Xam’s Daily Gems:
Magic Money Line -166
The Knicks have lost 3 straight games as they’ve been hampered by injuries. They’re just not scoring a lot without Julius Randle and OG Anunoby. They’ve also been poor on the road this year, with a 15-14 record away from Madison Square Garden. Despite getting drubbed yesterday, the Magic have been great at home, with a 17-8 record in front of the home crowd. The Magic have been dominant defensively all year, and it should continue tonight. They locked up Jalen Brunson the last time these two teams played, and they’ll be similarly focused on him tonight as well. Him and Donte DiVincenzo have been the lifeblood of the team since the injury bug has hit the team. As is usually the case for Orlando, they’ll do what they have to do defensively. The key is what they can do on offense. If Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and even Jalen Suggs can lead a competent offensive attack, Orlando should be able to get it done against a team that’s reeling.
76ers Money Line -156
The 76ers are coming into this game with a big rest advantage. They’ve played one game since February 10th, and that was when they beat one of the hottest teams in the league on the road. For Miami, tonight is the 2nd game of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 nights. The 76ers have been in a rough spot since Joel Embiid got hurt, but they still have plenty of talent and a good homecourt advantage. Miami hasn’t been very good on the road, and they’ve relied on defense to win games this year. This just feels like a tough spot for a veteran team like the Heat. The key here will be what Philadelphia can do on defense. They’ve been inconsistent on the defensive end since Embiid got hurt. If they can contain a tired Heat offense that hasn’t been very good this year, the 76ers should be able to do enough to get the job done.
Pacers Money Line -162
The Raptors have been sinking lately, going 3-7 in their last 10 games and playing some awful defense for much of the year. They’re giving up 117 points per game, which is bad news against a Pacers team that averages nearly 124 points per game! Of course, Indiana doesn’t play any defense either. They’re giving up almost as many points as they score, giving up 122 points per game. The Raptors are only scoring 113 points per game this season, so the Pacers should be able to play some defense tonight. The Pacers have the better players in this game, the better offense, and more to play for in this matchup. If they can play even a lick of defense, they should get the job done tonight. If history is our guide, the Pacers will do whatever they want to do offensively.
Rockets Money Line -144
The Grizzlies may be the worst team in the league right now. They have lost 9 straight games and their offense has been absolutely anemic. They’re averaging just 106 points per game, as injuries have ravaged their offensive potential. This is a good matchup for the Rockets, as the Rockets have largely relied on their defense to win games. They’re only giving up about 112 points per game. Despite the injuries, Memphis is still playing some competent defense. Their is concern for Houston given their horrid 5-20 record on the road. However, Memphis is just a team that’s in freefall right now. They’ve shown no urgency or any confidence. Houston still has an outside shot at making the Play-In Tournament. If guys like Alperen Sengun, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green can knock down some buckets, the Rockets should be able to get it done tonight against an inferior team.
Nuggets -5 -110
The Nuggets are playing at home where they’ve been dominant this year and have a massive rest advantage against the Kings tonight. The Nuggets are 21-4 at Ball Arena this year and the Kings haven’t been very good on the road this year, coming into this game with just a 15-14 record. The Nuggets have only played one game since February 9th, while the Kings are on the 2nd night of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 nights. It’s also their 4th game since February 9th. The Nuggets are looking for revenge after getting rolled by the Kings on the 9th. The Kings know how to score, but Denver’s defense has been dominant this year. They’re only giving up 111 points per game this season. They shouldn’t have any issues scoring against a bad defense that’s tired in their own building. If they can contain Sacramento’s powerful offense, they should be able to get a win, cover the spread, and get themselves back on track.
Warriors Money Line -154
The Clippers have cooled off in the last couple of games since they steamrolled their way atop the Western Conference briefly. Kawhi Leonard is dealing with an injury and is out for this game, while they’re seemingly dealing with internal drama. Bones Hyland and PJ Tucker have been sent home by the team, and they’ll both rejoin the team after the All-Star break. The Warriors, meanwhile, have been hot. They’ve won 5 straight games, gotten a little healthier, and have been playing better defense and offense. Without Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers will be dependent on James Harden and Paul George for scoring tonight. The Warriors are averaging 119 points per game this season and they’re at home. They will find a way to score points tonight. The Clippers not having Leonard will be a big hit for them offensively. If the Warriors can play some defense tonight, they should be able to score enough to keep their hot streak going.