Feb. 26 NBA – Latest Betting News and Tips
With no big stories coming out of the All-Star break, let’s review the information that can impact wagering.
Luka, LeBron, and the Lakers Are Trying to Blend on the Run
Nobody expected Luka Doncic and LeBron James to blend like peanut butter and jelly automatically. Going from Anthony Davis to
Luka changes the entire offensive approach along the Lakers’ defense, which takes time.
One thing seems certain and it essentially matches the Lakers’ output over the last few years for the next few weeks, as they sort this all out on the floor. L.A. will win about as they have this season, win some unexpected contests, and lose others nobody saw coming.
From a wagering perspective, understand where the purple and gold are improving and what are their problems. Be selective.
Will The Knicks Big Game Issues Get Resolved?
Despite the fact New York is 37-20 SU and having a fine season, recently, there has been discussion about if the Knicks are truly an elite team. Against the three best teams in the East Conference, not including themselves, and the Top 4 from the Western Conference, they are 5-7 SU and ATS. This isn’t terrible but not good either on the presumption the Knickerbockers reach the East semis in the postseason.
Karl-Anthony Towns has never distinguished himself as an elite playoff performer and in today’s NBA, can a 6’2 guard like Jalen Brunson lead a team to a championship? Those elements will have to work themselves out, but the good news is center Michael Robinson is up to a full participant in practice. If he can get up to 20 minutes a game by the postseason, that improves New York’s defense and adds more rebounding and a dunker for Brunson assists. New York is still only 27-30 ATS, but that could improve with a stronger defense.
Golden State is Hoping the Butler Can Do It
After all the negative energy Jimmy Butler brought to Miami trying to get traded, he’s been a model citizen for Golden State. His demeanor is back to what made him an All-Star in South Beach and his new coach, Steve Kerr has noticed.
The Butler-in-the-Bay experiment has been exceptional thus far. He is averaging 20 points and 9.2 free throws per game with 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals over 31.7 minutes. Coach Kerr offered this to 95.7, The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” in the Bay Area, “Well, I think you have to really see him every day to appreciate his game because he’s not your traditional superstar who’s lighting it up from [3-point range] or wowing you with highlights; it’s really just the efficiency of his game,”. Kerr added, “He’s incredibly sound fundamentally. He’s a great passer; he understands how to get to the foul line; he’s really, really strong; so, he gets people to have to guard him, and then it just creates a lot of opportunities for himself but also for his teammates.”
The Warriors are 6-1 SU and ATS since adding Butler and despite being ranked #8 in the West, Golden State is one game in the loss column behind #6 L.A. Clippers. Reaching that slot would mean rest and avoiding Play-In matchups. NBA bettors should keep an eye on the Warriors for the rest of the regular season.
Crazy Stat of the Week
Because the NBA has a standard point spread of 11/10, you don’t find many bettors playing money lines unless the spread +/- 4 or lower.
Nonetheless, here is something to ponder and we’ll be honest it’s not for everyone.
Here are the Top 3 Money Line Winners
Cleveland – 48-10 +24.5 units
Portland – 25-33 +18.8
Brooklyn 21-36 +18.1
Top 3 Money Line Losers
Boston 42-16 -42 units
New Orleans 14-43 -27.7
Philadelphia 20-37 -26
Betting on Cleveland means you need a big bankroll because you have some horrific losses. And betting against Boston means many losing wagers, but the victories would be tremendous, however, not every sportsbook would money line odds on big point spreads.
However, for each of the other four teams, it makes sense at least to think about backing them, particularly Portland and Brooklyn as underdogs.
Upcoming Schedule – Bet Against: Atlanta
02/26 @Miami
02/28 Oklahoma City
03/03 @Memphis
03/04 Milwaukee
03/06 Indiana
03/08 Indiana
This isn’t going to help the Hawks keep their play-in spot.
About Us
T&C
Privacy
Contact
Buy Picks