Xam’s Daily Gems:
Pistons Money Line -142
The Pistons may be just 5-39, but they’re playing some inspired basketball recently. Sure, beating the Hornets at home isn’t the most impressive thing in the world, but they played good defense and may finally get back star point guard Cade Cunningham today. Their issue has been their defense, primarily. They’re giving up on average over 122 points per game on average. They are slightly better at home, giving up 120 points per game at Little Caesars Arena. The key today will be what kind of defense Detroit brings to the table. The Pistons should be able to find success on offense. The Wizards are giving up a staggering 124 points per game. That’s good for worst in the league. This is also going to be Washington’s 3rd game in 4 days. Detroit is the more rested team as they’ve only played once since January 22nd.
Heat/Knicks Over 218 Points -110
The Knicks have been rolling offensively this season. They’re averaging over 115 points per game and are coming off a dominant 122 point game against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets. They’ve scored 121 or more points in 4 of their last 10 games. The Heat recently added to their offensive capabilities by trading for Hornets point guard Terry Rozier. The Heat know they have the defense and culture to win but had to improve their offensive output. Guys like Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and Tyler Herro should be able to produce offensively. It’ll be Miami’s 3rd game in 4 nights, so they may be tired defensively coming into the game. They’re coming off an embarrassing game where they gave 143 to the Celtics at home, so the Knicks should be able to score today. If Miami can bring the offense, these teams should be able to do enough to get us Over this number.
Warriors Money Line -118
We’re now more than halfway through the season, and if the season ended today, the Golden State Warriors wouldn’t be in the playoffs. Not even the Play-In Tournament! Clearly, that is below the standards the organization has set over their dynastic run. They are facing a Lakers team tonight that is horrible on the road. They’re just 6-15 away from Staples Center this year. No one is doubting the Warriors have the talent or pedigree to make a run into the playoffs. However, now halfway through the season, it’s becoming a “now or never” moment for the team. Steph Curry has been his typical dominant self, but he needs help from guys like Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and even Draymond Green. The Lakers are giving up over 116 points per game while the Warriors are giving up over 118 points per game. They’re also scoring 118 points per game. The question is what kind of defense and defensive effort the Warriors can bring tonight. Again, they have the talent to get back into the conversation in the West. The Lakers are giving up about 122 points per game in their last 9 games. At home, the Warriors will do their share of scoring. If Draymond Green and the defense can keep LeBron James and Anthony Davis in check, the Warriors should be able to get a MUCH needed win in front of their home fans.
Kings Money Line -144
All the conversation is around Luka Doncic’s historic 73-point game last night, and justifiably so. However, it belies the fact that tonight is a great spot for the Kings. This will be the 3rd game in 4 nights for the Mavericks, a stretch including travel for road games. The Kings have played just twice since January 18th, so they should be fully rested for this game. They’re averaging 118 points per game and the Mavericks are giving up 118 points per game. This is a spot where the Kings, led by offensive studs De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, should feast offensively. Kyrie Irving has been dealing with a thumb injury, which may keep him out for another game tonight. The Kings aren’t great defensively, as they are giving up 118 points per game this season. However, the rest advantage should prove to be significant. If they can contain Luka, which is obviously harder than it seems, the offense should be able to do the rest. Every win matters for the Kings, as they’re tied for the 5th seed and only 1 game up on the 7th seed. Avoiding the Play-In Tournament is critical for this team. They should be locked in and ready to go tonight.