Sunday features 18 NBA teams in action headlined by a Staples Center double-header as the Lakers host the Mavericks in the afternoon while the Clippers take on the Wizards in the late game. **video
Monique Vág brings you the best betting notes, props and predictions from around the league to help you win your wagers on the hardcourt.
LIGHTING IT UP IN L.A.
The Lakers are 6-point home favorites as they host the Mavericks. The Lakers have won nine of their first ten home games this season and have won ten straight overall.
Both teams have been very efficient early on in games with the Mavericks averaging the highest first-half points per game on the road with 62, and the Lakers putting up 58.1 ppg on their home court. Both teams also rank in the Top-10 in shooting percentage with the Lakers leading the NBA with a field goal percentage of 48.3.
Expect both teams to find their groove early and bet Over the first half total of 113.
PAUL WILL BALL
New Orleans surrenders 119.5 ppg and hopes to snap a four-game losing streak today. For the second game in a row the Pelicans will play against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Pelicans have been one of the worst teams at defending opposing point guards allowing an average of 27.5 points a game to that position. In what projects to be a higher scoring game, bet Chris Paul Over 15.5 points.
NOT THE SPURS OF THE PAST
The Pistons are 2.5-point favorites as they host the Spurs. San Antonio have historically played well versus the Pistons winning eight of the most recent nine in the head-to-head, but have really struggled on the road this season winning only twice in nine games. They will also be without LaMarcus Aldridge for today's contest.
With Aldridge averaging 32.8 minutes and 18.9 points a game and the Spurs already struggling, expect his absence to really hurt. Take Detroit on the moneyline.
TRYING TO STAY PERFECT
The Raptors have won all eight home contest this season, but find themselves in a difficult matchup today as the Jazz visit Toronto. The Raptors have averaged over 13 more points per game at home than on the road, putting up 119.4 ppg at Scotiabank Arena. The Jazz have averaged only 103.1 ppg away from home.
Defense has been an emphasis for both squads as they both rank in the top five in opponent points per game and shooting percentage. With Toronto playing so well at home expect a big effort and take them to cover as 2-point favorites.
CAN'T KEEP A GOOD SWINGMAN DOWN
The highest game total of the night takes place in the late game as the Clippers host the Wizards as 13-point favorites with the game total set at 238.5. The Wizards are the third-highest scoring team in the league with 118.5 ppg, but surrender the most points per game at 121.1.
In what will be a high scoring game, expect a big bounce back effort out of Paul George who is coming off his worst shooting performance of the season going 2-of-11 from the floor. Bet Over his points total of 24.5.
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