Locks
NBA (0.5 Unit) LA Clippers/Indiana Pacers Over 244.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 6:00 PM CT on Bally Sports IN
I was very surprised to see the Indiana Pacers associated with an opening total of just 239 points, even with speculation about Tyrese Haliburton’s status tonight. But the big upwards adjustment signals that the total was far too low in the first place, and we’ll probably see Haliburton tonight after he missed Saturday’s game.
You also have to factor in how the Clippers have been playing lately. The past 3 weeks have seen their collection of superstars finally start to click, especially offensively as they’re averaging 122.4 PPG the past 9 games. LA is still the league’s second-best under team, but that’s in the process of reverting back to the mean. Games against the league’s most dynamic scoring team that plays no defense will certainly help, and I see another 240’s total getting cleared as has usually been the case this year.
NBA (0.5 Unit) Brooklyn Nets/Utah Jazz Over 233.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 8:00 PM CT on YES
The Nets have had a pretty unsuccessful road trip out west except for a shocking win in Phoenix, so they’ll want to close it out here by taking advantage of a vulnerable Jazz defense. Utah is just 25th in defensive efficiency this season, and have had real trouble stopping any decent offenses. Brooklyn certainly has that potential as the league’s second-best shooting team from behind the arc, so look for them to keep firing away from deep here.
But the biggest reason the Nets have had a rough road trip is the defense, allowing 122.8 PPG in their 4 games out west so far. The Jazz finally got Lauri Markkanen back from injury, and his presence makes this offense completely different so they should exploit Brooklyn’s defensive struggles. Utah’s home games have been some of the better over bets on the year, and this fairly low total by current NBA standards feels a little too low.
Degenerates
No degenerates today.
Tiny Nick is 1827-1635 ATS (+80.9 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.
Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.
