Welcome to the third edition of our weekly NBA column. For those who haven’t given the NBA Weekly article a read yet, we are predicting 7 games in 7 days. With that said, we do not know the actual spreads on the games yet. Please look at the expected outcome of the game in order to bet the proper side. Best of luck and remember to always use proper money management during the long NBA season! Note, we will be using GMT-8 (California Time) for the days of the game.
Game #1 – Monday – Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Pelicans by 4+
The New Orleans Pelicans have been a thorn in the side of the foot for most bettors this season. After having a miserable stretch, the Pelicans have won 2 out of their 3 games in their home stand. We expect a very focused Pelicans team after they gave up 48 points to the Rockets in the 2nd quarter last game. On the contrary, the Kings are still on their road trip where they have won 2 out of 3 games. We think the Kings would be very happy with a 2-2 split going back to Sacramento. Expect the Pelicans to come out with a ton of defensive intensity and easily win. Lay the points with the Pelicans and expect them to win by 4 or more points.
Game #2 – Tuesday – Portland Trail Blazers vs. Washington Wizards – Wizards by 2+
We do not know what finish was more miraculous. Lillard hitting back to back 3s down 5 against the Bulls or the amazing back to back threes by the Wizards on Sunday. Now these two teams face off against each other in what should be a very high scoring game. This will be the 2nd game of a back to back for the Blazers and their 3rd game in 4 nights. With all their injuries, we expect them to be a bit fatigued. The Wizards on the other hand have finally gotten a win after starting their post-corona virus season 0-5. This is their last game at home before they hit the road. With both Westbrook and Beal in the backcourt, we do not see how Lillard can carry the load for the Blazers. Expect the Wizards to not only cover but to outright win this game. Take or lay the points with the Wizards and expect them to win by 2 or more points.
Game #3 – Wednesday – Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks – Mavericks by 4+
This is just a “spot” game for the Mavericks that we like. The Mavericks are currently on a 5 game losing streak as of Sunday night. Luka Doncic has basically called out his whole team saying that they don’t look like they care about playing winning basketball. Rick Carlisle is too good of a head coach to have his team playing this way. We expect the Mavericks to get hot these next two weeks as their schedule gets quite easy. This is the first game of a B2B with them playing on the road and then heading home to play Golden State on Thursday. We expect them to be very focused and motivated and Doncic to have a great game against these young Hawks. Take the Mavericks and expect them to win by 4 or more points.
Game #4 – Thursday – Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks – Mavericks by 6+
The Warriors will be playing on TNT for the second time this week. As fun as it is to watch Steph Curry play, these Warriors are having major identity issues game by game. Some games they look amazing while other games they flat out play horribly. We expect the Mavericks to continue their success today on national television. Porzingis should be able to dominate inside while Doncic should shine. Expect this game to be quite entertaining with the Mavericks winning by 6 or more points.
Game #5 – Friday – Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns – Suns by 8+
The Detroit Pistons have one of the oddest rosters assembled in the league. With no true identity, the Pistons have struggled tremendously so far this season. Look for these struggles to continue against the Suns today. This is the 4th game on the road for the Pistons and the first of a back to back. With the Los Angeles Lakers on deck for the Pistons, we expect the Pistons to not be focused in Phoenix. The Suns are coming home after a 3 game road trip and this is their 1st of 7 games home. Expect focus and intensity as the Suns will want to prove that they are in the playoff conversation this year. The Pistons matchup terribly against this fast Suns team so we would not be surprised if this game gets ugly fast. Take the Suns and expect them to win by 8 or more points.
Game #6 – Saturday – Portland Trail Blazers vs. New York Knicks – Knicks by 2+
This is a very early matchup for the Blazers that will be dying to get home after a long road trip to the East Coast. With the odd time slot and the 7th game on the road, we expect this tired and hobbled team to look horrible today against the Knicks. The Blazers are a pure jump shooting team while the Knicks like to play physical. Expect the Knicks to strap down defensively and play well enough on the offensive side to get the win. Being the first of a B2B for the Knicks, we expect them to play well especially coming off 2 days of rest. Take the Knicks and expect them to win by 2 or more points.
Game #7 – Sunday – Utah Jazz vs. Indiana Pacers – Pacers by 3+
This is another situational spot that we like. While the Jazz have been red hot, we expect things to cool down on this three game road trip. This is the 3rd game in 4 nights for the Jazz that are all being played on the road. Also, next up for the Jazz are the Boston Celtics so this could be a game that the Jazz don’t take seriously. The Pacers matchup quite well with the Jazz and we expect them to be able to play well enough to outright win this game. A win here would be a big momentum boost for the Pacers before they head onto the road. Take the Pacers and expect them to win by 3 or more points.
The last article had a COVID cancellation so we are hoping that we get all 7 games this week. With no major injuries or COVID sitouts, we expect these picks to go 4-3 at the worst. Best of luck and enjoy this week of the NBA!
