Xam’s Daily Gems:
Grizzlies/Knicks Over 212.5 Points -110
Both teams are coming into this game fully rested, as the Knicks haven’t played since February 3rd and only that one game since February 1st. The Grizzlies have only played one game since February 4th. Even with Julius Randle and OG Anunoby missing time, the Knicks have been fine offensively. The issue is, as is seemingly every game, is what offensive output the Grizzlies will be able to muster. They’ve scored 101 or less points in 4 straight games. The Knicks are also a pretty good defensive team, as they’re only giving up 109 points per game this season. If the Grizzlies can get anywhere near that total, this game should fly Over. The Knicks are one of the hottest teams in the league and playing at home, so the blowout potential is high. If the Grizzlies can keep this close at all and score just a little bit, the Knicks should be able to do the rest.
Heat Money Line -152
With a win tonight, the Heat will pull even with the Magic for the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Magic have not been a good road team this year, sitting at 12-16 away from the Kia Center. The Heat have been struggling recently, going 2-8 in their last 10 games. However, this is a battle tested team that knows how to win games they need to win. This is also the last game of a road trip for the Magic, While the Heat have been home for the past few days. They should be the more rested team tonight. The key will be containing Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. If Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and the rest of the team can play with their usual defensive intensity, they should be able to score enough to get the job done.
Thunder Money Line -146
The Thunder are sitting at 35-15 and tied for the 1 seed in the West on the strength of their offense, as they are averaging almost 121 points per game this year! That spells bad news for the Jazz, who are giving up almost 120 points per game this season. The Thunder should be pretty well rested for this game, as they have only played one game since February 2nd. The key tonight will be what the Thunder can do on the defensive end. They’re giving up about 113 points per game, which is fine enough, but Utah is averaging almost 118 points per game. They know how to score, and they’ll surely be ready to go in front of the home crowd tonight. If Oklahoma City can do anything to slow down guys like Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and Jordan Clarkson, the offense should be able to do the rest and keep pace for the top seed in the conference.
Suns Money Line -166
The Suns may be the hottest team in the West outside of the Clippers. They have been rolling offensively since they’ve gotten healthy, and are playing good enough defense as well. They also have a significant rest advantage tonight against the Bucks. The Bucks are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights, while the Suns have only played once since February 2nd. The Bucks have been surviving thanks to a dominant offense, averaging 123 points per game this year. However, their defense has been terrible. They’re surrendering almost 120 points per game. They also haven’t been good on the road this year. They’re 12-12 as the road team this year, showing more cracks in their armor. The Suns have always had their eyes set on the NBA Finals, and they’re finally starting to make their move. To keep climing the standings, they’ll need to win games like this tonight. If they can slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard just a little bit, Durant, Booker, and Beal should do the rest on the offensive end of the court.