The Big Dog rolls into Thursday, after going 2 from 2 yesterday, thanks to wins by the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. While it was a pair of home teams getting the job done on Wednesday, today’s picks are a pair of road teams that are either undervalued or matching up against opponents that are currently being priced on potential, rather than form.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Houston Rockets
In a match-up of division rivals who made the Playoffs last year and have started the current season poorly, the perpetually frustrating Houston Rockets host the injury-ravaged New Orleans Pelicans. The good news for the Pelicans is that they’re getting healthier, with guards Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole returning in the loss to Memphis, while the Rockets remain consistently inconsistent. However, amidst the confusion of a season that has already featured four streaks of three or more games, there is one alarming trend that The Big Dog intends to take advantage of. The Rockets have trailed at halftime in ten of their last twelve games and lead in only one, a game they won 116-114 against the 76ers. This run of first-half ineptitude was never more evident than in their last game, when they fell behind 64-41 at the main break, before eventually losing the game 116-105. On the other side of this contest, the Pelicans stormed out of the gate against Memphis, leading 38-27 after the first quarter. With Evans and Cole better for the run in their first game back, another fast start is on the cards and it’s likely the lead they will have in the first half will be enough to secure a much-needed win. On balance, the odds on offer for New Orleans to lead at the half represent good value at much less risk, when compared to the Head-to-Head market.
Selection
New Orleans Pelicans (1st Half Head-to-Head) @ $2.10 (Luxbet)
Indiana Pacers @ Los Angeles Clippers
From a game between two teams in need of a win, to a game between franchises that have done their fair share, in recent outings. The Indiana Pacers have won 11 of their last 13 games, including the last five in a row and three away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The key behind this impressive run has been the stellar play of Paul George. In his first full season since returning from a devastating broken leg, George is averaging career-high numbers in points (27.2), rebounds (8.1), assists (4.4), field goal percentage (45.9) and 3-point percentage (45.5). If not for a guy in Golden State with the surname Curry, Paul George would be the runaway early favourite for league MVP. As a team, the Pacers have seen little-to-no reduction in effectiveness when on the road. Their 5-3 record is third-best in the NBA, behind the Warriors (9-0) and Timberwolves (6-3). It also stands to mention that their last two road losses were against the Cavaliers and Bulls, by a combined five points. Make no mistake, this is a team in sublime form, that is still being considerably underrated. After absorbing a stretch of seven losses in nine games, the Clippers also appear to have turned the corner and go into this contest aiming for their fourth consecutive win, all at home. They may be forced to do it without Chris Paul, who left their last game (a 102-87 win over Portland) with a rib muscle injury. At the time of writing this article, Paul’s status is “questionable” but it appears highly likely that he would not be without discomfort, if he is able to play. Also, it’s fairly apparent that the Pacers represent a much tougher challenge than the last three teams the Clippers have faced. Three-point shooting will play a large factor in determining the winner of this contest, which plays further into the hands of the visitors. Indiana rank second in the NBA in 3-point percentage (40.0) and 9th in opposition 3-point percentage (32.9), while the Clippers are 19th (32.8) and 16th (34.4) respectively. Overall, there appear to be more crucial factors working for the Pacers in this match and despite being at Staple Center, against a Clippers team that was much-hyped in the off-season, Indiana deserve to be considered favourites for this match. The fact that the bookies disagree, means The Big Dog is all over them.
Selection
Indiana Pacers (Head-to-Head) @ $2.05 (Luxbet)
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