04-04-21 |
Hornets v. Celtics -9 | Top | 86-116 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 37 m | Show |
The Celtics have been quite good at home this year. They are 14-9 at TD Garden and allow 3.6 fewer points at home than they do on the road. They have also been better offensively since the All-Star break averaging 114.1 points per game when compared to the 111.7 points they averaged before it. |
04-04-21 |
Lakers v. Clippers -10.5 | | 86-104 |
Win | 100 | 4 h 11 m | Show |
LeBron James is still recovering from his right high-ankle sprain, and Anthony Davis is still rehabbing his calf injury. Additionally, newly-acquired Lakers center Andre Drummond is questionable to play with a toe injury he suffered recently. Veteran shooter Wesley Mathews is also questionable with a neck injury. |
04-03-21 |
Thunder v. Blazers -11.5 | | 85-133 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 22 m | Show |
Portland saw a four-game winning streak come to an unceremonious end when the visiting Milwaukee Bucks rolled to a 127-109 victory on Friday. Things went much worse for the Thunder, who trailed 43-13 after one quarter while being steamrolled 140-103 by the host Phoenix Suns. Oklahoma City has dropped four of its past five games, but coach Mark Daigneault is eager to see how his team responds following the season-worst beating. |
04-03-21 |
Magic +15 v. Jazz | Top | 91-137 |
Loss | -109 | 10 h 16 m | Show |
They’ve managed to beat the Clippers and the Pelicans in impressive fashion, but both teams were missing multiple starters. Now comes an assignment that is as challenging as it gets when they take on the league’s best Utah Jazz at full strength (we think at least, it will be the second night of a back-to-back for the Jazz so we’ll see what happens). I think this is too many points to give against a scrappy Magic team. |
04-03-21 |
Knicks -1.5 v. Pistons | Top | 125-81 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 26 m | Show |
The Detroit Pistons will be off to the road after this one with the Knicks. New York needs this game after losing their offense last night against the Mavericks. Despite the loss, New York played well enough on the defensive end to crush Detroit with that same effort. |
04-03-21 |
Mavs v. Wizards +6 | | 109-87 |
Loss | -110 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
To earn a win against a talented Dallas side this weekend, Washington will need more on the offensive end because they certainly won't get it done on the defensive side of the ball. Get this game now in case Beal is available. Even so, I think we'll catch the Mavericks sleeping. |
04-02-21 |
Lakers v. Kings -4 | Top | 115-94 |
Loss | -115 | 4 h 6 m | Show |
After a double-digit loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers must quickly move on as they embark on a seven-game road trip, starting with a match against De’Aaron Fox and the resurging Sacramento Kings, who have won five of their last six. The Lakers and Kings faced off earlier this season just before the All-Star break, which came down to the wire. Ultimately, Los Angeles missed several layups near the end to win the game, falling 123-120. |
04-02-21 |
Hawks +2 v. Pelicans | Top | 126-103 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
The Pelicans committed 24 turnovers, which coach Stan Van Gundy called "ridiculous,", last night, and got outscored 36-17 on points off turnovers. I can't back them until I know I'm not getting a sloppy team. |
04-02-21 |
Wolves v. Grizzlies -6 | | 108-120 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 46 m | Show |
The Memphis Grizzlies need this one. The month of April is going to be one that will test Taylor Jenkins and his young Grizzlies squad as they will play sixteen straight games against teams in playoff contention. That is why it is imperative that they win this contest against Anthony Edwards and a young Minnesota Timberwolves squad. |
04-02-21 |
Hornets +3.5 v. Pacers | Top | 114-97 |
Win | 100 | 29 h 58 m | Show |
While there may be plenty of games left for the Pacers to make up ground, they will hope to avoid a misstep against another potential playoff contender. Charlotte and its multifaceted attack of Terry Rozier (20.7 points, 4.0 rebounds per game), Gordon Hayward (19.9 points, 4.1 assists), and Devonte' Graham (14.0 points, 37.9 percent from 3-point range) have won four of its last five games. Their recent surge has occurred despite the absence of rookie standout LaMelo Ball, who remains sidelined for a lengthy stretch due to a fractured right wrist. |
04-02-21 |
Rockets v. Celtics -11.5 | Top | 102-118 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 35 m | Show |
The Boston Celtics have lost two winnable games in a row and seven of their last 10, but will likely get two important players back with a little luck when they face the Houston Rockets at TD Garden Friday night. News of Romeo Langford’s potential availability should help the team’s depth even in limited minutes, and a return for Robert Williams III will bring much-needed balance to the frontcourt rotation. |
04-01-21 |
Nuggets -1.5 v. Clippers | | 101-94 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 4 m | Show |
Defeating Denver won't be an easy task. The Nuggets have one of the best records in the Western Conference at 29-18 and boast a talented roster, highlighted by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. The 26-year-old big man is one of the most dominant players in the league, and he gave the Clippers fits when the two teams met in the playoffs last season. Consider it a fun coincidence that they get to face The Joker on April Fools' Day. |
04-01-21 |
Wizards -3 v. Pistons | Top | 91-120 |
Loss | -107 | 4 h 18 m | Show |
