Today's NBA slate features seven games, highlighted by the Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets travelling to Toronto to take on the Eastern Conference-leading Raptors. We're here to bring you the must-read betting notes from around the Association to help you make the best wagers.
Expect a high-scoring game north of the border
The Denver Nuggets have been one of the league's best teams this year, although consistency has been an issue. They have managed to win five straight and average 110.4 points per game. Today the Nuggets take on the Toronto Raptors who have put together eight straight victories and are 10-2 at home this season.
In the head-to-head, the Over has hit in five of the last six games between these two played in Toronto. For the Raptors, the Over has hit in seven of their last eight. Look into taking Over 218.5.
Murray's offensive success
The Raptors are the top team in the Association in shooting percentage at 49.4 and have shot an unbelievable 53.6 percent over their last three contests. The Nuggets have also been efficient from the field, shooting 46.5 percent.
A lot of the Nuggets’ success is due to the performance of Jamal Murray who has scored 20 or more points in six games this season. Last year in his first meeting versus the Raptors, Murray shot eight of 10 from the floor, including three of five from beyond the arc for 24 points in just 21 minutes of playing time. Expect his success to continue today and take Over his point total of 16.5.
Playing their best ball of the year
When the Thunder and Pistons play against each other in Detroit tonight, they will both be hoping to continue their recent success. The Thunder have won seven of their last 10 games, while the Pistons have won eight of their last 10, including five straight.
Both teams have been very efficient on the defensive end over their last three contests with the Thunder surrendering only 99 points per game, and the Pistons 99.3. Throughout that stretch, the defense of both teams held opponents to under 43 percent shooting.
While both squads are capable of putting up big offensive performances, this game should come down to who gets more stops. The Under 219.5 looks like a good play.
Making an MVP bid
Over their last three contests, the Rockets have averaged 121.7 points per game. James Harden has also been unstoppable recently, scoring 30 or more points in six of his last ten games.
In the head-to-head between the Rockets and Timberwolves, the Rockets have historically been dominant winning nine of their last 10 games by a considerable margin of 116.6 to 105.4.
With the way the Rockets are playing as of late, back Houston on the road in Minnesota as 1.5-point favorites.
Favorable matchup for Harris
Tobias Harris must be salivating at tonight's matchup between his Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans have given up 23.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game to opposing small forwards. Harris has seen his career averages go up across the board in every category; averaging seven more points, three more rebounds and one more assist a game. He's scored 20 or more points in 13 games this season and has only logged less than 4 rebounds in a single contest.
Look for Harris to be a factor in what projects to be a very high scoring game and take Over his points, rebounds, assists total of 31.5.
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