Happy Monday, and welcome back to the regular week. Some are upset about that, and some are thankful to be away from family, in-laws, and leftovers. Either way, we can all be thankful for NBA games today. There are five NBA matches today and they are; Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers at Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans at Utah Jazz, and Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers. 

The only nationally televised game is the Lakers at 76ers, 7:00 PM ET on NBATV. This is the game of the night, and appropriately the televised game with two great centers, and of course the King himself, Lebron James. Speaking of, there is a proposition bet that will be Fantasy Alarm’s best bet of the night. There is also a Western Conference battle with an interesting spread to take advantage of. Last and possibly least, the worst of the Eastern Conference collide…but someone has to win.

 

Bet of the Day

LeBron James Under 7.5 Rebounds (-115 at DraftKings)

The King, Lebron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers continue their Eastern Conference road tour, bringing back haunting nightmares from decades past. The Los Angeles Lakers are on their second road game and up against the 11-5 Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis are elite centers and excellent rebounders. In addition the Philadelphia 76ers have Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and Nicholas Batum who are capable of grabbing several rebounds, and playing excellent defense. 

LeBron James has only recorded eight or more rebounds in one of his last five games. That game was against the Dallas Mavericks who give out rebounds to opposing teams like an upset parking meter officer on a busy downtown day. Lebron James is playing with a calf contusion (and has been for several games), and it appears to be limiting his rebounding. A. Davis and J. Embiid should be battling for several boards limiting LBJ’s opportunities. When it comes to betting on unders, we are not above it.

Straight Bets of the Night

New Orleans Pelicans -5 (-110 at DraftKings)

The New Orleans Pelicans continue their tour across the western United States, and are playing the Utah Jazz for their second straight game. The previous game was on the second of back-to-back games, but they have rested and are expected to play their starters minus CJ McCollum who is still recovering from a collapsed lung. 

The Utah Jazz have Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen listed as questionable for tonight’s game, but both could play. The Pelicans lost by five in their previous matchup but without their best lineup. The spread is set with a hook on several other sportsbooks, but DraftKings has it set at 5 without alternating the odds. The Pelicans are the more well-rounded team and if Jordan Hawkins gets hot, the Pelicans will breeze past this line. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have point lines set at 25.5 and Jose Alvarado has been a major lift since returning. A line that can be covered particularly with how this group starts games.

Detroit Pistons Money Line (-145 at BetMGM 0.5 Unit)

It is the highly uncommon money line on the 2-14 team. It is not every day you will get this opportunity, and even when it is a full unit is not advised because they have only won two games. The Detroit Pistons are at home against the 2-14 Washington Wizards, and the money line seems like a good opportunity. The Wizards do not even look interested in being on the court at times. 

The Detroit Pistons do rebound better and have better coaching. As long as they can stay disciplined with their shot selection, and play better-than-average defense they should be able to win this game. Jordan Poole is questionable for the Wizards, and despite his lack of effort at times, he is their best player. It would be a blow if he was out or restricted. The Pistons have all of their starting rotation in, and Jalen Duren could be set for a big game. 

Remember to check out Fantasy Alarm for all your NBA fantasy needs. Basketball stats, rankings, DFS picks, tools to help your lineups, and of course the NBA DFS show with Jon and James.

Thank you for reading.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

 

*All Bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise