By: Monique Vág
Expect a high-scoring affair
Both the Wizards and Warriors rank in the top-10 in points per game with Golden State averaging 118.7 with that number even higher at 129.7 over their last three, while the Wizards averaging 117.8 at home.
Defensively both teams have struggled with Washington surrendering an average of 115.8 points per game, and Golden State 111.9. The Over has hit in five of the Warrior's last six road games, and five of the last seven when playing at Capital One Arena. With both teams able to put up points, but surrendering a lot of points as well, back the game total Over 234.5.
Bitten by the injury bug
The Pelicans are huge underdogs as they travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder who have won three straight games. The Pelicans will be without Anthony Davis for another week or two, and have Nikola Mirotic ruled out today after leaving last game with an injury. It is possible the Pelicans will also be without E'Twaun Moore for possible rest.
With so many injuries affecting the Pelicans, look for Julius Randle to continue to thrive in the starting role with extended minutes and back Over his points, rebounds, assists total Over 36.5.
Dominating inside
The Blazers have won eight straight games versus the Suns and nine of the last 10 overall in the head-to-head. Phoenix comes in losing eight of their last 10 games and have struggled to get key defensive stops giving up an average of 123 points a game.
With Damian Lillard questionable for the matchup with a hand injury, and the Suns’ DeAndre Ayton ruled out, look for Jusuf Nurkic to once again thrive in a favorable spot versus the Suns. Phoenix surrenders an average of 26.1 points on 54.6 percent shooting and 16.6 rebounds per game to opposing centers. Take Over Nurkic’s points, rebounds, assists total.
Clicking offensively
The Lakers host the Timberwolves without LeBron James, and Lonzo Ball, but may have Rajon Rondo back as he is listed as questionable. Minnesota will be without Jeff Teague, Robert Covington and Tyus Jones.
Despite the Lakers losing their last two games, they have averaged the second most points per game over their last three with 127.7. Look for the Lakers to continue to shoot the ball well versus a Timberwolves team giving up an average of 115.2 points per game on the road. Take the Over on the Lakers’ team total of 113.5.
Kuzma stepping up
The Lakers' Kyle Kuzma has been very efficient shooting the ball recently putting up 32 points on the road at Houston and Oklahoma City in back-to-back games. He is averaging 33.1 minutes a game and should be able to flourish versus a Timberwolves team surrendering 23.2 points on 48.1 percent shooting and 10.6 rebounds per game to opposing power forwards.
Look for Kuzma to continue to carry the Lakers and log good minutes in today’s contest. Back Over his points total of 22.5.
Expect a high-scoring affair
Both the Wizards and Warriors rank in the top-10 in points per game with Golden State averaging 118.7 with that number even higher at 129.7 over their last three, while the Wizards averaging 117.8 at home.
Defensively both teams have struggled with Washington surrendering an average of 115.8 points per game, and Golden State 111.9. The Over has hit in five of the Warrior's last six road games, and five of the last seven when playing at Capital One Arena. With both teams able to put up points, but surrendering a lot of points as well, back the game total Over 234.5.
Bitten by the injury bug
The Pelicans are huge underdogs as they travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder who have won three straight games. The Pelicans will be without Anthony Davis for another week or two, and have Nikola Mirotic ruled out today after leaving last game with an injury. It is possible the Pelicans will also be without E'Twaun Moore for possible rest.
With so many injuries affecting the Pelicans, look for Julius Randle to continue to thrive in the starting role with extended minutes and back Over his points, rebounds, assists total Over 36.5.
Dominating inside
The Blazers have won eight straight games versus the Suns and nine of the last 10 overall in the head-to-head. Phoenix comes in losing eight of their last 10 games and have struggled to get key defensive stops giving up an average of 123 points a game.
With Damian Lillard questionable for the matchup with a hand injury, and the Suns’ DeAndre Ayton ruled out, look for Jusuf Nurkic to once again thrive in a favorable spot versus the Suns. Phoenix surrenders an average of 26.1 points on 54.6 percent shooting and 16.6 rebounds per game to opposing centers. Take Over Nurkic’s points, rebounds, assists total.
Clicking offensively
The Lakers host the Timberwolves without LeBron James, and Lonzo Ball, but may have Rajon Rondo back as he is listed as questionable. Minnesota will be without Jeff Teague, Robert Covington and Tyus Jones.
Despite the Lakers losing their last two games, they have averaged the second most points per game over their last three with 127.7. Look for the Lakers to continue to shoot the ball well versus a Timberwolves team giving up an average of 115.2 points per game on the road. Take the Over on the Lakers’ team total of 113.5.
Kuzma stepping up
The Lakers' Kyle Kuzma has been very efficient shooting the ball recently putting up 32 points on the road at Houston and Oklahoma City in back-to-back games. He is averaging 33.1 minutes a game and should be able to flourish versus a Timberwolves team surrendering 23.2 points on 48.1 percent shooting and 10.6 rebounds per game to opposing power forwards.
Look for Kuzma to continue to carry the Lakers and log good minutes in today’s contest. Back Over his points total of 22.5.
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