It’s a busy night in the NBA with 18 teams in action across the Association, headlined by some excellent defensive matchups as the Pacers host the Nuggets, and the Raptors host the Heat. **video
Monique Vág is here to bring you the must-read betting notes from around the Association to help you make the best wagers.
TAKING A STAND
The Cleveland Cavaliers are slight 1.5-point favorites as they host the slumping Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte has lost six straight overall and have struggled playing in Cleveland, losing nine of their last 10 games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Offensively, the Hornets average the lowest points per game away from home putting up just 100.2 per contest, while surrendering 110.4 at the same time. We are giving the Cavs the edge at home as their offense recently put up 114 versus Memphis, 121 versus Atlanta, and 117 versus Boston. Take the Cavs on the moneyline.
FEASTING ON THIS FOE
The Denver Nuggets are 1.5-point underdogs as they travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers, who have been excellent at home this season, posting a 15-3 (11-6 ATS) record there. But the home will have their hands full in this one as Nikola Jokic loves playing the Pacers.
Jokic averages the highest points per game in his career splits versus the Pacers at 23 points, 9.0 boards, and 5.4 dimes per game through seven total games played. He is also averaging just shy of 57 percent shooting from the floor and 46 percent from beyond the arc in those contests. Expect big numbers once again versus a Pacers squad giving up an average of 23.5 points and 16.4 boards to opposing centers. Bet Over Jokic's points, rebounds, assists total of 35.5.
POINTS AT A PREMIUM
The Miami Heat are 5.5-point favorites as they host the Toronto Raptors, who remain shorthanded. Marc Gasol, Norman Powell and Pascal Siakam are all still out with various ailments. With absences offensively, the Raptors have stepped up their defensive game allowing the second fewest points in the Association over their last three games at 97.3.
The Heat have also played great defense all season long allowing 105.8 points per game on their home court on 44 percent shooting from the floor. With Toronto still missing key offensive weapons, and the Heat winning 15 of their first 16 home games this season (11-4-1 ATS), look for a defensive matchup to ensue and bet Under the game total of 214.5.
QUICK STARTS AT HOME
The Brooklyn Nets are 8-point underdogs as they travel to Dallas to take on a Mavericks team who will be without Tim Hardaway Jr., and have Kristaps Porzingis listed as questionable.
The Mavs have gotten out to quick starts all season long and rank third in first quarter points per game. Meanwhile, the Nets rank in the middle of the pack in first quarter scoring but have seen their offense struggling as of late averaging only 21.3 first quarter points per game over their last three games. Take Dallas on the first quarter spread laying 3-points.
PUTTING UP BRICKS
The Memphis Grizzlies travel to Sacramento to take on a Kings team who have struggled at home winning only six of their first 15 games at home this season (5-10 ATS), and have lost eight straight games overall.
The Grizzlies have struggled to put up points in the first half of games away from home averaging 52 on the road, and 48 first half points per game over their most recent three. The Kings have the lowest scoring first half offense at home averaging only 50.3 points. Look for a low score at halftime, and take Under the first half game total of 109.5.
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