NBA: Timberwolves (-4) Vs Nuggets $
Nikola Jokic is listed as questionable for this matchup with a toe injury. Nikola’s presence and effectiveness will likely determine the result of this game. Jokic may be the most valuable player in the league to his team. His numbers are absolutely dominant and he will get serious consideration for another league MVP.
Beyond the obvious, I am not a big fan of the Nuggets. I do not feel this team has the depth to be considered a serious contender. Had they been able to stay healthy, that may have been another story. But fate was not kind to Denver losing major pieces of their puzzle in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter.
I have been backing the Wolves lately and I see as a team on the rise. They should have a much bigger upside than the Nuggets so I am willing to back them as small home favorites tonight.
NBA: Spurs (+2) Vs Warriors $
The records of both these teams do not accurately reflect their team’s quality.
At 19-32, the Spurs have lost a disproportionate number of close ball games. This really should be a (.500) team battling for playoff contention. Is there a reason the Spurs cannot finish games or is it just random variance? It is difficult to say for sure. Perhaps they lack a clutch shooter or blame can be found in the coaching staff. Or maybe they have just been unlucky.
The Warriors are an excellent team, but their 38-13 record perhaps overstates their value. They have been winning primarily on the strength of their great team defense which is still ranked number one in the NBA. That rating is in danger of sliding at a notch or two as the team continues to play without their captain Draymond Green. Klay Thompson has made his way back into the lineup but has not yet found his groove and will be resting tonight.
I still have faith in the Spurs and in particular, Dejounte Murray who has been leading this team. A real argument can be made for the Spurs being the favorite in this matchup considering the current injuries. I feel there is still value on the home side.
I am still red hot for the NBA season at 50-34 (59.5%) and my premium plays are 10-3 (77%).
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Legend $$ – two unit bet $ – one unit bet
NBA odds provided by Odds Shark. Posted lines are listed as of writing time.
