Utah Jazz (-150)
The Utah Jazz’s struggles have been one of the bigger surprises on the season. They currently rank 20th in the NBA in net offensive and defensive rating (-1.1), but they have dealt with a few key injuries. They have also featured an extremely difficult schedule, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, and Denver Nuggets, while beating the Boston Celtics twice in a bit over a week. They’ll be entering this game fully healthy, unlike their opponents, the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers currently rank ninth in the league in net off and def rating (3.5), although their numbers are helped a bit by big wins over below average teams. While the Pacers have a few solid wins this season, their last three have come against the Miami Heat (2) and Atlanta Hawks. Indiana will be without Victor Oladipo, who is their best offensive and defensive player. This line is likely to shift with the Oladipo news, so get on it while it’s still this close.
Bet 3 units on Utah -3 spread to win 2.7 units (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers (-360)
The Los Angeles Clippers have been a dominant team that simply isn’t given any respect. Through 15 games, they rank seventh in the NBA in net off and def rating (4.8). They’re currently on a four game win streak, including wins over the Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks. Tonight, hey get a significantly better matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, who rank only 28th in the league in net off and def rating (-9.7). The Hawks have pulled off a couple upsets this season, but they were against lower-level teams. Overall, Atlanta generally faces a blowout, making this spread a bit less risky. The Clippers will also likely use Patrick Beverley to negate Trae Young’s offensive skills, making other players beat them. This is an elite spot for the Clippers, who have been on a dominant win streak recently.
Bet 3 units on Los Angeles -9 spread to win 2.7 units (-110)
San Antonio Spurs (+255)
This is going to be a difficult matchup for the San Antonio Spurs, but these odds are far too wide. San Antonio currently ranks 15th in the NBA in net off and def rating (0.1). They are an extremely inconsistent team, though, beating the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, while also losing to the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns over their last five games. Still, the New Orleans ranks only 12th in the league in net off and def rating (1.8), and they have struggled quite a bit defensively. San Antonio is dealing with their normal injuries, while Elfrid Payton will be out for New Orleans. While I don’t necessarily believe San Antonio should be the favorite in this game, the line should be significantly closer, and I’m willing to take a shot on the odds value here.
Bet 2 units on San Antonio ML to win 5.3 units (+265)
Parlay Bet
Parlay 2 units on Boston -4 spread, Cleveland/Detroit OVER 213, and Los Angeles Clippers/Atlanta OVER 230.5 to win 12 units (+600)