This is the first of a long road trip for the Wizards. Expect them to be at their best tonight. |
03-31-21 |
Bulls v. Suns -7 | Top | 116-121 |
Loss | -110 | 10 h 16 m | Show |
Too many question marks, including Zach Levine, to take the Bulls in this one. |
03-31-21 |
Raptors -8 v. Thunder | | 103-113 |
Loss | -110 | 8 h 27 m | Show |
For a team who is just 1-12 in March, I'm not sure how logic tells us that they should be a -7.5 road favorite. Again, experience prevails in this one. |
03-31-21 |
Jazz -5.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 111-107 |
Loss | -110 | 9 h 32 m | Show |
The Grizzlies return home after a mostly successful 2-2 road trip out West. The Grizzlies picked up victories over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, but lost back-to-back game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Grizzlies will now welcome the Jazz to FedExForum for their 3rd matchup in less than a week. The Grizzlies were in positive spirits when leaving Utah, despite the the losses, saying they knew what they needed to fix and left with positive takeaways knowing they could hang with a team as good as the Jazz. |
03-30-21 |
Magic +11.5 v. Clippers | Top | 103-96 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
The rebuilding Orlando Magic nearly caught the LA Lakers napping on Sunday but eventually came away with a 93-96 loss. Not much is expected from Steve Clifford's unit following their fire sale, but the youngsters in the squad will be looking to leave their mark. Forward Chuma Okeke has stepped up his game following the trade deadline. He had 14 points against the Lakers in a contest where buckets were hard to come by. Dwayne Bacon also continued his redemption season with 26 points. |
03-30-21 |
76ers +5 v. Nuggets | | 95-104 |
Loss | -104 | 9 h 28 m | Show |
The Sixers will be looking to continue to hammer out some things within their team, such as a playoff rotation with the bench unit, and they will be looking to get some revenge on the Nuggets. The last time these teams met up way back on Jan. 9, the Sixers only had seven players available due to the league’s health and safety protocols. Denver predictably won the game so the Sixers will have that on their mind heading into this one. |
03-30-21 |
Hornets v. Wizards +3.5 | Top | 114-104 |
Loss | -106 | 8 h 32 m | Show |
Without guard LaMelo Ball, the Hornets are turning to various potential options. Their style looks a bit different. |
03-29-21 |
Grizzlies v. Rockets +8 | | 120-110 |
Loss | -110 | 7 h 34 m | Show |
Of course, anyone can beat anyone in the NBA, something that the Grizzlies have unfortunately discovered recently. But even if this isn't quite the same Rockets team that they blew out in their last meeting, the Grizzlies have a great opportunity to get back on track against a far inferior team. The Grizzlies will win but this number is too much. |
03-29-21 |
Raptors -3 v. Pistons | Top | 104-118 |
Loss | -110 | 7 h 42 m | Show |
For the third time this month - and the final time in the 2020-21 season - the Raptors are set to face the Pistons. While the Pistons are owners of the East's worst record and the league's second-worst record, they have gotten the best of the Raptors in each of the first two meetings. Toronto, which has lost 13 of its last 15 games, is in desperate need of a win in order to stay in the East's playoff picture and avoid a sweep at the hands of one of the conference's weaker teams. Expect the Raptors to take some of the bad taste from their mouth tonight. |
03-29-21 |
Heat v. Knicks +4.5 | Top | 98-88 |
Loss | -114 | 6 h 58 m | Show |
Mitchell Robinson’s injury overshadowed the Knicks’ third straight win Saturday, when the third-year center suffered a broken right foot in the first quarter of a 102-96 victory over the host Milwaukee Bucks. The visiting Heat suffered a sixth straight loss Friday, when Miami fell to the Charlotte Hornets, 110-105. Robinson was playing in just his fourth game since returning from a 15-game absence due to a broken right hand. The 7-footer was injured after he crashed to the floor while battling for a rebound with the Bucks’ Brook Lopez. Robinson immediately grabbed his foot in pain and needed help getting off the floor. |
03-28-21 |
Magic v. Lakers -6.5 | | 93-96 |
Loss | -110 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
It took five tries, but the Lakers finally won a game without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, beating the moribund Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. And all of a sudden — after losing the previous four games — they have a chance to start a streak in the other direction with the openly tanking Orlando Magic coming to town on Sunday. |
03-28-21 |
Hawks v. Nuggets -4.5 | Top | 102-126 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
The Denver Nuggets return to Ball Arena on Sunday night for a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. This game is a little more special than the rest as Aaron Gordon will finally make his Nuggets debut after Denver acquired him before the trade deadline on Thursday morning. |
03-28-21 |
Blazers +1 v. Raptors | Top | 122-117 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 27 m | Show |
There will be some familiar faces in different places Sunday night when the Portland Trail Blazers visit the Toronto Raptors in Tampa. The teams completed a trade Thursday, with the Raptors sending Norman Powell to the Trail Blazers for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood. In his debut with Portland, Powell scored 22 points Friday in a 112-105 victory over the host Orlando Magic. In their Toronto debuts, Trent scored eight points and Hood two in a 104-100 loss to the visiting Phoenix Suns on Friday. The Raptors have lost 10 of their past 11 games. |
