Utah Jazz (-470)
This line simply seems a bit too good to pass up. The Utah Jazz finished the 2017-18 season with the fifth best net rating (4.3) in the NBA. They also featured the best defensive rating, while recording an average offensive rating. They return the same core players as last season, while adding a first round shooter in Grayson Allen. Donovan Mitchell will have an NBA offseason under his belt after breaking out during his rookie campaign, as well. The Sacramento Kings made a few splashes in the offseason, and continue to progress as a young team, but they finished last season with the second worst net rating (-7.2) in the NBA. They added more young talent, but they are expected to run a spread out rotation, meaning none of their young stars will be locked into major minutes tonight. While Sacramento may have a bright future ahead, Utah is one of the best teams in the West right now. The only major concern in this game is that Utah may not score enough to simply pull away, but their offense should take another step forward this season.
Bet 3 units on the Utah -9.5 spread to win 2.7 units (-110)
Phoenix Suns (N/A)
The Phoenix Suns are a young team loaded with talent that has brought in a few veterans to team them how to win. They added the best player in the NBA Draft – Deandre Ayton – who has looked like a star this offseason. The Suns also added Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson as more experienced players on to court to go along with a high upside young core, led by Devin Booker. They get a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, who will feature a short rotation tonight. Harrison Barnes and Dirk Nowitzki have both been ruled out for this game. While Dallas does come with quite a bit of talent, Barnes has been a difference-maker for their offense. This game is expected to turn into a shootout, and I’m siding with the offense and scorers for Phoenix.
Bet 2 units on the Phoenix -1 spread to win 1.9 units (-105)
Denver Nuggets (-125)
This is simply a situation in which I expect the Denver Nuggets to take the next step in their progression. They have a plethora of young talent to go along with an NBA staple in Paul Millsap, who knows how to lead a team. Nikola Jokic is one of the most promising big men in the NBA, while Jamal Murray proved last season that he is capable of leading the offense. Denver seemingly has the pieces of the puzzle to make a run at the playoffs, although they lack the true star power to beat a team like the Golden State Warriors. Denver gets a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, who will have a difficult time containing Nikola Jokic after losing DeAndre Jordan this offseason. They’re another potential playoff team, but they may not have the firepower to keep up with Denver in this game. The Nuggets have the depth to always have scorers on the floor, and Los Angeles will struggle to contain them, starting with Jokic.
Bet 3 units on the Denver -1.5 spread to win 2.6 units (-115)
Parlay Bet
Parlay 2 units on Detroit -6 spread, Milwaukee ML, and Minnesota/San Antonio UNDER 210.5 to win 9.6 units (+480)
