Yesterday proved quite interesting for The Big Dog, with five Player Performance plays producing three winners and 10.8% profit. Today the options look a little more conventional, as the final day of January presents a solid chance to finish at break-even for the month. Considering the way 2016 started, the recovery effort has been pleasing and should set up the rest of the season nicely. Today’s double features two of the hottest teams in the NBA, both expected to continue their winning ways.
Golden State Warriors @ Philadelphia 76ers
Considering that they were 1-30, after losing in Milwaukee on December 23rd, the 76ers’ post-Christmas record of 6-10 is a genuinely significant improvement. The bad news? The Golden State Warriors are bringing their 42-4 record to town and are looking as dominant as ever. Nobody in their right mind would give Philadelphia any real chance of winning this game and looking at the recent box scores for Brett Brown’s men, the first play of the day becomes very obvious. Philly are 1-27 against teams at .500 or better and have allowed an average of 113.7 points in their 0-7 performance against winning teams, since overhauling their front office. They have only allowed less than 108 points once in that span. These are not friendly numbers when you consider that the Warriors continue to be the most potent attacking unit in basketball. They have actually increased their league-leading offence to 115.1 points per game and are on a streak of four consecutive matches where they have finished with at least 120 points. Yes, the Philadelphia 76ers are improving. Can the 25th-best defence in the NBA stop the defending champions from going 120-plus for a fifth night in a row? The Big Dog says… no.
Selection
Over 118.5 (Golden State Warriors Points) @ $1.88 (Luxbet)
Detroit Pistons @ Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have the longest active winning streak in the NBA and are playing like the best team in the Eastern Conference, despite still being 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. They look to extend their run to eleven wins and close their undefeated homestand at 8-0, before heading off on a six-game road trip. Standing in their way are the Detroit Pistons, who are coming off yesterday’s home loss to the Cavaliers and have been less than inspiring in back-to-back sets. The Pistons are 3-6 for the season when playing with no rest but have the talent to make The Big Dog shy away from the points spread of seven points for the game. Instead, the microscope moves to a much shorter line, being offered on the second quarter. Over their current winning streak, the Raptors have won 7 of 10 second quarters, all by at least two points. Over the same period, Detroit have won only 4 of 10 second terms, making this the perfect spot for a value play.
Selection
Toronto Raptors -1.5 (2nd Quarter Line) @ $1.85 (Luxbet)