03-27-21 |
Grizzlies v. Jazz -9.5 | | 110-126 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 30 m | Show |
The Grizzlies had a late run to make the score close, but the truth is, the Jazz were in control of last night's game for 46 minutes. They'll blow the Grizzlies out tonight. |
03-27-21 |
Pistons +3.5 v. Wizards | Top | 92-106 |
Loss | -100 | 8 h 34 m | Show |
Detroit now has four promising, defensively-minded guards. Diallo, Smith, Killian Hayes, and Saben Lee have shown signs this year they can join the lineage of quality Pistons defenders at the guard spots. Killian remains out (but is close to returning), Saben needs more seasoning before being trusted with the starting gig, but if Dennis is available this evening, not testing him alongside Hamidou against offensive guards Bradley Beal (let’s assume he’ll play) and Russell Westbrook would be a downer. |
03-26-21 |
Cavs v. Lakers -3.5 | | 86-100 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 25 m | Show |
The Cavaliers are in a different short-handed situation. JaVale McGee was traded to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday while Andre Drummond reportedly is waiting on a contract buyout that will make him a free agent. Don't be blind by the last outing from both of these teams. |
03-26-21 |
Hawks v. Warriors +7.5 | Top | 124-108 |
Loss | -107 | 7 h 47 m | Show |
Defense. Defense is the story. Defense is the only story. The Warriors played one of the worst defensive games you’ll ever see on Thursday, giving up 141 points to a middling Kings team, and allowing them to exceed 60% shooting on the night. Draymond Green will hopefully be returning from illness, and the Warriors need every bit of defensive brilliance that he can muster. I think you'll see a better effort tonight. |
03-26-21 |
Grizzlies v. Jazz -9.5 | | 114-117 |
Loss | -105 | 6 h 11 m | Show |
The Utah Jazz are 1st in both 3’s made (17.0) and 3’s attempted (43.0) per game, while boasting the 2nd-best percentage (39.7%). In addition, 7 of their 9 consistent rotation players shoot above 35% from 3, and 5 of them (Conley, Mitchell, Bogdanovic, Joe Ingles, and Jordan Clarkson) make more than 2 a game. |
03-26-21 |
Pacers v. Mavs -1 | Top | 109-94 |
Loss | -107 | 6 h 36 m | Show |
The Dallas Mavericks (23-19) return to action against the Indiana Pacers (20-23) after an eventful trade deadline saw the Mavericks net JJ Redick and Nicolo Melli in exchange for James Johnson, Wesley Iwundu, and a second-round pick. The Mavericks took the first matchup between these two teams as Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 27 points and 13 rebounds in a 124-112 victory. However, both clubs were without key contributors. The Mavericks were in the midst of the COVID fiasco, and the Pacers were missing elite shot-blocker Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb. These two teams are going in opposite directions. |
03-26-21 |
Rockets +4.5 v. Wolves | | 101-107 |
Loss | -109 | 6 h 14 m | Show |
The majority of the Rockets' recent losses have been without center Christian Wood, who returned to the lineup following a 16-game injury absence on March 17 and has led the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks this season. Wood averages 21.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in the 2020-21 campaign. |
03-26-21 |
Blazers -9 v. Magic | Top | 112-105 |
Loss | -115 | 7 h 31 m | Show |
Damian Lillard is out...but The Magic blew up their team ahead of the 2021 NBA trade deadline, moving their top-three players in Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier, and Aaron Gordon along with Al-Farouq Aminu for numerous assets. However, those assets -- Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter, Jeff Teague, Gary Harris, and R.J. Hampton -- won't be ready to play yet 24 hours after being acquired. As a result, the team has already ruled them out for Friday's game. |
03-26-21 |
Nets v. Pistons +7 | | 113-111 |
Win | 100 | 2 h 41 m | Show |
Utah pounded the star-less Nets 118-88 on Wednesday. Brooklyn could have one of its top players back in action at Detroit on Friday. James Harden was sidelined by a nagging neck injury. Kyrie Irving is away from the team for personal reasons, and Kevin Durant is in the final stages of rehabbing a left hamstring strain. Irving and Durant are not expected to suit up until next week. Harden is questionable to play against the Pistons. |
03-25-21 |
76ers v. Lakers +6 | Top | 109-101 |
Loss | -109 | 10 h 9 m | Show |
As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN on Wednesday, the Lakers and 76ers are among the teams hoping to land Kyle Lowry before the trade deadline, which is Thursday at 12:00 p.m. PT. If Lowry is traded to either the Lakers or 76ers before the game, he obviously won’t be available, but neither will the players that they traded for him. The same thing can be said about any play the Lakers or 76ers trade for, so both teams’ benches may look barren on Thursday. |
03-25-21 |
Clippers v. Spurs +6.5 | | 98-85 |
Loss | -102 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
The Clippers look to be easy side in this one but when it looks easy it rarely is. I'll take the points with the Spurs who were not playing their best last night against a Clippers team who caught fire. Spurs starters will be rested. |
03-25-21 |
Blazers +3 v. Heat | Top | 125-122 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 52 m | Show |
The Miami Heat have had a confounding season coming off of reaching the NBA Finals in 2020. Part of the problem has been that Jimmy Butler has missed 14 games this season and the team has had to deal with a myriad of other issues. But nothing that should have caused the Heat to begin the season 7-14. Since that point, however, the Heat have somewhat resembled last season’s team. |
03-24-21 |
Hawks v. Kings +3 | Top | 108-110 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 37 m | Show |
The Kings have been better defensively over their past four games. They’re giving up 112.2 points per game during the 3-1 stretch, 7.0 points less than their season average. Haliburton’s insertion into the starting lineup in place of the injured Marvin Bagley III has made Sacramento more versatile on the defensive end. |
03-24-21 |
Mavs v. Wolves +8.5 | | 128-108 |
Loss | -115 | 6 h 22 m | Show |
Neither team is great defensively, and like most games on tonight's card, this one looks too easy. I'll take the 8.5 with both teams not looking stop stop their opponents. |
03-24-21 |
Grizzlies v. Thunder +6 | | 116-107 |
Loss | -103 | 6 h 44 m | Show |
The Grizzlies will kick off a 4-game road trip with a visit to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder in OKC for the second time in ten days. It was a disappointing game by the Grizzlies the last time in OKC, as they fell to the Thunder 128-122 while looking disinterested most of the game. The Thunder have been one of the stranger teams in the NBA this season. They were supposed to be bottom-feeders this season, competing for the top pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Instead, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has carried the Thunder to be fringe play-in tournament contenders as they trail the Grizzlies by just 2.5 games on the 10th seed in the standings. |
03-24-21 |
Suns v. Magic +10 | Top | 111-112 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 37 m | Show |
Another game on the card that looks too easy. I've been doing this long enough to know that when it looks easy you usually want to take the points. With three easy game before the Suns go home, let's et that they are more worried about getting the next three games injury free. |
03-24-21 |
Hornets v. Rockets +3.5 | Top | 122-97 |
Loss | -103 | 6 h 17 m | Show |
Tonight, the Charlotte Hornets come into town after recently losing Rookie of the Year frontrunner LaMelo Ball to a fractured wrist. There is some hope that he will return in late April if the Hornets are in the playoff hunt, but odds are they will keep their number 1 pick (h/t Bill Worrell) covered in bubble wrap until next season. Charlotte is currently 21-21 and in 7th place in the East. They have a 4.5 game cushion over the 11th place Toronto Raptors, so things are looking bright for them. The Hornets knocked off the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night behind big nights from Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier. |
03-24-21 |
Celtics +6 v. Bucks | | 119-121 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 11 m | Show |
The Boston Celtics have been struggling lately and have managed just two wins in their last seven outings heading into this tie. The C's are now eighth in their Conference rankings with a sub-par 21-22 season record. The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, has been dominant lately, winning 12 of their last 13 games. They are currently ranked third in the East with a 28-14 season record. Somehow this number is only 4.5. The public is going to fall for it, we're not. |
03-24-21 |
Nuggets v. Raptors +3 | Top | 111-135 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 15 m | Show |
The Toronto Raptors will try to stop a nine-game losing streak when they play the visiting Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night in Tampa. The Nuggets have won nine of their past 11 games after defeating the host Orlando Magic 110-99 on Tuesday night to open a three-game road trip. Yet, this number is just -2? I've seen this before, Take the points and the Raptors. |
03-23-21 |
76ers v. Warriors +4 | Top | 108-98 |
Loss | -110 | 10 h 43 m | Show |
The Golen State Warriors are back home after a successful, but weird homestand. They’re hoping to welcome both Steph Curry and Kevon Looney back as they take on the top seed in the East, the Philadelphia 76ers. But while Philly is exceptional, they’re without their best player, as Joel Embiid remains sidelined. |
03-23-21 |
Nets +3.5 v. Blazers | | 116-112 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
Much has been made of the injury issues the Nets are dealing with but if Damian Lillard isn't 100% that completely changes the Blazers on the offensive end. The public is all over Portland, they will be proved wrong in this one. |
03-23-21 |
Suns v. Heat +2 | | 110-100 |
Loss | -107 | 8 h 42 m | Show |
The Heat are in desperate need of a win again a quality team, especially won that is scorching hot on the road. I think we're going to find the Suns sleeping a but with games against the Heat and magic on deck. The number tells you something in this one. |
03-23-21 |
Nuggets v. Magic +7.5 | Top | 110-99 |
Loss | -106 | 7 h 46 m | Show |
With games against Orlando and Toronto on deck, I find it hard to believe that the Nugget aren't more concerned with getting to New Orleans and then going home. The Magic are a mess but with a few days before the trade deadline, I would expect everyone to be giving it their all in hopes of getting out. |
03-22-21 |
Pacers v. Bucks -5 | | 113-140 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
Bucks: 9-1 L10, averaging 120.3 points, 48.7 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 7.7 steals, and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.6 points on 45.5% shooting. |
03-22-21 |
Celtics +2.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 126-132 |
Loss | -109 | 10 h 25 m | Show |
Memphis actually shot worse (38.9 percent) than it did the previous night (46.4 percent) during its 116-103 loss to the Warriors. |
03-22-21 |
Raptors v. Rockets +8.5 | Top | 99-117 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 17 m | Show |
It's been almost a month since the Toronto Raptors won their last game. Entering Monday, they've dropped eight straight games and have looked like one of the NBA's worst teams. Fortunately for Toronto, while it's been bad, it hasn't been as ugly as the Houston Rockets' 20-game losing streak. Even with both teams on a horrific run, I can't lay this many points. |
03-22-21 |
Hornets +5 v. Spurs | | 100-97 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 2 m | Show |
Charlotte will be shorthanded due to the loss of rookie guard LaMelo Ball, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with a fractured wrist. Ball is getting a second opinion, per reports. The Hornets announced Sunday that an MRI exam discovered the fracture in Ball's right wrist, and the team will list the 19-year-old Ball as out indefinitely until further updates were available. The first game after an impactful injury is a good chance to get a generous number. |
03-22-21 |
Thunder +3 v. Wolves | Top | 112-103 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 40 m | Show |
The Timberwolves begin a four-game homestand with their season finale against the Thunder. The Wolves previously split a back-to-back with the Thunder in February in Oklahoma City. Typically I like to go against teams starting a homestand, especially when they're not usually a goof bet to begin with. |
03-21-21 |
Mavs v. Blazers +2 | | 132-92 |
Loss | -107 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
During this stretch of largely positive games, the Mavericks have strung together in March, it feels like we’ve seen a pattern. Start slow in the first, draw even in the second, try not to fart to death in the 3rd, then snatch victory in the fourth. That’s simply not going to cut it against a Dame Lillard-led team. Winning close games late is literally his whole thing. Dallas, knock on wood, has come a long way from its days of league-leading clutch time losses, but they haven’t exactly been coasting to wins much either. They entered the fourth on Friday with a 5 point lead. It wasn’t enough. |
03-21-21 |
Lakers +10 v. Suns | Top | 94-111 |
Loss | -110 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
The public will be all over the Suns in this one but I think the Lakers will have just enough to cover this number. The game after a major injury usually sees teams come together and play well the game after. |
03-21-21 |
76ers -1 v. Knicks | | 101-100 |
Push | 0 | 7 h 8 m | Show |
The 76ers have covered 8 straight games after allowing 100 points in their previous game, and 7-1 in their last 8 overall. |
03-21-21 |
Thunder +4.5 v. Rockets | Top | 114-112 |
Win | 101 | 1 h 16 m | Show |
The Rockets have been pretty poor this season and have struggled to generate efficient, reliable offense. Christian Wood’s ankle injury meant that the Rockets’ season entered free-fall. |
03-20-21 |
Spurs +11.5 v. Bucks | Top | 113-120 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 6 m | Show |
The Spurs are riding the wave of a season-high three-game win streak as they prepare to square off against the third-place Milwaukee Bcks in the final game of their week-long Eastern Conference road trip. Although San Antonio finally saw star swingman DeMar DeRozan return to the lineup on Friday night, they draw the difficult task of holding two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in check on the second night of a back-to-back. |
03-20-21 |
Kings +6 v. 76ers | | 105-129 |
Loss | -103 | 6 h 44 m | Show |
The Sixers will be without Seth Curry, who joins Joel Embiid on the injury report as he is dealing with a sprained left ankle. That puts even more pressure on Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris to come up large and lead the offense the way they have to in order to pick up the win in this one. |
03-20-21 |
Warriors v. Grizzlies -5.5 | Top | 103-111 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 35 m | Show |
The Warriors gained the upper hand in the series despite the absence of Stephen Curry, who sustained a bruised tailbone Wednesday at Houston. According to Golden State coach Steve Kerr, Curry is "very doubtful" to return for the rematch. "It would be irresponsible of us to play him at this point. He's still in pain," Kerr said after the Friday win. "It's not even a question of temptation to put him out there. It's just we're going to do what's right medically. When he's ready, he's ready." |
03-20-21 |
Hawks +3.5 v. Lakers | Top | 99-94 |
Win | 100 | 1 h 23 m | Show |
Atlanta fired head coach Lloyd Pierce and have gone 7-0 since handing the reigns to Nate McMillan. The team has also gotten healthier and started to find their stride, and have risen all the way to fifth in the Eastern Conference after the Lakers dropped the Hornets down a slot by beating them on Thursday night |
03-18-21 |
Pelicans v. Blazers -1 | | 93-101 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 53 m | Show |
Just a suggestion, but the Blazers might like to see how not letting their opponent get out to gargantuan early lead helps their chances. It might even remove the need for luck and a 18-point turnaround in the last quarter to secure a win. While the win was exhilarating, playing four full quarters might make it easier on the nerves and heart rate of all those associated with the Blazers. |
03-18-21 |
Wolves +10.5 v. Suns | Top | 123-119 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 0 m | Show |
The Wolves' recent performances are certainly a step in the right direction. The blowout victory over the Pelicans was certainly a surprise, with the Minnesota Timberwolves bench racking up 72 points. If they can have Russell, Towns, and Edwards on the court together, they will certainly see an improvement in their win column. |
