Best NBA Picks Against the Spread 1/2
Back at it in the New Year. I’m sure you could guess why there was no article last night!
Sacramento Kings at Houston Rockets
The Kings and Rockets head into their second game of the series against each other. The Rockets took the first game of the series 122-119 with a Kings cover of +4.5.The line of Kings of +4.5 remains the same for this game.
We saw excellent play on both teams last game. Harden put up 33 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. John Wall, in his debut, went for 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. John Wall didn’t skip a beat after missing more than a year due to injury. Christian Wood has also proved to be a force down low. He had a double-double scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists. Looks like we have a trio forming in Houston.
Harden appears to still want out despite his fellow teammates stepping up for him. As a GM, he is most likely in no hurry to move the superstar guard. He will command a King’s ransom towards the trade deadline as a desperate team will give up a lot to get him.
Last game versus the Rockets, the Kings got excellent play in a 3 point loss. They got a solid double-double night out of center Richaun Holmes who went for 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists. Despite an off shooting night, Fox was able to muster 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Fox was just 1/7 from deep.
Th main problem on both sides appears to be defense late allowing for teams to cover the spread. Which is why I believe the Kings will cover +4.5 again. The Kings have played well so far and nothing suggests this will not continue as they are getting scoring up and down the lineup.
New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have emergd as a serious Eastern Conference threat behind superstar in the making, Sabonis. The Pacers are off to a 4-1 start.
Sabonis is off to a hot start averaging a double-double on 22.4 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 7.2 APG through five games this season. He’s only 24 years old.
They are also getting some great play from guards Brogdon and Oladipo. So far this season, they are averaging 20.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.2 APG and 21.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, respectively.
The Pacers have three players averaging 20.0 or more points and six players averaging double-digit points.
The Pacers will be without Lamb and Warren.
The Knicks have been playing surprisingly better this season, they are 2-3 and got an upset win against the Bucks this season.
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Randle has been leading the charge for the Knicks. He has been averaging a double-double thus far with 23.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG, and 7.0 APG. Solid numbers while shooting over 50%.
The surprise player on the team might be Burks off the bench averaging 20.7 PPG, and 3.7 RPG, and 3.7 APG. Burks, however, is listed as a GTD (ankle).
Vegas has favored the Pacers at -9.0. However, I believe this line is a little high given the Knick’s recent play. I would fade this game in all honesty, but if you must bet, hit the Knicks at +9.0 even though the Pacers will most likely win this game.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks
At the beginning of the season, I called this team to make it to the second round of the playoffs at least. So far, this appears to be true as they take down the Nets last night with a decisive victory 114-96.
The Hawks faceoff against a Cleveland team that has shown some promise behind “Sexland” and veteran Drummond.
The tandem of guards “Sexland” are avenging an impressive 25.8 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 3.8 APG and 19.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 7.2 APG, respectively. Drummond is also scorching this season on 18.0 PPG, 14.8 RPG, and 3.6 APG. There is hope in Cleveland.
If the Cavaliers want to remain competitive in this game, they will have to outscore the Hawks. This will prove to be a difficult task.
The Hawks open up as a -6.5 favorite at home vs the Cavaliers. I believe the Hawks will outscore this team as they are on fire. The play is -6.5 Hawks.
Kings +4.5
Knicks +9.0
Hawks -6.5
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