The law of averages got us last night, but that is betting. As always, yesterday's outcome has zero impact on today’s games, and the bets that follow. There are six NBA games today beginning at 3:30 PM ET, with zero nationally televised games. There are some great prop bets today, although they have withheld some player props due to back-to-back games and injury designations. There is also the rare three game parlay, which usually qualifies for a profit boost on most sportsbooks. It is the last day of the first half of the season, and we are in the second third of the season, and effort will be maximized as some players attempt to get into the All-Star game. Oddly enough the day starts with a match in Los Angeles between the Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Clippers, with a 3:30 PM ET tip off. The night also ends at the exact same Arena as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Portland Trail Blazers at 10:00 PM ET. The bet of the night is located on the east coast though, Capital One Arena more specifically.

 

PROP BET OF THE NIGHT

NIKOLA JOKIC OVER 11.5 REBOUNDS (-140 BetMGM - 2 UNITS)

The Denver Nuggets are coming off of a hard won victory at TD Garden, the first visiting team to win there this season. They are now up against one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Wizards. The Wizards are a terrible rebounding team and have been all season. The Wizards starting center, Daniel Gafford, is listed as day-to-day with a concussion, but it is doubtful he will play. This means more minutes for recently acquired Marvin Bagley, not that it will matter much in the scope of one-on-one play. Nikola Jokic is one of the best rebounders in the Association, and in five years of watching N. Jokic, he does not take plays off, or take an opposing center as an easy opponent. He earns a near triple double average with maximum effort while on the hardwood regardless of the opponent. He is averaging 11.9 rebounds per game, has covered this line in his last three games, and is playing the worst rebounding team in the league. Put two units on to return 1.4 units back.

ADDITIONAL PROP BET FOR SUNDAY

PAOLO BANCHERO OVER 4.5 ASSISTS (+110 DraftKings Sportsbook)

The second year player is having an All-Star level season. He is averaging 22.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. All outstanding marks for a second year forward. The Magic are playing at home and hosting the Miami Heat. It is a divisional battle with familiar faces, as Paolo Banchero earned six assists against the Heat on the twelfth of this month. He has covered this assist line in three of his last five games, and could do it again against the Heat who play tough defense. However, they also allow seventh most assists to opposing forwards. This data indicates that he should easily go over this line, which is set at positive odds. Even if the odds move it’s worth a wager, as P. Banchero has played over thirty-two minutes in every game this month, and has seven games logged with over thirty-five minutes. The opportunity will be there, he just needs his teammates to make the shots when given the ball.

SUNDAY PARLAY

MONEYLINE LA CLIPPERS AND DENVER NUGGETS. 1ST HALF MONEYLINE LA LAKERS (-143 DraftKings Sportsbook)

With a special day of the NBA beginning and ending at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, why not put on a parlay to celebrate? All three teams are heavy favorites to win their games, and there is little to no stand alone value on these bets (the Nuggets are at -1000 on some sportsbooks). However combined they yield a decent return and give something to root for from the earliest game to the latest game, and keep in mind you can cash out after games if you prefer. The LA Clippers are hosting the Brooklyn Nets, who are on their last road game before heading back east. The Denver Nuggets are playing the Washington Wizards who at times do not look like they even want to be on the court. This should be an easy victory, but Denver did play a tough battle and could get off to a slow start. The Lakers first half numbers are drastically better than their second half. They start well but do not have the bench to help keep the separation earned in the first half by the starters. Trusting the first half moneyline feels safer even though the Portland Trail Blazers are playing terrible basketball. This line was made on Draftkings but several sportsbooks offer a profit boost on three leg NBA parlays, and if you have an offer it would be wise to utilize it.

 

Thank you for reading and remember to check out Fantasy Alarm for all your fantasy and betting needs.

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

All Bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise