Cleveland Cavaliers -8.0 vs Atlanta Hawks
While undefeated straight up so far this season, the Cavs are a dismal 2-6 versus the number, and are riding a four game losing streak ATS. Still our sim work anticipates Cleveland will bypass the Hawks by a double-digit margin this afternoon. Consistent with this expectation, we note that the Cavaliers are 7-1 against the betting line in their last eight games with the Hawks, including a 5-1 home run. Atlanta is 2-9 in their last 11 road games.
Denver Nuggets +4.0 @ Memphis Grizzles
We give the Grizz about a 1-point advantage over the Nuggets tonight, making Denver +4 compelling. The Nuggets covered in three of their last four overall, are 5-1 ATS in their last six on the road and are 6-3 versus the line. The Grizzlies are 4-9 compared to the betting line in their last bakers' dozen games played.
Portland Trail Blazers -7.0 vs Phoenix Suns
The Blazers return home tonight following a three-game road trip in which Portland collected wins and covers in the last two. The Suns will conclude a three-game away tour tonight following a Sunday night loss to the Lakers. Our work gives the Trail Blazers a 9-10 point edge tonight, given home court advantage and the potential for the Suns to exhibit some weariness on the tail end of a three game tour.
Phoenix did knock the Blazers off six days ago (from the position of 3 point underdogs), however we expect a different Portland team tonight. The earlier loss to the Suns unfolded on the road, on zero night's rest and following a 127-104 loss to the Warriors. Tonight, we anticipate a level of mental and physical acuity from Portland that was absent last Wednesday.
Portland is 5-3 ATS in the last eight head-to-head contests with Phoenix and is 3-1 all-time when favored by 7 points or more over the Suns. Phoenix is 6-19 ATS in its last 25 away games.
New Orleans +6.0 @ Sacramento Kings
The Pelicans are 5-1 against-the-spread in the last six against the Kings, and are 4-2 in their last six in Sacramento. Our work calls for New Orleans' hot streak vs. Sac to survive tonight's action. We predict a final in the realm of 101-105, Sacramento. Accordingly we like the Pelicans to cover.
Happy betting!!