Sacramento Kings (+350)
The Utah Jazz simply are not the team that we believed they were on the season. They have struggled through 17 games, ranking 23rd in the NBA in net offensive and defensive rating (-2.7). Utah has also lost three of their last four games, recording a -71 point differential over that span. They get a matchup against the Sacramento Kings, who have performed surprisingly well this season, ranking 20th in the league in net off and def rating (-1.8). They are also coming off of a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while posting a 2-2 record in their last four games. The Kings will push the pace to turn this into an offensive game, and they rank eight spots higher than the Jazz in offensive rating this season. While I don’t truly believe Sacramento is going to win this game, this spread is far too wide for how poorly Utah has played for the majority of this season.
Bet 3 units on Sacramento +9 spread to win 2.7 units (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers (-520)
The Los Angeles Lakers have seemingly figured their team out, as they feature a 4-1 record over their last five games, losing only to the Toronto Raptors. They rank 13th in the NBA in net off and def rating (1.4), and it seems as if Los Angeles is beginning to find their groove as new teammates. They get an elite matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who rank only 27th in the league in net off and def rating (-8.9). They feature a bottom five offense in the NBA, while also ranking last in the league in defensive rating. While Los Angeles has struggled defensively this season, they feature a top-10 offense in 2018. Higher level teams have also been blowing out the Cavs this season, while they have kept games somewhat close against lower level competition. The spread is the only major concern in this game, but Los Angeles features players that can dominate a weak Cavs team.
Bet 3 units on Los Angeles -9.5 spread to win 2.7 units (-110)
New York Knicks (+860)/Boston Celtics (-1420)
The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics have both been playing at below average paces this season. They currently rank 18th and 22nd in the NBA in pace, respectively. New York has struggled defensively this season, which is a major concern, but Boston ranks first in the NBA in defensive rating. Neither team has performed well offensively either, ranking 22nd and 27th in the NBA in pace, respectively. These two teams are averaging only 214 points per game this season. New York and Boston are also allowing a combined 218.3 points per game in 2018. It would be a bit surprising to see New York score over 100 points in this game, meaning Boston would need one of their highest scoring games on the season to hit the over.
Bet 2 units on New York/Boston UNDER 216 to win 1.8 units (-110)
Parlay Bet
Parlay 2 units on New Orleans/Philadelphia OVER 235.5, Charlotte -3 spread, and Milwaukee -6.5 spread to win 12 units (+600)
