Xam’s Daily Gems:
Heat Money Line -156
This is the 2nd game of back-to-back for the Suns. It’s also their 3rd game in 4 nights, all of which have come on the road. Meanwhile, the Heat are coming into this game well rested. They have played just one game since the 24th. The Heat are playing elite defense this year, giving up just 111 points per game on average. The Suns have been iffy on defense this year, and this may be a spot where they want to give some veterans a bit of rest. The Heat have lost 6 straight games, and they’ve given up 121 points or more in 3 of them. They are currently sitting in 7th place in the East. Playing in front of their home crowd tonight, they know they need a win tonight. The Heat are hungrier in this game, at home, and the more rested team. If they can contain Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Heat should be able to do enough offensively against a weak defensive team on little rest.
Spurs Money Line -168
The Spurs have been playing with more intensity and urgency and have even won two straight games! The Wizards are playing with a little more rest, but they are just dreadful. They’re 8-37, and just 5-19 on the road. They are the worst defensive team in the league, giving up an eye popping 124 points per game! The Spurs aren’t much better, as they are giving up 121 points per game. However, they’ve been a little better in their last 10 games, giving up 118 points per game. The key to this game will be whether or not the Spurs can keep improving on the defensive end. Wemby, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan will be able to produce offensively. If the Spurs can play any defense, they’ll be in a good spot to notch their 3rd straight win.
Thunder Money Line -136
The Thunder completely no-showed in Detroit yesterday, and got blown out by the worst team in the league. They should be more than motivated to get back on track tonight. They did have a 5 game winning streak snapped yesterday, which likely points to players getting sloppy. The Timberwolves are coming off their own embarrassing loss, losing to the Spurs as double digit favorites. This is a very big game tonight. The winner will be in sole possession of 1st place in the Western Conference! The Thunder have been powered by an elite offense all year, averaging 121 points per game. They’re even better at home, scoring a touch under 124 points per game at home. They’re also 17-5 at home, proving they have a distinct advantage when playing at Paycom Center. This is a game the Thunder need. They’re a young team with a dynamic offense. They need to show they can bounce back after a disappointing loss. Expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chet Holmgren to be locked in. If they can contain Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony-Towns, they should be able to do enough offensively to get back on track and get the win.
Mavericks Money Line -176
The Mavericks have been stumbling lately, going 4-6 in their last 10 games and playing poor defense throughout. This is a bit of a “get right” game for the Mavericks, who are playing the Magic on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. Both teams are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights, but Dallas was off last night, giving them a needed day of rest. Dallas’s defense has been horrible this year. They are giving up 118 points a game. However, this is a game they should be able to be better in. Orlando is averaging just 111 points per game this year. Also, despite the feel-good story that they are, the Magic have been terrible on the road this year. They’re 9-15 away from home. The Mavs are only 13-12 at home, but Luka Doncic is playing like an MVP candidate and he knows his team needs one tonight. The Mavs still have the potential to make noise in the playoffs. They’re only one game back of the Suns for the 6th seed in the West. They have what it takes to go on a run. If they can produce a little bit offensively, Luka and his friends should be able to do enough offensively to get a win and get the Mavericks back on track.
Nuggets Money Line -162
The Nuggets are coming into this game well rested, as they’ve only played one game since the 25th. They have been led equally by their offense and defense this year. They’re scoring over 115 points per game and giving up just 111 points per game. They’re only the 4th seed in the West right now, but no team would be excited to play them in the 1st round of the Western Conference. The Nuggets are also a whopping 18-4 on the year at Ball Arena, showing they have a big edge when they play at home. The Bucks are obviously one of the best teams in the league as they are currently the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they’re only 11-9 at home. They are very vulnerable when they play on the road. Their defense just hasn’t been very good. They’re giving up 120 points per game. In this type of game, that’s not going to work. Denver should be able to contain Giannis and Damian Lillard, and exploit their weaknesses on defense. This is a potential preview of the NBA Finals. Look for the reigning champs to make a statement and once again assert their dominance at home.
Paul George Over 2.5 Made 3s -136
Paul George loves shooting from beyond the arc. In his last 10 games, he’s shooting just under 9 3-point shots per game! He’s also been dialed in. In that span, he’s hitting over 44% of them. He’s coming off playing just 22 minutes in his last game and still hit his 3s. George is playing with a lot of confidence and should be rested heading into this game. He’s simply elevated his game to another level as the Clippers have made their move up the Western Conference standings. The spread tonight indicates it should be a back and forth game, and their may be more points scored in this game than expected. George should continue to keep shooting and should have plenty of opportunities to hit this number again tonight. He’s hit 3 or more 3s in 16 of his last 20 games! In that stretch, he’s hit 5 or more 3s 7 times, showing he’s been really dialed in during this stretch. His confidence has never waivered, either. In 8 of those games, he’s attempted 10 or more 3-point shots.
Austin Reaves Over 4.5 Assists -162
Reaves is averaging 5.5 assists in his last 10 games. He’s had 5 or more assists in each of his last 3 games and in 11 of his last 14 games. It also helps that he’s been playing more minutes than ever. He’s averaging just under 33 minutes per game in his last 10 games. He’s taken over the role of Cam Reddish and the Lakers have really put their faith in Austin recently. The spread and the total of this game suggests it’ll be a back and forth contest that has a lot of scoring in it. Reaves is an efficient passer and has multiple players he can dish it to. He’s stepped it up in January overall, as he’s averaging 5.9 assists this month. He has steadily improved throughout the year and it helps that the Lakers have entrusted him as the season has gone along.