In our best games to bet on this week, the Wizards look to hang a fourth straight loss on the Heat, who return to South Beach eager to get back in the win column. Meanwhile, the Raptors and Nets engage in a must-watch encounter between two of the East’s hottest teams.
Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat (7:30 PM EST)
Line: Washington Wizards (+6.5) at Miami Heat (-6.5); total 204.0
[sc:NBA240banner ]Betting on the Washington Wizards
Having their winning streak snapped last week by Memphis barely cooled off the surging Wizards. as they picked up wins against two of the league’s worst teams in Utah and Milwaukee following the loss. Washington is 8-1 SU in its last nine games.
Trevor Ariza has been playing out of his mind in March. He is averaging 25.0 PPG on 61% shooting from the floor, and has dropped 23 treys over the course of five games. With Ariza running hot, the Wizards have scored at least 100 points in each of their last six games. The total has hit the OVER in five of the Wizards’ last six games.
Betting on the Miami Heat
After compiling eight straight wins, Miami lost to Houston, San Antonio, and Chicago during their three-game road trip. A return to South Beach could be just what the doctor ordered for the Heat, who have won nine of their last 10 at home.
Miami’s slide has coincided with LeBron James’ recent struggles on offense. After posting a monstrous 61-point performance against the Bobcats, James failed to score more than 22 points in two of the following three games. He scored just 19 against the Spurs and 17 versus the Bulls. With James’ usual scoring output missing, Miami games have hit the under in the last two games.
Prediction
Washington has been feasting on sub-.500 teams during their blistering stretch, and are in for a rude awakening against a Miami team that is desperate to right the ship. The Heat will win and cover on the backs of their defense and a huge bounce-back game from James.
Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets (7:30 PM EST)
Line: Toronto Raptors (+2) at Brooklyn Nets (-2); total 196.0
Betting on the Toronto Raptors
Experts expected the Atlantic Division to come down to Brooklyn New York, but Toronto has muscled out the Knicks and have been first in the Atlantic for weeks, supported by a 5-1 SU run in their last six games.
All-star snub Kyle Lowry proved why he’s among the league’s best guards with a triple-double effort (20 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists) in Toronto’s 111-104 win at Minnesota on Sunday night. Aside from notching their third win in a row, the Raptors have also done enough to go 3-0 ATS over that stretch.
Betting on the Brooklyn Nets
After suffering an upset road loss at Boston, the Nets vented their frustrations on Sacramento for a 104-89 win as seven-point favorites. With the win, Brooklyn improved to 5-1 SU and ATS in its last six games.
Paul Pierce (shoulder) and Andrei Kirilenko (ankle) were hurt during the Kings game. The two veterans are considered day-to-day against Toronto. With Pierce forced to sit out most of the game, Marcus Thornton picked up the scoring slack and dropped 27 points. He has now scored 20 or more points in three of the Nets’ last five games.
Prediction
This game brings together two of the Eastern Conference’s best defensive teams. Toronto hasn’t allowed more than 93 points in two of their last three road games, while the Nets’ opponents were limited to no more than 94 points in each of Brooklyn’s last four games. With that in mind, an over of 196.0 is high: get under it.
