Xam’s Daily Gems:
Heat Money Line & Nuggets/Spurs Over 221 Points Parlay +147 DraftKings
Risk: 20 Units
To Win: 29.41 Units
The Heat have lost 4 straight games and desperately need a win tonight as they look to stay alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They’re currently the 8th seed in the East, but are only 1 game back of the Pacers for the 6th seed and getting out of the Play-In Tournament. It’s been a struggle all year for the Heat offensively. They are averaging just 110 points per game this year and 107 points per game in their last 10. However, if there’s ever a team to get right against offensively, it’s the Pistons. They’re giving up a whopping 120 points per game this season and are struggling offensively. They’re scoring 109 points per game in their last 10 games. If the Heat can contain star point guard Cade Cunningham, they should be able to stifle Detroit’s offense. The Heat have been in spots where they’ve needed a win and got it, and tonight is no different. Look for the veteran team to dig deep and stop their losing streak.
The Spurs have been dreadful all year, and it’s been mostly a defensive issue. They’re surrendering 120 points per game this year. However, as their season starts winding down, it’s worth noting their offense has improved. They’re averaging 114 points per game in their last 10 games. They’ll have their work cut out for them tonight against the Nuggets, however. Denver has been dominant defensively, surrendering just 110 points per game on the season. However, their defense hasn’t always been as good on the road this year. This will be the 3rd game in 4 nights for the Spurs, so there’s some blowout potential here. The key here is whether or not the Spurs can keep the Nuggets entertained long enough. The Spurs are currently tied for 1st place in the Western Conference with the Thunder and 1 game up on the Timberwolves, so every single game is of vital importance right now. Denver shouldn’t have any issues dropping a ton of points tonight. If the Spurs can contribute just a little bit and keep this game somewhat close, the Nuggets shouldn’t have any issues doing whatever they want to do offensively.
Hornets +10 -110 DraftKings
Risk: 22 Units
To Win: 20 Units
It’s hard to have too much confidence in the Hornets, but the Suns will be on the 2nd night of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 nights tonight. It’s also their 4th game in 6 nights with 3 of these games being on the road, which could lead to some of the players being a little tired coming into the game. The Suns haven’t been particularly strong defensively on the road this year. They’re giving up over 114 points per game and this season and over 116 points per game on the road in their last 10 games. The Hornets, however, have been dreadful offensively this year. Some of that can be chalked up to injuries, as they’re scoring 107 points per game this year. However, that number is down to a woeful 100 points per game in their last 10 games and 103 points in their last 20. The Hornets really need Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges to show up tonight. The Hornets may not need an offensive explosion to cover this number. Their defense has been much improved recently. They’re giving up 107 points in their last 10 games and about 109 points per game in their last 20. They may not hold the powerful Suns offense to that tonight, but again it’s worth noting the Suns will be at a rest disadvantage coming into the game. If the Hornets can contribute just a little bit offensively, they should be able to keep this game close enough to not lose by double digits.
Magic Money Line & Pelicans Money Line Parlay -135 DraftKings
Risk: 27 Units
To Win: 19.98 Units
The Raptors have been in a major funk recently. They’re on a 5-game losing streak and have lost 7 of their last 8 games overall. Toronto’s defense has been bad all year, giving up 118 points per game. In their last 10 games they’ve been even worse, surrendering 123 points per game! The Magic, meanwhile, have been one of the biggest surprises of the year. They’re currently 5th in the Eastern Conference and are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Their defense has been great all year. They’re giving up 109 points per game and in their last 10 games they’re giving up just 101 points per game! The Magic also have a rest edge coming into this game, having only played 1 game since the 10th. The Magic have more to play for, the better team, and the rest edge. Their offense should improve against a woeful Raptors defense, and if it does, look for the Magic to get it done.
It’s the 2nd night of a back-to-back and 3rd game in 4 nights for the Clippers. In fact, it’s their 4th game since the 10th. The Pelicans have only played one game since the 10th, so they have a massive rest edge coming into this game. It’s a big game for the Pelicans. They no showed at home in their last game but won 4 straight games prior to that loss. These two teams may possibly meet up in the 1st round of the playoffs, but the Pelicans are only 1.5 games ahead of the 7th seed. They need to win games to avoid the Play-In Tournament. The Pelicans have mostly relied on a dominant defense to win, as they’ve given up just 111 points per game on the year. That number dips to 105 points per game over the last 10 games. They’ll need that defensive energy tonight against a Clippers team that knows how to score. However, the Pelicans have a lot of things going for them tonight. They are at home, have a big rest edge, and need this game more. Look for the Pelicans to start the game aggressively and do whatever they can to take the Clippers out of it early.
Keyonte George Over 28.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists -130 DraftKings
Risk: 26 Units
To Win: 20 Units
This has the potential to be a breakout game for George. He’s seen an uptick in minutes recently, logging over 32 minutes in his last 10 games, and that’s including a game where he only played 6 minutes! Take that game out, and he’s averaging over 35 minutes per game in his last 9. More importantly, the Jazz will be without several top playmakers tonight. Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, and Kris Dunn are out tonight. This leaves George, who has cleared this number in 4 of his last 5 games, to feast on a terrible defense. The Hawks are giving up over 121 points per game this season. The Jazz are currently 6 games back of the 10th seed, so they are turning their focus to developing their youngsters. George has been playing with confidence lately, and in a game with two poor defenses, their should be plenty of opportunities for George to impact the game.