03-18-21 |
Magic v. Knicks -5 | | 93-94 |
Loss | -110 | 6 h 35 m | Show |
After losing 8 in a row, times don't get a lot easier for the Orlando Magic who travels to Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening to face the New York Knicks having not made the playoffs since 2013, Knicks fans are reveling in the hype around their young stars, who are proving they have what it takes to make the postseason. Thibodeau's side comes into this matchup on the back of two tough losses against the East's best two sides, which have dropped them to 8th in the conference standings. However, they will be looking to make their record .500 again with a win over an Orlando Magic side who are on the association's second-worst losing run. |
03-18-21 |
Jazz v. Wizards +11 | Top | 122-131 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 10 m | Show |
This is a typical spot where the public will be all over the Jazz, but it's hard for me to believe that the focus will be on the Wizards with a few winnable games on deck. You'll learn a lot about the Wizards tonight. |
03-17-21 |
Heat +1 v. Grizzlies | | 85-89 |
Loss | -109 | 8 h 59 m | Show |
During their most recent skid, the Grizzlies have gone without the elite defense that got them where they need to be to compete and have missed consistent contributions from key players offensively. Memphis, despite being as healthy as they been at any point this season, seems out of sorts on switches and in drop coverage while not fitting in nicely enough in half-court sets to score. |
03-17-21 |
Celtics -8.5 v. Cavs | Top | 110-117 |
Loss | -104 | 7 h 11 m | Show |
Boston will be looking to take their anger out on the Cavaliers tonight after a dismal fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz last night. Boston wins this by 10-15 points. |
03-17-21 |
Kings v. Wizards -2 | Top | 121-119 |
Loss | -107 | 6 h 54 m | Show |
This game is simple. The Wizards need to win this game and win it in impressive fashion or their season will be done. Expect their best effort. |
03-16-21 |
Wolves v. Lakers -7.5 | Top | 121-137 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 50 m | Show |
The Timberwolves will still be incomplete when they play the Los Angeles Lakers for the second time this season on Tuesday because Russell is still recovering from knee surgery, but the Lakers will be dealing with a few injuries of their own. In addition to Anthony Davis, who’s expected to miss at least another two weeks with Achilles tendinosis, and Jared Dudley, who is out indefinitely with a right MCL tear, the Lakers won’t have Alex Caruso (concussion) or Marc Gasol (health and safety protocols), both of whom were ruled out of Tuesday’s game by Frank Vogel on Monday. |
03-16-21 |
Pelicans +2 v. Blazers | Top | 124-125 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 29 m | Show |
The Portland Trailblazers will likely start guard CJ McCollum Tuesday against New Orleans for the first time since he broke his left foot Jan. 16 against Atlanta, but that usually signals a go against. The public will overreact not remembering that it takes a few games for a returner player to find some cohesiveness. |
03-16-21 |
Thunder +6 v. Bulls | | 102-123 |
Loss | -101 | 8 h 43 m | Show |
This is the start of a 4-game road trip for the Thunder. This is a spot I like to hit the road team because this is when you'll get their best effort in an attempt make it a successful trip. |
03-16-21 |
Cavs +10.5 v. Heat | | 98-113 |
Loss | -106 | 8 h 35 m | Show |
two teams going in opposite directions. Expect the Heat to overlook the Cavs. Take the double digit offering. |
03-16-21 |
Hawks v. Rockets +9.5 | Top | 119-107 |
Loss | -115 | 8 h 38 m | Show |
I've always wondered if John Wall would have left DC if he was able to see what the Rockets would become. This number is begging you to take the hawks but I think the Thunder will be more interested in getting back home than they are blowing out the Rockets. |
03-16-21 |
Knicks v. 76ers -6.5 | Top | 96-99 |
Loss | -115 | 7 h 29 m | Show |
This is a classic go against spot for the Knicks, after dropping a tough measuring stick game against the Nets last night. To turn around and travel to Philly for tonight's match-up is not the spot I want the Knicks in. |
03-16-21 |
Jazz -4 v. Celtics | Top | 117-109 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
The Jazz loss against the Warriors was nothing more than not being ready in a look ahead spot. Don't get fooled in this match-up. jazz win and win big. |
03-15-21 |
Grizzlies v. Suns -7 | | 99-122 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
The Phoenix Suns are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games while the Grizzlies have dropped 9 of 12 ATS on the road against teams over .500. |
03-15-21 |
Pacers v. Nuggets -4.5 | Top | 106-121 |
Win | 100 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
The Nuggets bench killed the Pacers in their first game, with PJ Dozier having his best game of the season. The second unit will thrive if Jamal Murray is able to add his scoring to them to start the second quarter. |
03-15-21 |
Clippers -1.5 v. Mavs | | 109-99 |
Win | 100 | 11 h 43 m | Show |
The only Clipper good news from last night was that nobody played more than 29 minutes. They surely will be in a foul mood when they take the court against the Mavericks . . . They are fighting for a home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a normally solid combination of tough defense and ridiculously good 3-point shooting. Their 42-percent success rate is easily the best in the NBA and they have the second-best offensive rating in the league, averaging 118 points per 100 possessions |
