Xam’s Daily Gems:
Colts Money Line +100
This is a win and in game for both teams tonight. The Colts have been good at home this year and are playing with confidence. The Colts have been good at home this year and have already beaten the Texans this year. The Colts have also been playing well at home, winning 3 straight at Lucas Oil Stadium. Importantly, the Texans have also been a bad road team this year. They have multiple double digit losses on the road including to a bad Jets team and even lost to the Carolina Panthers on the road, arguably the worst team in the league. The crowd will be all set and ready, and it’s unclear if a rookie QB and rookie head coach will be able to match this intensity. Expect to see a heavy workload for star running back Jonathan Taylor tonight. The key fir tonight will be limiting mistakes. If Gardner Minshew can play smart and within himself, the Colts should be able to get the job done and get into the playoffs.
Najee Harris Over 61.5 Rushing Yards -110
The Steelers need to win today to keep themselves in the best position possible to make the playoffs. The forecast for the game is calling for rain and wind, so there should be extra running in this game. The Steelers do not want to have to rely on Mason Rudolph to get the job done today. The Ravens are resting key defensive starters as well, so Harris should have open lanes today. He had 27 carries last week and 19 the week before. He’s a focal point of the offense. Expect to see an ugly game today, but one that has plenty of running opportunities. The Ravens don’t need to win today, but the Steelers will still look to control this game early and often. The best way for them to do that is by running the ball.
Jayson Tatum Over 40.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists -140
The Pacers aren’t a good defensive team, and the total for this game is extremely high. Tatum should have plenty of opportunities to contribute in various ways tonight. The Pacers have struggled against forwards this year. This will also be the 4th game in 6 nights for the Pacers since the start of the year. The Pacers may be tired coming into this game, and they don’t exactly have strong defensive prowess on their best days. The Celtics, meanwhile, have only played once since January 2nd. So the Celtics have more rest and are one of the best offensive teams in the league. The Celtics need every win they can get as well. They are 2.5 games up on the Bucks for the top seed, but this is a game you’d expect Boston to take care of business in, and Tatum will be a big reason as to why.
Kyle Kuzma Over 29.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists -120
Kuzma is coming off two straight bad games, so he should be locked in tonight. The Knicks just bulldozed the 76ers by 36 in their own building, are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights, and their 4th game in 6 nights. This has all the makings of a letdown game. This is the perfect spot for Kuzma to take advantage and get himself back on track. At home, Kuzma is averaging just under 22 points, almost 6 rebounds, and almost 6 assists per game. This is a prime breakout spot for him. The key for him will be getting off to a hot start. If he can start fast, he should be able to ride what is projected to be a high scoring game into various different opportunities.
Joel Embiid Over 54.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists -110
The 76ers are coming off an embarrassing performance against the Knicks last night. Embiid went for 43 combined PRA last night, but he will come into this game motivated and ready to go. In recent history, Embiid has dominated against the Jazz and Utah’s defense in general isn’t very good, as they give up 119 points per game on average. In the last 10 games, Embiid’s usage has gone up slightly and he’s averaging 3.5 more points than his season average in that stretch. The biggest key for him will likely be avoiding foul trouble. This game has all the makings of a shootout and revenge game for the 76ers. Look for Embiid to maintain his typical dominant self.
Dalton Schultz Over 4.5 Receptions -113
For the Texans to win this game, they’ll need Schultz to step up in a big way tonight. He’s had 5 or more targets in 8 games this year, which shows he has plenty of chances to have an impact on the game. The Colts have allowed the 7th most receptions to tight ends this year, and Schultz also gets a bonus if he has 6 catches in this game. The first concern is obviously the win for the Texans, but it never hurts to have extra motivation coming into this game.