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A 1-0 record last night.
The Pelicans entered their game against the Suns as a road underdog. The Pelicans had dealt with a lot of injuries of late, but they were close to full strength here with Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball both playing. The injury woes were on the other side as Ricky Rubio missed this game. That really messed with the Suns defense and allowed the Pelicans to grab the win outright.
Brandon Ingram led the way with 26 points while J.J. Redick added 26 points. He has to be considered right up there with Rubio as one of the best offseason non-superstar signings of the year.
It’s Friday and that means a full NBA schedule. Let’s get into it.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers Betting Tips:
It’s a sad state of affairs when the Spurs are 5-10. This has been one of the best teams in the NBA for a long, long time and they are finally hitting that point where it’s over. The DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge offense is extremely outdated, but the real issue has been the defense. Aldridge looks to have lost a step on that end which has led to this team being the 28th ranked team in Defensive Rating. It’s hard to imagine them staying that low, but this team as it is currently constructed is not a playoff team.
The 76ers are definitely a playoff team and one of the best teams in the league. Ben Simmons hit a three-pointer this week which is amazing and if he can be even a somewhat decent three-point shooter, it opens up so much more for this offense. As it stands, I think that Joel Embiid is going to run wild tonight. Aldridge is struggling and the Sixers are thriving. This line is a bit high, but when you look at that San Antonio defense – you can see why.
https://www.Bovada.lvBet Sixers -7.5
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Tips:
The Lakers are in the midst of an extremely easy schedule before a brutal December. I think they are really taking a look at that schedule and they are going to pile up as many wins as possible right now. Tonight against the Thunder shouldn’t be much of a problem. No one in this league has an answer for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the Thunder are no different.
One thing that is being underrated about the Lakers early is how much they are playing with a traditional center on the floor. For most teams, Steven Adams might be considered an advantage. Not in this game with Dwight Howard and Javale McGee on the other end.
I think the Lakers absolutely roll tonight and this line is way too low.
https://www.Bovada.lvBet Lakers -4.5
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Tips:
This is the best game on the schedule tonight and it should be fantastic. The Rockets just had their 10-game winning streak broken, but the defensive improvement over that time has been very real. There were only two games in their last 11 games that they allowed more than 108 points. James Harden is a wizard, but the defense improvement is real.
The Clippers are another team known for their defense with a 103.2 Defensive Rating on the season, ninth in the NBA. I feel like this team, despite the existence of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, is missing a little something on offense. Those two plus Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams make up like 90% of their offense so slowing one of them could lead to a lower score.
These are two good defenses with personnel issues on both sides. This looks like a defensive battle and an under to me.
https://www.Bovada.lvBet Rockets/Clippers Under 228
