Xam’s Daily Gems 2-7

Xam’s Daily Gems 2-7

Xam’s Daily Gems 2-7 2000 1125 The Ultimate Lineup

Xam’s Daily Gems:

Spurs +8 -110

The Spurs have a significant rest advantage coming into this game. The Heat are playing on the 2nd night of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 nights. The Spurs, meanwhile, haven’t played since February 3rd! The Spurs are in last place in the Western Conference and the 3rd worst team by record, but their offense has been competent. Led by Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell, their offense hasn’t been bad. They’re averaging about 113 points this year, and in their last 10 games, they’re averaging more than 114 points. The issue has been the defense. They’re giving up nearly 121 points per game this year! However, the Heat haven’t been an elite scoring team this year, averaging just 110 points per game. Given that and the rest advantage for the Spurs, they should be able to contain Miami’s offense. That’s the key tonight. If the Spurs can play some defense, they should be able to score enough to keep this game close.

Pistons +13 -106

The Pistons have been rolling offensively since they’ve gotten healthy. They’re averaging over 117 points in their last 10 games. However, it’s their defense that needs to get better. They’re giving up on average 122 points this season. In their last 10 games, they’ve “improved” by only giving up about 120 points per game. Their game tonight against the Kings just feels like a massive shootout. The Kings are scoring 118 points per game and giving up 117 points per game. The Pistons do have a slight rest advantage on their side tonight, as they haven’t played since February 4th and have only played one game since February 2nd. The Pistons shouldn’t have any issues scoring, but they’ll need to find a way to get some stops. They’ve only lost one game in their last eleven by more than 14 points. To their credit, amid a lost season, they haven’t given up. If they can get a few stops tonight, their offense should be able to score enough to keep this game close.

Pelicans/Clippers Under 231.5 Points -112

The Pelicans have been playing quality defense for the most part this season, and they’re coming into this game fully rested. They’re surrendering just 112 points per game this season, and have given up 107 or less points in 3 of their last 6 games. The Clippers have also proven to be stingy defensively this season, as they are also giving up 112 points per game. It didn’t show in their last game, but they also should be tired coming into this game, coming off a 7 game road trip that saw them play 7 games in a 10 day span. The Clippers have been scorching hot, and especially so on offense. They’re due for an off night, especially coming off a dramatic road trip that’s seen them vault into the number 1 seed in the Western Conference. Slowing down Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be key. Few players are as hot as Kawhi right now. If the Pelicans can clog the middle of the court and use their physicality, they should be able to slow down the Clippers just enough. The Clippers should be able to do the same to a tough Pelicans offensive unit. They have the defenders needed to slow down guys Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.