Eight games tip off across the Association today headlined by LeBron’s Lakers traveling to the desert to take on a surprising Suns squad. Oddsmakers have made Los Angeles just a slight 2.5-point road favorite against a Phoenix team that is 5-1 ATS at home. **video
Monique Vág brings you the best betting notes, props and predictions from around the NBA to help you win your wagers on the hardcourt.
BIG TROUBLE
The Philadelphia 76ers host the Cleveland Cavaliers as 10-point home favorites and Sixers star center Joel Embiid has a chance to dominate this game. The Cavs are allowing the seventh most points in the paint per game in the NBA at 50.7. Meanwhile, the 76ers have been ultra-efficient in the paint averaging 58.7 per game on their home court this season.
With Al Horford out, expect Embiid to capitalize off the vulnerable Cavs defense inside. He should have a big night filling the stat line, and in turn, so should the Sixers. Bet Over Philadelphia's team total of 114.5.
HOME COOKING
The Indiana Pacers have done well on their home court this season, winning four of their first five games there and now host an Oklahoma City Thunder team as 2-point home favorites. While the Thunder have lost six straight road games dating back to last season, including 0-3 this year.
Although they are not scoring a lot of points per game, the Pacers are one of the most efficient teams in the Association in terms of shooting percentage at 47.1 percent from the floor. Look for Indiana to take advantage of a weak Thunder road defense that is allowing 112.3 points per game away from home, and 116.7 over their most recent three overall. Bet Indiana on the moneyline.
STARTING QUICK
The Utah Jazz play on the tail end of a back-to-back when they host the Brooklyn Nets as 7-point favorites, after defeating the Golden State Warriors 122-108 on the road last night. The Jazz have been the best team in the Association when it comes to limiting opponents in the first half allowing a very low 45.5 a game, but they could have their hands full with Kyrie Irving and the Nets who have been flying out of the gates.
The Nets have shot the ball well early in games and come in scoring the fifth highest first half points per game at 58.4. With Utah coming off some difficult games versus the Clippers twice, the 76ers, and the Bucks, on top of playing on a back-to-back, expect Brooklyn to take advantage of potential fatigue and take the 3.5-points they’re getting on the first half spread.
A BOOST AT THE POINT
The Phoenix Suns are 2.5-point underdogs at home as the Los Angeles Lakers come into town tonight. Los Angeles comes in hot, having won seven of their last eight games overall and should get a boost to their backcourt as although he listed as questionable, point guard Rajon Rondo is expected to make his season debut for the Lakers.
The Lakers are averaging 110.5 points on the road thus far on 47.5 percent shooting. Although Phoenix has been great at home this season, the edge goes to the Lakers defense who are holding opponents to a very low 36 field goals made per game, second in the NBA only to the Jazz. Take the Lakers on the moneyline.
OH, FOR FOX SAKES
The Sacramento Kings will be without point guard De'Aaron Fox for an extended period of time with an ankle injury and were already missing Marvin Bagley III. Tonight, they host a Portland Trail Blazers team once again without Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, but should have Rodney Hood back in the lineup.
The Kings have struggled versus Western Conference opponents posting a 1-8 SU record over their most recent nine games against conference foes and losing a player like Fox is a huge blow. He has logged six straight games with 30 or more minutes as was shooting the ball very well. It may take some time to adjust to his absence. Take the Blazers on the moneyline.
21+. NJ only. Odds may vary. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
