The NBA is only two weeks prior to a major day on their schedule. That is Christmas, when there are nationally televised games throughout the entire day. Here are the tips of three games this week.
Atlanta Hawks @ Memphis Grizzlies–Monday–8pm ET
The inner-turmoil between Atlanta head coach Nate McMillan and star point guard Trae Young was documented on our site earlier this month. Since then, the Hawks have gone 1-2. Their win came on Sunday, when they beat the Chicago Bulls 123-122 in overtime. The fact they have to play again on Monday, while the Grizzlies last played Friday (a 114-103 win over the Detroit Pistons), should give them the advantage.
Our Pick
We definitely like the well-rested team here in the Grizzlies (17-9), who are 10 point favourites. Consider taking the over of 227.5 points as the Hawks (14-13) have been in games of over 227 points in three of their last four contests.
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New Orleans Pelicans @ Utah Jazz–Tuesday/Thursday–9pm ET
The Utah Jazz have historically been tough at home, but the franchise had low expectations to begin the year. The fact they are 15-14 after 29 games is a huge surprise. Still, they are going to be in tough Tuesday and Thursday at home against the Pelicans.
Our Pick
As long as the Pelicans continue to win (18-8), it is not worth taking anyone else. New Orleans are winners of seven straight games after they beat the Phoenix Suns 128-117 on Friday, and then 129-124 in overtime on Sunday. The Pelicans are the -1.5 point favourite with the line at 233.5. In terms of the line, at first glance this seems rather high. The Jazz have been in involved in games under 234 points in three of last four games.
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Sacramento Kings @ Toronto Raptors–Wednesday–7:30 pm ET
Yes, I know the Raptors lost two games on the weekend to the dreadful Orlando Magic, but this team is much better at home (10-3) compared to the road (3-11). Sacramento (14-11) may have the better record than Toronto (13-14), but the Kings are on the second game of a back-to-back after they are in Philadelphia the night before.
Our Pick
We like the Raptors here. Toronto is still a respectable squad and are playing opponents much tougher when they see them at the Scotiabank Arena. We also don’t like picking teams much when they play the second game in two days. We like the Raptors to cover the 5.5 point spread, with the total number of points under 227.5.
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