There are plenty of elite matchups on tonight’s NBA slate. However, the majority of the action resides in the latter part of the schedule. It’s a Mojito Monday edition of the Gems – let’s ride.
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Brooklyn Nets @ Washington Wizards (+5.5)
Brooklyn Nets (-5.5)
Back to back calls on Kyrie Irving has paid off in tournaments. On tonight’s NBA slate, he’s in another good spot. Over his last ten appearances, Kyrie has scored 20 or more in nine of ten. Moreover, he has averaged 25.2/4.4/4.5 on 51.3% shooting. With the absence of Royce O’Neale from the lineup, Kyrie becomes the primary three-point shooter as well. Washington currently ranks 28th in the league in three-point percentage allowed on 12.6 made attempts allowed per game. This play is for tournaments only, as I much rather get exposure to the next two games.
Washington Wizards (+5.5)
Exposure to the Wizards offense on tonight’s NBA slate depends on the availability of Bradley Beal. After leaving a game against the Lakers over a week ago, Beal has since missed three games and is questionable to play tonight. Should he be ruled out again, the trio of Kristaps Porzingis, Kyle Kuzma, and Deni Avdija will be in for another night of big minutes. The Wizards have been playing on an awfully short rotation this past week, and tonight may be the same case. Should Beal make his return, I’ll fade this game entirely to prioritize the next two.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trail Blazers (-4.5)
Minnesota Timberwolves (+4.5)
Karl-Anthomy Towns remains out and there is a lot to like about the trio of Edwards, Gobert, and Russell. While Anthony Edwards has the highest ceiling of the three, his point/dollar upside isn’t ideal in this matchup. Rather, Gobert will be in for a big night against Jusuf Nurkic. Portland currently ranks 24th in the NBA in defensive rating. However, they have been exposed in the paint. Portland struggles mightily on both ends of the floor, ranking 24th in the league against true centers. Moreover, they are 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game. Gobert certainly won’t lead the team in touches, but his efficiency around the rim will be on display. Many shot takers in this game gives Gobert plenty of rebounding opportunity.
Portland Trail Blazers (-4.5)
If you are not fond of the studs in the next game, you should be fond of Damian Lillard in an elite game environment. Despite the acquisition of Rudy Gobert, Minnesota ranks 19th in the NBA in defensive rating. Moreover, they rank 27th against primary ball handlers. If that wasn’t enough for Lillard, Minnesota ranks 29th in three-point percentage allowed and 27th in three-pointers allowed per game. Over his last two games, Lillard has posted 30 or more points each time. He has averaged 38 points per game, chipping in 10 assists per night during that span as well. The shooting efficiency can always be an issue, but Lillard has attempted a whopping 28 three-pointers over his last two.
Boston Celtics @ Los Angeles Clippers (+3.5)
Boston Celtics (-3.5)
In the absence of both Al Horford and Robert Williams III, the trio of Tatum, Brown, and Smart will be tasked with heavy minutes tonight. First, Tatum has the highest ceiling of the three, but is tough to fit in builds on this NBA slate. If you can, do so with confidence. Second, Brown has been one of the best shooting guards in the league this season. A model of consistency, Brown has scored 20 or more points in 23 of 25 appearances this season. Moreover, he is second on the team in usage rate at 31.2% while averaging 26.8/7.2/3.6 on 50.1% shooting. Lastly, Smart has a safe floor but low ceiling. He is in a great spot as a ball handler versus the Clippers and is easier to fit in midrange builds. Moreover, Smart has five or more assists in his last twelve games, averaging 13.7/3.3/8.2 on 49.2% shooting during that span.
Los Angeles Clippers (+3.5)
It might be time to finally deploy Kawhi Leonard with confidence on an NBA slate. This certainly won’t come with any risk, given that he has been in and out of the lineup since returning from a torn ACL. However, he has played 30 minutes in back-to-back appearances. Moreover, with Boston being without both Al Horford and Robert Williams III, a smaller Celtics lineup may force the Clippers to do the same, resulting in more rebounding opportunity for Leonard. If you’re uncertain of Leonard, then Paul George is one of the better targets in a thin Clippers offense. PG13 has averaged 32.5/7.5/6.5 on 48.9% shooting in his last two games and will be relied upon heavily tonight.
Honorable Mentions:
- Miami Heat @ Indiana Pacers (+2.5)
- Atlanta Hawks @ Memphis Grizzlies (-6.5)
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