Orlando Magic +5.5 (-110) – 1-unit
The Magic are playing terrific basketball right now, really finding their stride, even with Paolo Banchero sidelined. Orlando has won 12 of its last 13 games, but admittedly has struggled as an underdog this season — 2-5 ATS. The Knicks are off a pair or wins agains weak competition, but have been pretty average throughout the season. The Magic matchup well with New York, though, presenting a good combination of size and defense. I expect Orlando to be able to slow New York’s guards, while protecting the paint. Franz Wagner is playing at an elite level, and should give the Magic the scoring and playmaking they need on offense to keep this game close. I put this one out at +5.5 last night, but would bet the Magic down to +3.5.
Houston Rockets -2 (-110) – 1.5-units
I got a bad number on Houston on Monday night, and am surprised that the market now has it priced as a short underdog. Nonetheless, I like the Rockets in this one, so play them on the moneyline at the better number if you’re yet to back them. Houston’s youthful core has grown up this season, and is finally starting to play to its potential, surrounded by solid veteran pieces. Meanwhile, the Kings seem to be going in the opposite direction. Sacramento got a good win over the Timberwolves on the night before Thanksgiving, but that’s its only win in its last seven games. The Rockets are tied for the best record against the spread in the NBA at 15-6 ATS, including 6-3 ATS on the road. Now priced as a dog, it has been an even stronger spot for them. Houston is 5-1 ATS as a dog, while the Kings are the worst home team in the NBA against the number, at 2-8-1 ATS. Look for Sacramento to continue to struggle against a Rockets squad that’s figured things out.
San Antonio Spurs +7.5 (-110) – 1-unit
The Spurs look to have made the jump that those of us who backed the over on their inflated win total were hoping they would. The Spurs have been pretty average ATS, though, and the Suns are at their best with their three studs in the lineup. That should be the case on Tuesday, so the Spurs will get Phoenix’s best shot here. That said, the Suns are laying a lot of points in this one, and are just 2-6 ATS as a home favorite. Jusuf Nurkic is also sidelined right now, which will give San Antonio even more of a size advantage. The Suns likely escape with a win here, but this is too many points to pass on taking a shot on Victor Wembanyama and company.
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All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
The contents contained in this article do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment.
