The long road trip took its toll on the Brooklyn Nets, who never recovered from a slow start in a 95-89 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. A brutal result in what was the only play on Saturday. Sunday looks to be a completely different story. With the early game in Dallas already done, there are nine more games to look at, with two of those catching the eye of The Big Dog.
Houston Rockets @ Charlotte Hornets
Not long ago, the Charlotte Hornets were on the outside looking in, as far as the playoffs are concerned. Six consecutive wins later, they have the longest active winning streak in the NBA and are only 1.5 games behind the Miami Heat for fourth seed and a crucial home court advantage in the first round. Charlotte boast the third-best home record in the Eastern Conference (24-9) and haven’t lost at Time Warner Cable Arena since February 5th. Today’s clash with the Houston Rockets really shouldn’t change that trend, in spite of the Rockets scoring their third straight win last night, against the Boston Celtics. Taking a lesson from yesterday’s Brooklyn Nets play, it could be pivotal that this is the final game of a five-game road trip for the Rockets. Even with the recent wins, Houston are still below .500 on the road (16-18) and against the East (11-13). The value in this game is for the Hornets to complete the double result. Houston have been guilty of slow starts through the season and with fatigue likely to play a role, it’s impossible to ignore that Charlotte have lead at halftime in five of their last six wins. They should also cover the spread but James Harden’s ability to get to the free-throw line is just enough to steer The Big Dog away from that play. Stick with the halftime-fulltime double.
Selection
Charlotte Hornets/Charlotte Hornets (Double Result) @ $1.87 (Sportsbet)
Phoenix Suns @ Golden State Warriors
What’s a weekend without at least one hot tip on a Player Performance market, from The Big Dog? This game might involve the all-conquering Golden State Warriors but it’s a player from the opposition, the clearly-tanking Phoenix Suns, who’s earned “Play of the Day” status, thanks to an offensive explosion in his last five games. The Big Dog is a card-carrying member of the Devin Booker fan club and so far during March, the club’s numbers are likely swelling. The 19-year-old rookie and former Kentucky guard, who made the final of the three-point contest at this year’s All-Star Weekend, is averaging 25.8 points per game in March, including three games of over 30 points. He’s coming off a career-high 35 points on 12 of 24 from the field and 10 of 11 at the free-throw line, in a blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets. Ignore the fact that Booker is only averaging 12.2 points per game for the season, as his average minutes have increased from 12.2 in November to 38.8 in March. Injuries to Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight may have provided his opportunity but there is no disputing that he has taken it with both hands. The line on Booker’s points tally is low to the point of craziness. Even the fact that they are playing the Warriors works in his favour. Golden State will remain undefeated at home but they will again allow over 100 points in a likely 125-102 final scoreline. The defending champs have won 10 of 11 but have also allowed at least 110 points in seven of those games. This play is manna from heaven. Load up.
Selection
Devin Booker Over 17.5 (Player A Total Points) @ $1.87 (Sportsbet)
Tools
Results Spreadsheet
