Hope everyone enjoyed their Holidays! The pick train keeps on going!
Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies
The grizzlies are the slight favorite at home in this game at -1. Understandable after Ja Morant’s jaw-dropping performance of 44 points, which is a career-high for the second-year star point guard.
The Hawks, however, proved their no joke this year by putting up 100 points through 3 quarters in their season opener against the Bulls.
This game seems to be a high action point guard vs point guard game. I believe Trae Young will come out victorious in this match up to help cement his case as a top 5 point guard in the league.
That being said, the play here is +1 Hawks. Not only do they have a sizzling Trae Young, they also have a deeper bench. The benches in this game, I believe, will be the most important factor. The Hawks can match up with the Grizzlies and Clint Capela will be instrumental in shutting down Jaren Jackson Jr if he is a go.
The injury report currently has Clint Capela and Gallinari as game-time decisions. Rajon Rondo is out for the Hawks. Justice Winslow is out for the Grizzlies.
Orlando Magic at Washington Wizards
Fresh off their win against the Miami Heat, the magic head to the nation’s capital to continue their strong start.
The main factor in his game is whether or not Russel Westbrook plays. He is currently listed as a game-time decision for rest.
If he misses the game due to rest, Beal will have to have a dazzling 40 point game to stay competitive in this match up. Which we all know he is capable of.
The Wizards will also have to stop Nikola Vucevic, who had a double-double in the opener. The centers on the Wizards suggest that this will be highly unlikely.
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The play here is Magic +2.0. Which I think is a great number considering that Westbrook might sit. The plus money line also might be worth a look.
Westbrook and Bertans are both listed as game-time decisions due to rest.
Toronto Raptors at San Antonio Spurs
No matter who is on the Spurs roster Popovich will always make sure his team is ready defensively.
However, I do not believe it will be enough to stop the Raptors who suffered a loss on the season opener against the Pelicans.
The trio of Vanfleet, Lowry and Siakam will be looking to rebound. Look for one of these players to go off as the Spurs do not have the talent to guard all three at the same time.
With no injuries to report on either side. Look for this game to be close as back to back losses for the Raptors are rare.
The play here is Raptors -1.0. A great number considering all their games will technically be on the road.
Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls
The Bulls, unfortunately, are in for a rough year. With the little talent on their team, the rebuild will last a while with Lauri Markkanen looking for the exit.
The Bulls will be lucky to win 30 games this season and cover half the spreads.
The Pacers, on the other hand, appear to want to win now and will have to show dominance against the bottom tier teams to move up in the rankings for a better playoff seed.
Victor Oladipo and emerging superstar forward Sabonis are going to have to carry the load.
The play here is Pacers -4.5. This line also seems like a Vegas trap line. I see this line as more of an early-season mistake by Vegas.
The injury report has Jeremy Lamb listed as out for the Pacers. Thaddeus Young is listed as a game-time for the Bulls.
Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings
The Suns continue their success from last season and get the opening night win against the Mavericks.
The Suns will be contenders this year with the addition of Chris Paul who will be matched up against Fox. Fox goes under the radar but is quietly becoming a top point guard in the league.
Chris Paul plays defense and controls the ball, putting a halt to Fox’s speed with the ball.
I believe the matchup of Booker and Heild will be the one to watch in deciding this game. Both scoring shooting guards need work on the defensive end.
If the Kings can play lockdown defense on the Suns, they can easily cover the +3.5.
I believe the play, however, is the Suns -3.5 or even buying this line down to -2.0. This game has unpredictably written all over it as the Kings upset some top tier teams last year.
The injury report lists Saric as out for the Suns and Parker as a game-time decision for the Kings.
Hawks +1.0
Magic +2.0
Raptors -1.0
Pacers -4.5
Suns -3.5
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