Orlando Magic @ Portland Trail Blazers: Portland -7 – 10/11
Portland will want to get back on the rails after a recent spin away from the Pacific northwest saw them ship heavier losses than the pound when Brexit finally hits.
There’s no embarrassment in losing to the Buck and Warriors, but margins of 43 and 28 are a blot on the record of a team that has been among the toughest to score on in the league.
The Magic should give them a chance to put things right. They’ve put up some strong showings earlyand are 8-2 aainst the spread in their last ten games, which isn’t too shabby given the preseason expectations around their confusing roster.
However, this is their fourth game in six on the road. The fatigue of travel and games in quick succession will have them more knackered than Harry Redknapp after a night of mosquito bites.
The Blazers’ll be burning for a win, and should be able to cover -7.
Nov 12, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles as Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) looks on during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards @ New Orleans Pelicans: Home Team Over 123.5 – 5/6
The Wizards are so close to tearing everything up you can almost hear the shredding machines whirring into action. They had a desperate start, and have picked up some good wins recently, but the team is looking tenser than Luke Shaw when Jose peers over his shoulder at breakfast, and it’s bound to blow up sooner or later.
They never delivered on all their blabbing about being as good as the Cavs when LeBron was still in the East, and now he’s gone they’re bottling their best shot at a Finals run in years. It’ll soon be time to start again.
New Orleans wouldn’t be the worst landing spot for some of their players. They expect to challenge in the much tougher Western Conference, but their prospects are tied to Anthony Davis’ health.
The monobrowed one has had some cause to furrow the caterpillar in his forehead due to injuries this year, and his team’s form has fluctuated with them.
He’s currently nursing a hip injury, but is working his way back to peak performance, and should be relishing the prospect of taking on one of the league’s worst defensive teams. The line for the Pelicans points to is set at 123.5, which is high, but they should be be able to do it.
Nov 19, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts after a technical foul is called on guard Avery Bradley (11) (not shown) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns @ LA Clippers: Over 228 Total Points – 10/11
Phoenix maybe planning to rise from the flames of this current bonfire, but there’s still some burning to be done before that happens.
They’re 4-16, with one of the worst defence in the league and have cleared out their roster for the rebuild to come. Devin Booker is a bright spot, but he’s about the only thing Suns fans have to look forward to to as their team takes loss after loss this season.
Unless they’re betting on them, in which case they’ll have seen a few unexpected covers. They could pull another one tonight against the Clippers with the line at 12.
LA don’t really have a clear superstar with Blake Griffin gone, but their team, pulled together from bits and pieces from across the league, has somehow clambered to the top of the Western Conference.
You can’t expect it to last, but, like those brief moments when Spurs look like they might actually win something, it should be enjoyed while it lasts.
If Phoenix hadn’t played last night – a loss to Indiana – the 12 point handicap would’ve been a great bet. Instead, we’ll take the over on the total points at 228 because both teams can score and neither are great defensively.
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*All odds correct at time of posting