Five games are taking place across the Association on Saturday night, headlined by the Boston Celtics visiting San Antonio, where the Spurs are on the board as 2-point home favorites. Monique Vág brings you the best betting notes, props and predictions from around the league to help you win your wagers on the hardcourt. **video
BUILDING OFF LAST SEASON’S SUCCESS
As mentioned, the Spurs are 2-point home favorites as they welcome the Celtics to town, but this is not a matchup the C’s have enjoyed. The Spurs are 14-1 straight up over the last 15 games in which they have faced off against the Celtics. But maybe a new member of the team can turn that around.
First-year Celtic Kemba Walker has historically put up big numbers versus the Spurs. In the first of two games against them last season he shot 13-of-27 from the floor for 33 points, and in the second meeting he went 14-of-31 for 38 points with 11 assists and nine boards.
Expect Walker to thrive in a matchup versus a Spurs team surrendering a high average of 25.6 points and 10.3 assists to opposing point guards. Bet Over his points total of 24.5.
BOOST TO THE OFFENSE
The New Orleans Pelicans have had plenty of offensive success this season, and enter tonight's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets averaging the fifth highest points per game with 117.4. Their issue has been on the defensive end, where they surrender a league high 124 points a contest.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have struggled with offensive efficiency this season averaging only 105.2 points a game and are coming off a game where they only scored 87 versus the Celtics. The Pelicans should benefit from having JJ Redick steadily back in the lineup, and Lonzo Ball probable for today's contest. Bet the Pelicans on the moneyline.
UNEXPECTED LOAD MANAGEMENT
The Dallas Mavericks travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies as 4-point road favorites. Both teams have gotten out to quick starts this season. The Mavericks are averaging the most points in the first half away from home with 63.3, and the Grizzlies have excelled on their home court averaging 59.6 in the first half.
Unfortunately for Grizzlies fans and bettors alike, star rookie Ja Morant won’t play in this game with “rest” listed as the reason why (C'mon NBA). We’re leaning towards the Mavs on the first half spread.
OWNING THIS MATCHUP
The Houston Rockets are 6.5-point road favorites as they travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls. This is the highest game total of the night at 234.
Although Lauri Markkanen has seen his field goal attempts decrease considerably over the most recent four games, he is in a very favorable matchup today versus a Houston defense surrendering the highest points per game (30.2) on 56 percent shooting, 3.1 made 3-point shots, and 12.4 boards to opposing power forwards. Bet Over Markkanen's points, rebounds, assists total of 27.5.
FINDING THE OPEN MAN
The Rockets are being burned by the extra pass, and they enter Saturday's contest giving up the most assists per game with 27. Chicago's Zach LaVine leads the team in points averaging 20.4, and is second in assists per game averaging 4.0 a contest.
Expect quite a few connections from LaVine to Markkanen inside the paint, as the Rockets have been vulnerable inside giving up an average of 50.8 per game. Bet Over LaVine's assist total of 4.
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