03-15-21 |
Knicks +8 v. Nets | | 112-117 |
Win | 103 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
The Knicks are 20-19 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Their previous loss to Brooklyn was the fourth of five straight; since then they are 15-11 and during that stretch dating back to Jan. 17, they are third in the league in defensive rating (107.9), eighth in net rating (2.9), and 19th in offensive rating (110.8) over 26 games. Defense has been a constant all season. For the full year, the Knicks are fourth in defensive rating (108.6), first in opponent field goal percentage (44.0), first in opponent 3-point percentage (33.2), and first in opponent effective field goal percentage (51.2). |
03-15-21 |
Spurs -2 v. Pistons | Top | 109-99 |
Win | 100 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
After a brief hiatus these last couple of years, the Spurs’ defense has clearly rebounded this season. The team has a defensive rating of 109.8, per NBA.com, which is good for 9th in the league. Better yet, excluding garbage time, the Spurs’ defense sits at 7th in the NBA, per Cleaning the Glass, giving the team a top 10 defense for the first time since DeMar DeRozan’s arrival in 2018. |
03-15-21 |
Bucks -8.5 v. Wizards | | 133-122 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
Beal, who sat most of the second half in a 127-101 loss to Philadelphia on Friday, is listed as day-to-day due to a knee injury. Washington was also without Davis Bertans on Saturday due to a calf injury. At 11.3, Bertans is one of Washington's four available double-figure point-per-game scorers along with Beal (32.1), Westbrook (21.1) and Hachimura (12.9). Bertans is listed as day-to-day. |
03-15-21 |
Kings +3.5 v. Hornets | Top | 116-122 |
Loss | -108 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
If Sacramento wants to remain in the hunt for a play-in spot, it begins and ends with the defensive end. As Walton alluded to, the Kings can score with any team in the league but remain abysmal at protecting their own end. That can’t happen against a Hornets squad that has won four of their last five outings. Led by Ball, Hayward and Rozier, Charlotte has climbed back over the .500 mark and will be a handful for the Kings backcourt. |
03-14-21 |
Raptors v. Bulls -3 | Top | 95-118 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 52 m | Show |
The Toronto Raptors were sailing at one point and were even placed within the top six playoff positions. However, due to COVID-19 protocols, their season was derailed as they got pushed down to the tenth spot. The Raptors will be without several players yet again due to the same reason. As reported by Aaron Rose from Sports Illustrated, the likes of starters Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet, along with role players Patrick McCaw and Malachi Flynn, will all be out due to Covid protocols. |
03-14-21 |
Clippers v. Pelicans +6 | Top | 115-135 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 46 m | Show |
Zion Williamson won't make things any easier for the Clippers on that end of the floor, either. The first-time All-Star is averaging 25.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season and is converting almost all of his looks at the rim. LA's frontcourt will seriously be tested. |
03-14-21 |
Celtics v. Rockets +11 | | 134-107 |
Loss | -107 | 6 h 4 m | Show |
The Boston Celtics were expected to compete for the Eastern Conference crown this year. At 19-18, they have struggled to meet expectations. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were well-deserving All-Stars, but the team success just hasn’t materialized. I wonder if a poor season will put Brad Stevens on the hot seat. |
03-14-21 |
Cavs v. Hawks -5.5 | Top | 82-100 |
Win | 100 | 6 h 38 m | Show |
While Cleveland has struggled on the whole this season, the Cavaliers are actually 2-0 against the Hawks, and they have won four straight matchups against Atlanta dating back to the 2019-20 season. The Hawks made a mess of the last matchup, losing in maddening fashion back in February, and revenge will be on Atlanta’s mind as a result. The Cavs have the rest advantage after resting (and traveling) on Saturday, which is worth noting. However, Cleveland ranks dead-last in the NBA in offense, scoring only 104.3 points per 100 possessions, and that provides an edge for Atlanta on the defensive end. |
03-14-21 |
Heat v. Magic +7.5 | | 102-97 |
Win | 100 | 5 h 17 m | Show |
Two teams going in the opposite direction and this is the number. The books are begging you to take the Heat. |
03-14-21 |
Spurs +5 v. 76ers | Top | 99-134 |
Loss | -110 | 5 h 53 m | Show |
The Silver and Black enter this matchup hoping to put together their first winning streak since returning from the All-Star Break, but the Sixers have won four in a row and won’t make for an easy opponent on the first night of a back-to-back. With that in mind, Philly is a paltry 2-5 when Embiid doesn’t play |
03-14-21 |
Jazz v. Warriors +7.5 | | 119-131 |
Win | 100 | 2 h 29 m | Show |
This number is a little suspect to me. The Warriors are coming off a crushing defeat while the Jazz got by the Rockets by 15. I think we'll see a case where the Jazz are looking ahead. |
03-14-21 |
Grizzlies v. Thunder +8.5 | Top | 122-128 |
Win | 100 | 1 h 38 m | Show |
There's nothing about this match-up that to take the Thunder but the best thing a team can do after getting drilled is get right back to it, and that's exactly what the Thunder will be doing. They must do a better job on the boards than they did against the Knicks. This is a revenge spot so let's take the points. |
03-13-21 |
Mavs +1.5 v. Nuggets | | 116-103 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
The Mavericks are going to try to spread out the Nuggets defense and let Doncic work his magic one-on-one against his defender. When he’s able to set up teammates for easy shots, they can get in a rhythm and put games away. Let’s see if they can funnel the ball to Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and not let Tim Hardaway or Porzingis catch fire and beat Denver. |
03-13-21 |
Pacers +7.5 v. Suns | Top | 122-111 |
Win | 100 | 9 h 10 m | Show |
Caris LeVert appears set to make his long-awaited Pacers debut on Saturday night in Phoenix, when Indiana (16-20) faces the Suns (25-11) on the second stop of a three-game Western Conference road trip. The Pacers acquired LeVert from Brooklyn in a four-team trade that sent Victor Oladipo to Houston and James Harden to Brooklyn in mid-January, but a post-trade physical revealed a mass on LeVert's left kidney. Subsequent tests determined the mass was renal cell carcinoma and LeVert underwent surgery on Jan. 26 to remove it. No further treatment is necessary, but the surgery sidelined him for the ensuing month. With the addition, I'm guessing that most will be on the over but experience says it will take a game or so for the offense to come around. |
03-13-21 |
Blazers v. Wolves +5 | Top | 125-121 |
Win | 100 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
In the first matchup of a back-to-back set, the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-29) face the Portland Trail Blazers (21-15) on Saturday evening at Target Center. Minnesota defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 135-105, on Thursday. The victory marked the first for Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch, and the first time since the 1997-98 season that a team won by 30-plus points after trailing by at least 15 at one point. The Blazers, winners of three of their last four, lost to the Phoenix Suns 127-121 on Thursday. Blazers guard Damian Lillard led Portland with 30 points. The Timberwolves trail the Blazers 86-35 in the teams' all-time head-to-head meetings, falling to Portland 135-117 at Moda Center on January 7. Take the Wolves in the revenge spot. |
03-13-21 |
Kings v. Hawks -4 | | 106-121 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show |
It was an energizing win for the Hawks, against the Raptors, who now sit as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and just a couple of games out of the No. 4 spot. Atlanta now sits with a slightly positive net rating (+0.2), ranking 11th in offense (112.7) and 22nd in defense (112.5). Sacramento blew out the Houston Rockets 125-105 in their first game out of the break, but the Kings still sit 12th in the Western Conference standings. The Kings have the worst defensive rating (118.6) in the NBA, and it’s not particularly close as they are nearly two points worse than the New Orleans Pelicans. |
03-13-21 |
Bucks v. Wizards +11 | | 125-119 |
Win | 100 | 7 h 53 m | Show |
The Washington Wizards, looking to shake off a slump of four losses in five games, face a tough challenge the next two games. The improving Milwaukee Bucks arrive in Washington for consecutive matchups against the Wizards on Saturday and Monday. The Bucks are coming off a 134-101 blowout of the New York Knicks on Thursday, the Bucks' first outing since the NBA All-Star break. The victory was Milwaukee's seventh in the past eight games. The Wizards must play their best over the next two days or it could be the beginning of the end to their postseason hopes. |
03-13-21 |
Raptors +2.5 v. Hornets | Top | 104-114 |
Loss | -103 | 7 h 49 m | Show |
The Raptors lost on a buzzer-beater in their first game back following the All-Star break while the Hornets closed out their first game back with a game-sealing floater from Terry Rozier. As two teams jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, this game could have heavy implications at a later date. I think we'll see a Raptors bounce back tonight. |
03-13-21 |
Knicks v. Thunder +4.5 | Top | 119-97 |
Loss | -103 | 2 h 56 m | Show |
After a refreshing six-day All-Star break, the Thunder transferred that rejuvenated energy into a strong performance to start the second half of the season. Solid ball movement, pace in transition and a stout defensive performance allowed the Thunder to build up a 21-point lead over Dallas in the first half on Thursday. |
03-12-21 |
UCF +7 v. Memphis | | 62-70 |
Loss | -110 | 4 h 7 m | Show |
The Knights played well in the first half of a 72-62 win over East Carolina to move on. They were great at stopping the Pirates from three, got to the line more and made the most of their chances, and they stayed comfortably ahead. It’s a good enough team from three to stick around against Memphis – it leads the AAC in three point field goal percentage – but it has to attack the rim against a defense that comes up with a whole lot of fouls. Get to the line – like it did against ECU – make the free throw, and hope the Tigers are off |
03-12-21 |
Wisconsin +4.5 v. Iowa | Top | 57-62 |
Loss | -107 | 3 h 25 m | Show |
Wisconsin just isn’t going to be the Wisconsin everyone is used to. It can still play a little bit of defense, but not really. It’s careful with the ball, it moves the ball around well, and yeah, it leads the Big Ten in scoring defense, but this is nowhere near the type of team that had the chops to make a big run in the NCAA Tournament. But it’s still alive. Barely. It was cruising right along against Penn State until the D melted down late as the team held on for dear life in a 75-74 win – it survived a late Penn State shot to pull it off. However, the Badgers were on from three, they were great on the free throw line |
03-12-21 |
North Carolina v. Florida State -2.5 | Top | 66-69 |
Win | 100 | 2 h 1 m | Show |
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