The Big Dog is looking to close 2015 with a third straight day in profit, after two correct tips in Denver rescued yesterday from a bad start. The Pistons struggled from the outset, against a Knicks side who were allowed to get into their offence… and the Rockets let a 71-56 halftime lead slip, as they capitulated 121-115 to the Hawks. It all turned around in the final game though, with Will Barton scoring 20 points and keeping the Nuggets within ten of the Cavs, in a 93-87 loss that returned 4.75 units. Ten games on New Year’s Eve presents a tough challenge, with not a lot appealing on the gambling side of things. As usual though, The Big Dog has put his hand up to tiptoe through the minefield and uncover those hidden gems.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Charlotte Hornets
Even without All-Star forward Blake Griffin, the Clippers have had no trouble being productive on the offensive end. They will be without him again when they visit the Hornets, who have been good at home but are currently facing their own injury demons. Jeremy Lin and Spencer Hawes are confirmed as out, while they could be joined by Al Jefferson and Nicolas Batum. With a healthy squad, The Big Dog would lean toward a Charlotte win, due to their impressive form at home… but that casualty ward moves us away from the match result. Instead, the focus is on the Clippers continuing their point-scoring run. The visitors will enter the game as favourites and The Big Dog agrees with this. Los Angeles have scored at least 103 points in eight of their last nine victories, while the Hornets have conceded at least 102 in five of their last six losses. With the potential of a very different-looking unit taking the floor for the home team, the visitors at overs is getting the nod.
Selection
Over 102.5 (Los Angeles Clippers Points) @ $1.87 (Luxbet)
Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks
Steph Curry is unlikely to suit-up for the all-conquering Golden State Warriors, which will make their quest for a 30th win in 31 games all the more difficult, when they visit the Dallas Mavericks, winners of their last four at home. However, just like in Charlotte, the injuries will keep The Big Dog clear of any results market. In fact, there is a much less-publicised injury that creates an opportunity to cash in, on a Player Performance market. The Warriors are the poster-team for small line-ups, having virtually perfected a style of play that doesn’t require anyone taller than 6’9″ to play significant minutes. When size is required, they turn to Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli, both of whom play just under 20 minutes per game, as primary rim-protectors. Ezeli will miss this game with a toe injury, which is great news for fans of Dallas centre Zaza Pachulia, who is having a career year. After being the guy the Mavericks turned to when DeAndre Jordan backed out of his deal, Pachulia has averaged career-high numbers in both points and rebounds, making a significant case for “Most Improved Player”, in his 13th NBA season. He’s averaging 10.4 rebounds a game for the season, which has improved to 11.5 in December. With less big bodies in the paint for the Warriors, all Pachulia needs to do is hit at or just below his averages, in order to exceed the line that Sportsbet are offering. That’s simply too good for The Big Dog to refuse.
Selection
Zaza Pachulia Over 10.0 (Player C Total Rebounds) @ $1.87 (Sportsbet)
