By Kevin Taylor
The Saints closed out a magical season by bringing home the Vince Lombardi Trophy and now all eyes turn to basketball (or most eyes), as the pro and college schedules really heat up now.
The LA Lakers are still the odds-on faves to win another championship at online sportsbooks. They currently have NBA Future odds on them of +150 at SPORTSBETTING.com, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, both at +300.
Let’s look at Tuesday night action.
Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers
Chicago Bulls small forward Luol Deng didn’t practice on Monday, suffering from tendinitis in his right shoulder, according to ESPN but is expected to be ready for the team’s game against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.
It’s a good thing as Deng is second only to Derrick Rose in team scoring, with an average of 17.9 points a game.
The Bulls are 1.5-point road ‘dogs for that game and the Total at 201.
Chicago has struggled mightily in its last 20 games in Indiana, going 3-17 straight up. However, worth noting is the Bulls are 9-4 against the spread in their last 13 road games.
In the Bulls’ last nine games overall, it is 6-3 ATS, with six Unders in that time, and in their last nine when underdogs of 2-points or less, they are 6-3 SU and ATS.
Over/Under Alert: The tilt against the Pacers is the first of back to back games for the Bulls and in their last 12 such situations, they have recorded 2 Overs and 10 Unders, including six Unders in a row.
Early wagering action leans to the home team Pacers, with 66% of the action.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trailblazers
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to be one of the most improved teams in the NBA.
Last year the Thunder were 23-59 straight up and this year they are 29-21 SU through 50 games and their betting numbers are even better — Oklahoma City is 31-19 against the spread.
The Thunder play the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday and are mere 1-point road underdogs with the O/U at 191.
Oklahoma City have been absolutely money for bettors on the road. They boast a mark of 18-7 ATS in their 25 road games this season and more impressively is a sterling 15-5 ATS mark in their last 20.
Over/Under Trends: In Oklahoma City’s last nine games when listed as an underdog of 2-points or less, they have a record of 2 Overs and 7 Unders.
Good luck with your basketball handicapping.
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