Get ready to kick off the week on a high note with a pair of NBA games guaranteed to satisfy your basketball and betting cravings.
Our first game features Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers (11-42) locking horns with the Paul George-led Indiana Pacers (27-24) for the final time this season. Following shortly, the Atlantic Division-leading Toronto Raptors (34-16) pay the Detroit Pistons (27-25) a visit at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
[sc:NBA250 ]Let’s now take a quick look at these two matchups. And if you’re also into college hoops, check out our complete preview of the Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers (7:00 PM ET)
Line: Los Angeles Lakers (+11.5) vs. Indiana Pacers (-11.5); total: 205.5– view all NBA lines
[sc:NBA250 ]The Kobe Bryant farewell tour continues when his Los Angeles Lakers take on the Indiana Pacers at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse tonight.
Both clubs met earlier this season at Staples Center, wherein Paul George put up a game-high 39 points along with four boards and two steals to lead the Pacers to the thrilling 107-103 win. He should be able achieve those numbers again especially since the Lakers’ defense (106.2 points allowed per game) continues to be horrible.
But of course, Bryant, who is averaging 28.2 points in his past four outings, won’t let the purple and gold go down without a fight. He might just have another offensive explosion later to help his Lakers get the upset. Against Indiana, Bryant is posting 24.9 points, 5.2 boards and 4.2 assists across 33 career games.
Los Angeles is 2-8 SU and 7-3 ATS in its previous 10 road games. Indiana, meanwhile, is 6-4 SU and ATS in its last 10 at home.
Writer’s Prediction
Lakers (+11.5) steal one on the road, 99-97, thanks to a vintage performance from Bryant.
Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons (7:30 PM ET)
Line: Toronto Raptors (-1) vs. Detroit Pistons (+1); total: 205.0– view all NBA lines
Toronto’s been playing spectacular basketball as of late, winning 13 of their previous 14 games. As a result, they are atop of the Atlantic and own the second spot in the Eastern Conference. Their dynamic one-two punch in Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan is the main reason for their on-going success. Both are averaging above 20 points per game this season and should be able to find their groove tonight against a Pistons’ squad that’s allowing 100.6 points per game.
Speaking of the Pistons, they won’t have the momentum on their side in this one. Detroit has lost four of its previous six outings and the latest one came against the Pacers, who beat them on Saturday night, 112-104. During that game, Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond combined for 36 points and 16 rebounds, but those efforts were laid to waste. Nevertheless, the Pistons will fancy their chances versus the Raptors, who’ve had their share of struggles on the road this season.
Toronto is 7-3 SU and 5-5 ATS in its last 10 games on the road. Detroit, on the other hand, is 6-4 SU and ATS in its past 10 games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
Detroit wins (+1) 105-99.
Create a betting account now, and don’t forget to bet on these two blockbuster matchups.
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