It’s an action-packed day across the Association with 24 teams taking the court, headlined by a rematch of the West Conference Finals as the Warriors host the Rockets. We're here to bring you the must-read notes from around the NBA to help you make the best wagers. **video
Lots of points to go around
The Lakers travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans in a matchup with one of the highest totals of the night sitting at 234 points. Defensively both teams have given up an average of 122 points over their most recent three games.
Look for the Lakers' Kyle Kuzma to take advantage of a favorable matchup today versus a Pelicans team surrendering 23.5 points on 47.7 percent shooting to opposing power forwards. Take Over his point total of 19.5 in a game that projects to see a lot of scoring.
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Lack of efficiency
The Hornets have done well at home posting a 20-9 record in Buzz City. Today, they host the Nets who have lost three of their most recent five contests, and 10 of their last 13 in the head-to-head matchups versus Charlotte.
Both teams have shot very poorly the last three times they have faced off, with the Nets posting a field goal percentage of 43, and the Hornets shooting just above 41 percent from the floor. With Charlotte failing to eclipse the century mark in three of their past five games, look for similar results today and back Under the game total of 228.
Locking it down
The Pistons have taken care of business versus the bad teams, winning five of their most recent six games, whereas the Heat have struggled versus some of the league's elite (including losses to Philadelphia, Golden State and Denver) losing four of the most recent five contests. Today, the two Eastern Conference foes meet in a pivotal battle, with Detroit holding onto the final playoff spot, one game ahead of Miami.
Detroit ranks as one of the Association's top teams at defending the opposing small forward position holding them to a league's best 17.3 points on 43 percent shooting. Look for them to keep Miami's Josh Richardson in check and back Under his points, rebounds, assists total of 24.5.
Lighting up the scoreboard
The Kings travel to Oklahoma City, a place they have historically struggled, having won only two of the most recent 19 trips there. Despite their struggles to find the win column in OKC, they have covered the spread in six of the most recent seven at Chesapeake Energy Center.
Over their most recent three meetings the half time score has been 63-61 in favor of Sacramento, despite the Thunder putting up 71 points the last time these two met. Look for fireworks early on once again, as both the Thunder and Kings are coming off games where they each put up at least 64 first half points. Back the first half game total Over 122.
Getting help from the long ball
James Harden hopes to extend his 30-point scoring streak to 33 games today as they Rockets travel to Golden State to take on the Warriors who have are 23-7 at home and have won eight of their last 10 contests.
Both teams rank in the top 10 in first half points per game with Golden State sitting atop the Association averaging 60.4 on the season. Over their last three games, the Rockets have averaged 60 first half points per game.
With Houston ranked first in 3-point shots made per game with 15.5, and Golden State fourth at 13, look for lots of perimeter shooting and points accumulating quickly. Back the first half game total Over 120.
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