NBA Pick #1: 501 New York Knicks @ 502 Boston Celtics
Rating: 2 Units – Regular Play
Pick: 502 Boston Celtics (-6)
Price: -105 / 1.95 on Pinnacle
Write Up:
It’s very hard not to like Boston on a two ball possessions range at home, as they seem to be motivated to play well against any team. The Knicks certainly have potential to have a good season, but they will need time to adjust to the KAT trade, especially as it involves such an essential position on defense such as the Center. KAT has shown over the years that he isn’t elite on defense and to make things worse for the NY tram, his backup Precious Achiuwa won’t play tonight.
I believe Boston will explore this lack of chemistry from the Knicks by attacking the Brunson/KAT combo in drives after pnr’s. The Celtics are pretty much repeating the same team as last season’s and so, they will have a massive chemistry edge on tonight’s matchup.
NBA Pick #2: 503 Minnesota Timberwolves @ 504 Los Angeles Lakers
Rating: 2 Units – Regular Play
Pick: 503 Over 108 FIRST HALF
Price: -110 / 1.91 on Pinnacle
Write Up:
Minnesota made a concerted effort to play faster during the preseason as they are trying to pick up the pace in order to improve their offense. Of course we need to be careful while analysing preseason data but we are talking about Minnesota being #3 in pace factor in this preseason vs #27 in last year’s season.
I expect this game to be played with a good offensive rhythm as that will also be the offensive approach of the Lakers. I was impressed with the Lakers’ fluidity on offense during the preseason with their new coach, much better than last year’s. On the other hand, Minnesota will need time to acclimate Randle to their lineup, a player who has never been an elite defensive player anyway.
As much as I expect the Lakers’ offense to improve, I don’t believe the same will happen on defense as their lack of talent on this side of the court, especially on the perimeter, will be a problem, especially while facing superstars such as Edwards.