This is the first day after the NBA trade deadline. Here are three teams we like this evening.
Phoenix Suns @ Indiana Pacers–7 PM ET
The Pacers (25-31) host a Suns squad (30-27) that now has Kevin Durant of Washington, DC on the roster. If Durant is able to gel alongside Chris Paul and Devin Booker, then Phoenix is a legitimate contender to represent the Western Conference in the 2023 NBA Finals for the second time in three years.
My Take:
Even though Durant is on the Suns’s roster now, he will not play Friday in Indiana, a game where the Pacers are 2.5 point favourites. The Suns will have Booker back, who has been dealing with a groin problem. In Booker’s return on Tuesday, ironically a 116-112 win over the Nets (the team Phoenix got Durant from), he had 19 points. Booker’s presence will be the difference. Take Phoenix. Take the over at 230.5 as the Suns defense could struggle a bit without Durant.
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Utah Jazz @ Toronto Raptors–7:30 PM ET
The Raptors (26-30) host a Jazz squad (25-29) that now has Russell Westbrook on the roster. However like Durant this evening, Westbrook will not be in the lineup for Utah.
My Take:
The Jazz minus Westbrook gives the advantage to Toronto. I like the Raptors here at -7.5. New Raptor center Jakob Poeltl is expected to play, which means the Raptors defense should improve. That is why you take the under at 230.5.
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Milwaukee Bucks @ Los Angeles Clippers–10:30 PM ET
The Bucks are winners of nine straight and have a record of 38-17. They are one game back of the Celtics for first in the East. The Clippers are fifth in the West at 31 wins and 27 losses.
My Take:
The Clippers were very busy at the deadline. They acquired Bones Hyland from the Denver Nuggets, Mason Plumlee from the Charlotte Hornets, and Eric Gordon from the Houston Rockets. It will take sometime for these players to get on the same page with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. That is why you take the Bucks tonight at +2.5. Take the under at 226.5. The Clippers have been under 226.5 points in four of their last six games.
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