Xam’s Daily Gems:
Heat Money Line -142
Despite battling key injuries throughout the year, the Miami Heat are currently riding high thanks to dominating defense and clutch play from role players. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro have stepped up in a major way for this team since Jimmy Butler went down with a calf injury. The Heat being tied for the 4th seed in the East is a testament to their resolve, culture, and toughness. The Jazz, meanwhile, are 13-19 and currently the 12th seed in the West. They’ve been better recently, going 6-4 in their last 10 games. However, the Heat represent a unique challenge. As we’ve seen, quality defense has a tendency to travel. The Heat have been known for their defensive play for years. The Jazz are giving up over 119 points per game this year, and against the Heat, that’s not going to work. If Miami gets anywhere near that total tonight, they should be able to play good enough defense to walk away with the win.
Pacers Money Line -184
The Knicks and Pacers find themselves next to each other in the Eastern Conference standings. The Knicks just made a big trade which included RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Those are two big pieces to not have in this game. The Knicks are finishing up a road trip that has seen them lose on the road in OKC and lose in Orlando last night. 3 road games in 4 nights is tough for anyone. The Pacers, meanwhile, have only played one game since December 26th. They are more rested in this game and average more points per game. They are averaging a whopping 126 points per game! Of course, they are giving up almost as many points as they score. Their defense leaves a lot to be desired. However, they lead the league in FG% and blocks per game. Both of these stats should help them against a team that should be tired coming into this game. If the Pacers can play just a lick of defense, they should get the win against a team they’re looking to jump over in the standings.
Lakers/Timberwolves Over 225.5 Points -110
The Lakers have been up and down since winning the In-Season Tournament. However, their offense really hasn’t been the issue. They have scored 115 or more points in 8 of their last 11 games. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have this offense humming. The Timberwolves have had a successful offense for most of the year as well. They scored 118 points in their last game against the Lakers just 9 days ago. The Lakers have also not been playing great defense lately. They’ve given up 112 or more points in each of their last 9 games. In 7 of those games, they’ve given up 118 or more points! The Lakers will need to score a lot of points to stay in this game. Prescott has gone over this number in 4 of his last 5 home games. In 3 of those games, he had 299 passing yards, 304 passing yards, and 404 passing yards.
Dak Prescott Over 283.5 Passing Yards -110
The Cowboys at home may be the single toughest opponent in the entire league. They’ve been dominant at home all year, and they’re coming off a tough loss which should have them plenty motivated tonight. The Lions clinched the NFC North for the first time in decades last week. They still have a chance to move up in the NFC Standings, and even still have a chance at the #1 seed, but there’s every reason to think they come down off an emotional win and emotional week and don’t have the same intensity coming into this game. Even with their loss last week, the Cowboys still have an outside chance at winning the division, and the Cowboys need to get back into their groove before the playoffs begin. Dake is completing a whopping 74% of his passes at home, and pairs that with a 122.5 QBR at home. The Lions got shredded last week by Nick Mullins, and have been iffy on defense all year.
Warriors Money Line -166
The Warriors, at 15-16, may be the biggest disappointment of the year so far. The team has had drama, player suspensions, poor defense, and not enough help around Stephen Curry. The Mavericks are coming off two close losses to quality opponents, but now find themselves playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. Luka Doncic is playing like an MVP, and he’s been carrying this team, who’s been dealing with injuries to other key players. This is the type of game the Warriors pride in. They’re being doubted for plenty of good reasons, but they’re 9-7 at home this year and have the team and experience to go on a run. Getting back to .500 going into the New Year would be significant. This is the start of an important homestand for the team. This is a team that has dealt with plenty of adversity during their dynasty run. For all their faults, they’re averaging over 116 points per game and Dallas gives up over 117 points per game. If Golden State can play any sort of defense and just contain Luka, they should be able to get a win tonight.