Only a few weeks remaining between now and the end of the 2021-22 NBA regular season, as teams jockey in both conferences for positioning at the top (and bottom) of the playoff race. Let’s take a closer look at three matchups today I’m keyed in on that have value remaining.
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1. Nets ML | -125 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Ja Morant is out tonight for the home Grizzlies and with him, his 27.6 points and 6.7 assists a game, are two of the major catalysts which have the team sitting near the top of the Western Conference playoff race. The Grizzlies will also be dealing with the return of Kyrie Irving (only plays away games) to the floor, as well as Andre Drummond (illness) being upgraded to probable for tonight’s game.
Despite missing extended time, Kevin Durant comes into this game averaging his highest point total (29.6) per game since the 2013-14 season, and the third-highest of his career. Playing some of the best basketball in the league right now, I like for the short-handed Grizzlies to fall tonight at home.
2. Hawks -4.5 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Separated by just one game from the Hornets for the 9th spot in the postseason and third spot in the play-in tournament, every win is critical for a Hawks team looking to make a run. Trae Young is fully prepared. Going for 45 points last night in New York, Young and the Hawks will be back on the court for the third time in four nights.
As for the home Pistons, nine-straight covers haven’t translated to wins, as the Pistons have lost six of their last seven outright, with few spreads as small as this one. Despite the short rest, I like for the Hawks to have enough against a reeling Pistons team with nothing left to play for.
3. 76ers -7 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Winners of two of their past three games (2-1 ATS), the Lakers are in desperation mode as they cling to the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament with just over 10 games to go. LeBron James, of course, has been a major catalyst for the most recent surge, averaging 37.33 points per game over his past three.
The 76ers, however, are in a race of their own, sitting just 2.5 games behind the Heat for the top spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Coming off a night on Monday in which they played without Embiid (back) and Harden (rest), I expect a renewed focus on that chase and for them to pull away from this one late.
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