It’s Wednesday and we are back with a hefty NBA slate tonight, 10 games total, including 9 of the 10 statistically worst defenses over the last 3 games, so expect plenty of high-scoring action. After a positive, but slightly disappointing 3-2 effort on Friday, we’re locked in and back ready to hit a clean sweep for the second time in the last 2 weeks.
Nic Claxton over 11.5 points scored (-120)
We begin with the less-than-inspiring matchup between 2 sides with just 1 win in their last 5 between them. The Houston Rockets (18-58) travel to Brooklyn to face a Nets (40-35) team that has struggled for form with only 1 win in their last 7, but still go into tonight heavy -10.5 favorites. March has seen a revival in the form of Nic Claxton, he’s averaged 14.1 points over his last 10 games and comes up against a Rockets defense that ranks 29th in their last 3 in points allowed per game (132). Claxton also hit 18 points against Houston last time out in just 28 minutes of playing time, as well as 13 rebounds, so you wouldn’t be blamed for taking his points + rebounds total of 21.5 (-105) either. The Nets are still hanging on to the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs right now, so expect them to do everything they can to win this one tonight.
Kelly Olynyk over 7.5 rebounds (+114)
It wouldn’t be an NBA write-up if we didn’t have a Jazz center involved. The San Antonio Spurs (19-56) host the Utah Jazz (35-40) as both teams look to break their respective 4-game losing streaks, with the Jazz starting as close -6 favorites. I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve had Kelly in our picks, but he’s been rather consistent so we’ll look to continue the run. Olynyk has averaged 7.8 rebounds over his last 10 games and has had 7+ in his last 6 straight. San Antonio currently ranks 29th in total rebounds allowed per game (60.7) over their last 3, and expect the Jazz centers to capitalize. In 2 recent matchups between the teams, Olynyk had 8 & 10 rebounds respectively. As of writing this Markkanen has been officially ruled out, so expect Olynyk & Kessler to dominate around both baskets this evening.
Sandro Mamukelashvili over 5.5 rebounds (-145)
Sticking with the Spurs v Jazz matchup, the emergence of Sandro Mamukelashvili has seen him more regularly earning 20+ minutes over the last few weeks, as he and Zach Collins interchange in the starting lineup. Over the last 10 games, however, Mamu has averaged 6.7 rebounds per game and in just 23 minutes last time out, had 8 rebounds against the Jazz. Utah currently ranks 25th in total rebounds allowed per game (55.3), so whether he starts or comes off the bench, he should see plenty of action. Also in the 8 games this season he’s seen 22 minutes or more, he’s averaged 7.1 rebounds.
Keegan Murray over 12.5 points scored (-108)
We finish off with the Sacramento Kings (45-30) on the road to face the wary Portland Trailblazers (32-43) in what could be a rough night for the Portland fans, as they’re missing all 5 of their most regular starting players. With Lillard, Nurkic, Hart, Grant & Simons all missing for the Trailblazers, it’s no surprise that one of the highest-scoring offenses this season starts as -14 favorites. With a blowout more than likely, some investigation was needed and I believe I may have found something interesting. Keegan Murray has had a pretty solid rookie season so far and has become a regular starter for the Kings. Although he’s averaging 11.9 on the season so far, in the last 10 games this season where the Kings beat their opponents by 14 points or more, Murray has averaged 17.8 points per game. He also had 13+ points in 5 straight games before their last matchup against a tough Timberwolves defense, scoring just 3, so I’m expecting a bounce-back game tonight against a Blazers defense that ranks 24th in points allowed per game (122) in their last 3, and in that same span have only averaged 99.3 points scored (30th). In the previously mentioned blowout games, Murray has a tendency to play a few extra minutes than his season average (29:46), so if all goes as expected, anticipate Murray seeing plenty of time on the court and quickly surpassing his total.
I’m David, 28, originally from England but now married and living in Texas. Originally studied English Literature at Liverpool Hope University, alongside Sport & Education. Having been an avid sports fan my entire life, I had a season ticket at Everton FC in the EPL for 17 years. Since moving here I’ve become a Kansas City Chiefs fan after Kelce won me my Fantasy League on my first-ever try. Love watching the games whether it be college on Saturdays or the NFL throughout the week. You’ll always find me with a bet or two on as well. 1 leg losses are my Kryptonite.
