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A 1-0 record last night.
We took the Miami Heat over the Portland Trail Blazers last night for quite a few reasons and this one was over right away. The Heat were up 31-19 after the first quarter and then 65-46 at the half. It’s almost like the Blazers enjoyed their Saturday night in Miami or something. The Blazers made a comeback in the second half, but it wasn’t going to be enough and the Heat covered easily. Goran Dragic had 29 points to lead the Heat.
Two picks for tonight.
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Tips:
The Hornets are probably one of my least favorite teams in this league, but they are certainly appealing tonight. They won their last two games including their last game on the road at Dallas. To beat a team of that offensive level is impressive. That said, they lost the six games before that so it’s not like they have magically turned a corner or something.
With all that, I like them tonight and the main reason is the injury status of the Pacers. Victor Oladipo, Malcolm Brogdon, and T.J. McConnell are all out for this one which really leaves them with an empty back court. That really could cost them in this game as the Hornets one, and only, strength is their back court. Devonte Graham is putting up a solid Rookie of the Year case as he leads the Hornets in scoring and assists. Right behind him in both categories is Terry Rozier. Those two could cause troubles for the Pacers back court here.
I could see the Pacers maybe pulling this out still as they are well-coached and talented, but the line is just too dang high on the road for that injury situation.
https://www.Bovada.lvBet Hornets +5
5Dimes Sportsbook
Oklahoma City Thunder at Philadelphia 76ers Betting Tips:
Another team with a solid back court is the Oklahoma City Thunder. This team is on a five game winning streak and the trio of Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dennis Schroeder has been unstoppable together. This team adds great shooting in Danilo Gallinari and the defense of Steven Adams that makes them a tough match-up for any team.
Adams on Joel Embiid is going to be an interesting match-up. Embiid is used to bullying the centers of this league, but the big Australian isn’t the type to stand there and let it happen. The Sixers have really struggled as they’ve lost four straight games and Embiid has said publicly that he is frustrated.
The big issue for the Sixers has been their shooting and that could rear it’s head here as well. The Thunder have a strong defense and if Adams can do a good job on Embiid, I think they can make a game of this one. Philly, like every other team, probably doesn’t have an answer for the three guards.
I can easily see the Sixers winning outright, but this is another line that is just way too high based on recent play.
https://www.Bovada.lvBet Thunder +7.5
