NBA 2/27

New York Knicks @ Philadelphia 76ers (PHI -6, 211.5) 7:10 PM

The big question here is how the 76ers will play with their two most productive players, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, out for the near future. They are both top 4 in team categories of points, rebounds and assists.  Last night, they lost 108-94 in Cleveland, a team with the exact same record as the Knicks. The top three scorers for the Sixers in that contest were Shake Milton (20), Furkan Korkmaz (14) and Alec Burks (13)…yeah, who?!?! The Knicks lost last night in Charlotte but are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 road games. I don’t like either of these teams, but given what the Sixers have without their top two stars, I don’t think I could lay these points, even in Philadelphia.

Final Score Prediction: Knicks 98 76ers 102

Best Bet: NYK +6
Confidence: 1 Unit

Portland Trailblazers @ Indiana Pacers (IND -9.5, 218.5) 8:10 PM

The Over is 6-1 in the Trailblazer’s last 7 road games while the Over is 6-3 in the Pacer’s last 9 home games. The Trailblazers rank in the top 9 in scoring offense and bottom 6 in scoring defense. The Over is 9-2 when the Pacers play a bottom 6 defense and 7-5 when they play a top 9 offense. The Trailblazers have allowed 118.8 ppg over their last 9 games. The over exceeded the total by 47.5 points the last time these two played as the Trailblazers beat the Pacers 139-129. I like the over.

Final Score Prediction: Trailblazers 109 Pacers 121

Best Bet: Over 218.5
Confidence: 3.5 Units

Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC -6.5, 222) 8:10 PM

The Kings have been playing great basketball lately, going 9-4 SU and ATS in their last 13 games. They have won 4 of their last 6 games outright as a road underdog. The Thunder have been playing well too, but for longer, going 23-8 SU and 22-9 ATS in their last 31 games. Here’s a weird stat: the Kings have scored between 111 and 113 point in 6 of their last 9 games and have scored 115.4 ppg over their last 12 games. The Thunder have scored 123 points or more in 3 of their last 4 games while the Kings have allowed 123 points or more in 3 of their last 5 games. I’m torn on this one because the Kings have not scored more than 100 in either contest against the Thunder this season, but both teams are playing at a higher pace lately.

Final Score Prediction: Kings 107 Thunder 118

Best Bet: Over 222
Confidence: 2 Units

Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors (LAL -10, 222) 10:40 PM

Let’s narrow these teams down to just 2020. Since the new year, the Lakers are 18-5 SU and 12-11 ATS with 11 wins by double digits. The Warriors, who do not have Steph Curry back, are 3-20 SU and 10-13 ATS and have lost 13 games by double digits. They are currently on a 7 game losing streak in which they have lost by an average of 18 ppg. Sure they covered a 14 point spread only losing by 5 against the Lakers 3 weeks ago today, but that’s not happening again.  In the first meeting, the Lakers blew the Warriors out by 26. That sounds more plausible.

Final Score Prediction: Lakers 122 Warriors 106

Best Bet: LAL -10
Confidence: 3 Units