2 picks from data driven predictive model for tonight's NBA slate. Odds according to BetSaracen from Saracen Casino & Resort.
DAL Mavericks -3.5 (-120)
Despite the Philadelphia 76ers' recent 2-2 record in their last 4 games since the break, the Dallas Mavericks have the upper hand against the spread. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are still in the process of finding their rhythm together, but the Mavericks have a Pythagorean Expected Win/Loss that correlates with covering the spread. Philly has had their struggles in Dallas, with just 2 wins in the last 16 matchups. Furthermore, the 76ers are only 3-6 against the spread in their last 9 games against the Mavericks.
The Mavericks have had their struggles of late, with just one win in the last 6 games. However, the pairing of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic is still fresh and they are figuring things out on the fly. In their last game against the Indiana Pacers, Luka had an impressive 39 points and Kyrie contributed with 16 points and 9 assists. The Mavericks should also have the advantage of rest, as the 76ers didn't have the night off yesterday and didn't have to travel in between games.
Though Philly has had the edge in 3 of the last 4 games between them, Dallas should be able to come away with a win in this matchup. The Mavericks are often unreliable when it comes to covering the spread, but given their Pythagorean record, this could be the perfect spot for them to come away with a win. If you're looking to cash in your bets, the Mavs could be the pick to make.
This game is likely to be a close one, but with the Mavericks having the rest advantage and a strong Pythagorean record, Dallas is the right pick over the spread of 4 points. Even though the 76ers have been up and down lately, the Mavericks should be able to take advantage of their home court and find a way to come out with the W and the cover. So, if you're looking to get in on the action, the Mavs may just be your ticket to winning big.
SA Spurs +5 (-105)
The San Antonio Spurs have been down on their luck over the last month and a half, but their impressive win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night has them poised to make a killing against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. San Antonio snapped a 16-game losing streak on Tuesday and could be the key to cashing in for the betting community. The Spurs have the edge in this matchup, boasting a Pythagorean +/- that favors them to cover the spread of five points.
One of the main reasons the Spurs have the advantage is their improved defense. San Antonio held the Jazz to a season-low 35.3 percent shooting from the field and won for the first time this season after trailing to start the fourth quarter. This impressive defensive performance could be the key to helping the Spurs cover the spread.
The Spurs also have the advantage of playing on their homecourt, where they are 9-10 this season. The team is in the midst of a grueling stretch of games, but they have the advantage of being well-rested, having last played two days ago. San Antonio has also been able to get a spark from rookie guard Blake Wesley, who has averaged 7.3 points on 7-of-17 shooting over his last three games.
The Pacers, on the other hand, are coming off an impressive 124-122 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. Tyrese Haliburton scored 32 points to lead the Pacers, while Myles Turner added 24. Indiana is battling for a playoff spot and is two games out of the 10th place in the Eastern Conference, the final spot for the play-in tournament.
With the Spurs holding the advantage of homecourt and their improved defensive performance, coupled with Wesley's recent offensive spark, they have the upper hand in this matchup. San Antonio is favored to cover the spread of five points and could be the key to putting some money in the pockets of the #gamblingtwitter community.
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