Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers (-11, 187.5)
The Cavaliers have pulled themselves out of their early-season slump to win their last three games heading into Thursday’s showdown with the Chicago Bulls. And just like any smart team breaking out of a skid, Cleveland has done so with defense.
The Cavs limited one of the NBA most explosive offenses to 90 points in a win over the Washington Wizards Tuesday, snatching up eight steals and forcing 14 turnovers. In the past three contests, Cleveland is allowing an average of just over 83 points.
"We just played with a sense of urgency,” LeBron James told the media. “Early on we couldn't make any shots, but our defense kept us in the game. When we start knocking down shots, it just brings a lot of energy to our defense and we just lock down on that end."
That defensive intensity has led to three straight under payouts for total bettors. The Cavaliers now have a 1-4 over/under mark on the year and take on a Bulls squad that is struggling to find offense, leading to three under finishes in their four game so far.
Pick: Under
San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz (+2, 201.5)
The Spurs may be getting on in age but they’re still one of the teams to beat in the West. Just ask the Utah Jazz, who were 0-3 versus the Spurs last season, failing to cover as underdogs in all three matchups.
San Antonio, known more for its tough defense than offensive firepower, scored an average of 110 points against the Jazz last year. This time around, the Spurs have some new weapons in small forward Richard Jefferson and rookie big DeJuan Blair.
Utah is already having defensive issues, giving up more than 105 points per game to start the schedule. The Jazz crumbled in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday, giving up 44 points in the final frame – 29 of them to Dirk Nowitzki.
San Antonio is coming off a big offensive night against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 113 points for the second time in three games on 58 percent shooting from the field.
Pick: San Antonio