New York Knicks (-125)
The New York Knicks only own a 4-9 record at home, but their point differential shifts to -3.5 per game, as opposed to -8.6 per game on the road. This game has significantly less to do with picking New York as winner as it does with picking the Phoenix Suns as the losers. Through 14 road games, they own a 1-13 record with a -15.9 point differential per game. They also own a 1-9 record against the Eastern Conference this season, and they will be forced to travel to New York. While Phoenix is finally healthy, they still are a team that doesn’t travel well, and the length of this travel gives a major boost to New York. Two points is surprisingly low for the spread in this game, and the Knicks make a fantastic betting option at this point.
Bet 3 units on New York -2 spread to win 2.7 units (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies (+545)/Golden State Warriors (-795)
I hate taking the over in the Memphis Grizzlies games, but this is entirely too low for their opponents. Neither team plays at an overly fast pace, but the Golden State Warriors could look to speed things up a bit to take away from the strengths of Memphis. Memphis games on the road are averaging a total of 207 points per game, while Golden State games at home are averaging a total of 225.9 points per game. In their only matchup this season, these two teams combined for 218 points, and we could see something similar tonight. Warriors games have only totaled less than 210.5 points a handful of times this season, and they are finally healthy. While Memphis is a tough defense that will be set on slowing the pace down, Golden State features an elite offense, who can push the pace themselves. With Golden State being such a big favorite, one has to believe this game will favor their style of play, giving us elite odds on the over.
Bet 3 units on Memphis/Golden State OVER 210.5 to win 2.7 units (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers (N/A)/San Antonio Spurs (N/A)
The Philadelphia 76ers have been night and day at home and on the road this season. Their offense is averaging only 112.0 points per game on the road, as opposed to 116.1 points per game at home. They have also been playing a new style of basketball in December, as their games are totaling an average of only 222.4 points per game compared to 227.7 and 226.0 points per game in November and October, respectively. The San Antonio Spurs have been slowing the pace down throughout the season, and they are allowing only 104.8 points per game at home this season. Their offense has been heating up recently, but this game could feature a slower pace than we expect, and these two teams aren’t likely to dominate the scoreboard in limited opportunities in this particular situation.
Bet 2 units on Philadelphia/San Antonio UNDER 224.5 to win 1.8 units (-110)
Parlay Bet
Parlay 2 units on Milwaukee -4 spread, Houston -5.5 spread, and Portland/Los Angeles UNDER 216.5 to win 12 units (+600)
