the scoring.
Spurs Money Line -126
The Spurs are coming off a dominant win against the Pistons and now get to play in fron of their home crowd. The truth is, even before this win, they have been playing better. They had close losses against quality teams such as the Cavaliers, Bucks, and a healthy Grizzlies team. Gregg Popovich has this team playing tough. The Hornets, meanwhile, are in a tailspin. They are 1-9 in their last 10 games, are giving up 120 points per game this season, and have won just 4 games on the road all year. LaMelo Ball will makes his return tonight for the Hornets. If the Spurs can contain him, they should be able to do enough offensively to get the win.
Jazz Money Line -132
The Jazz have been playing extremely well recently. They have won 3 straight and 8 of their last 10 games. With a win tonight they’ll be back to .500 on the year! Their offense has led the resurgence, as they are averaging 115 points per game this season. They have scored 117 or more points in 6 of their last 7 games. The Raptors, meanwhile, have been awful on the road this year. They are just 6-14 away from Scotiabank Arena. Toronto is giving up 116 points per game this year, so the Jazz should be able to continue their recent success offensively. The key will be slowing down Toronto’s offense. Toronto does have capable scorers like Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and newly acquired RJ Barrett. However, Toronto may be distracted tonight. Trade rumors are swirling around the team. The Jazz have the momentum and their home crowd tonight. They should be able to win tonight against a team that’s been awful on the road.
Scottie Barnes Over 1.5 Made 3s -136
Scottie Barnes has been shooting the 3-pointer recently like it’s been going out of style. He has 70 3-point attempts in his last 10 games! His confidence hasn’t wavered. He’s hitting over 38%$ of his 3s in his last 10 games. This is also a game that should feature a ton of points. The projected total would suggest that there will be plenty of chances for Barnes to hit a couple of 3s tonight. He’s hit 2 or more 3s in 5 of his last 7 games and has 4 or more 3s in 4 of those games. He doesn’t lack for confidence, and that’s a great thing heading into a game like this.