Xam’s Gem(s):
Jacksonville State/FIU Over 47.5 Points -110
FIU’s defense has been a disaster for most of the year, surrendering 27 points per game and almost 450 yards of offense per game. Jacksonville State has one of the better offenses in the conference, averaging 27 points per game. FIU does have the weapons to move the ball. Led by wide receiver Kris Mitchell, they broke out last week against Sam Houston State, scoring 33 points. In spite of the win last week, the defense remains a significant work in progress. They’ve surrendered 27 or more points in 5 of their last 6 games. Jacksonville State should add to that total. The key in this one will be FIU’s offense. If QB Keyone Jenkins can build off what he did last week and find his favorite targets, we should see a high scoring affair in this one.
Celtics Money Line -166
The Celtics come into another season with legitimate NBA Finals aspirations, and at many Sportsbooks, they are the favorite to win the title this year. The Celtics added Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason to pair with superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Knicks aren’t slouches, as they won a playoff series as the 5 seed last year. However, this Celtics roster has so much firepower. MSG will be rocking tonight, but the Celtics should have a big portion of their own fans in the building as well. Simply put, the Celtics have too many good players. They have the best overall player and they have a size advantage as well.
UTEP/Sam Houston State Over 37.5 Points -105
This matchup features offenses that have struggled and defenses that have struggled. Both teams are giving up about 26 points per game, a little less than 400 yards of offense, and average less than 17 points themselves. However, Sam Houston State’s offense has shown signs of life over the last 4 games, averaging 21 points in that span. UTEP has also shown signs of life offensively in their last 4 games, averaging 18 points per game in that stretch. Keegan Shoemaker has proven to be a legitimate dual threat for Sam Houston, with 30 or more rushing yards in each of his last 3 games. He also has multiple touchdown passes in each of his last 4 games. He should be able to move the ball against this weak UTEP defense. If Torrance Burgess Jr. can get going, which he should against this Sam Houston run defense, UTEP should find some success as well.
Cavaliers Money Line -142
The Cavs were the 4 seed last year in the East in their first year with superstar Donovan Mitchell. Jarrett Allen is out tonight, but Evan Mobley is good enough to make up for that loss. The Nets are led by Mikal Bridges, who came over in the Kevin Durant mega-trade last year. While he was a revelation, the Nets can sometimes struggle on offense. Darius Garland was questionable coming into this game, but signs point to him playing. The Cavs have more experience with each other and have more firepower in this game.
Kings Money Line -124
The Kings had a breakout year last year, finishing 3rd in the Western Conference. They are led by a powerful offense, with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading the way. The Kings were a very good road team last year, and showed they have the ability to win high scoring games. Lauri Markkanen and new addition John Collins will be tasked with keeping pace with Sacramento’s high octane attack. It’s a lot to ask for, and especially when everyone is healthy. The Kings should be able to do just enough offensively to let their offense do the rest of the work.