Xam’s Daily Gems:
Timberwolves/Pistons Over 222 Points -112
These are two teams that can score in bunches. The Timberwolves are averaging 113 points per game this season, and they’ll face arguably the worst defense in the league tonight. The Pistons are giving up a whopping 122 points per game on average this year! Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert should have big games tonight. Meanwhile, the Pistons have picked it up recently. Even without star point guard Cade Cunningham, guys like Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Alec Burks have stepped up. The Pistons are averaging about 119 points per game in their last 10 games. Both teams are coming in rested for this game, so the young studs on both sides of the ball should be ready to ball tonight.
Heat Money Line -154
The Heat have been playing good basketball recently. They’re 4-1 in their last 5 games, and their defense has been phenomenal recently. They have held 5 of their last 10 opponents to 102 or less points. They’re only giving up about 110 points per game on the season as a whole. The Raptors just traded star forward Pascal Siakam to the Pacers, so it remains to be seen how the Raptors will score, and how the team will feel after trading their best player. Toronto is giving up nearly 117 points per game on the year, so the Heat should be able to make things happen offensively. It will be Miami’s 3rd game in 4 nights, but this is a veteran team that has high expectations for themselves. If they can contain RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, they should be able to score enough to get the job done.
Rockets/Knicks Over 221 Points -110
The Knicks have been one of the better offenses throughout the season so far. They’re averaging 115 points per game this season. The Rockets have also picked up their offensive output recently. They’re averaging 115 points per game in their last 10 games. Both teams should be well rested coming into this game, as both teams have only played once since January 13th. The Knicks should be able to produce offensively with their big 3 of OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Jalen Brunson. The key here tonight will be what Houston can produce offensively. Alperen Sengun should be able to have success without facing Center Mitchell Robinson. If guys like Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks can also contribute, we could very be in for a shootout at MSG.
Hawks Money Line -174
The Hawks have been about as inconsistent as you can be this season. They are currently 16-23 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. However, their offense hasn’t been the issue. They are averaging 121 points per game. The issue has been their defense, or lack thereof. They’re giving up a staggering 123 points per game. However, the Magic may not be able to take advantage. They are only scoring 112 points per game on average. They have scored 100 points or less in each of their last 4 games. The offense should be able to thrive regardless of Orlando’s defensive capabilities. Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic should be able to do what they’ve done all year. If they can’t play better defense tonight, they won’t at all this year. If they can even play a little bit of defense, they should get the job done and start to get their season back on track.
Lakers Money Line -168
The Lakers have been a tough opponent at the Staples Center this year. They are 14-7 at home. The Lakers are averaging about 115 points per game this year, and they should find success at home against a Mavericks team giving up about 117 points per game. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been outstanding this year, per usual. They have also gotten good contributions from role players D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. It goes without saying that the key tonight for LA will be slowing down superstar Luka Doncic. He is garning MVP consideration and deservedly so. He’s 2nd in the league in scoring behind Joel Embiid. LeBron James and Anthony Davis should be able to do enough to clog the lanes and force Luka into some tough shots. The Lakers have been really good defensively at home this year. They’re only giving up 110 points per game at the Staples Center. If they play with that energy and focus tonight, they should be able to score enough against a team that isn’t good defensively.