Tonight in professional basketball, our focus is on checking out the latest trends on totals. Many sharp bettors will tell whoever is listening that the best way to beat the NBA is to play totals, with the numbers often more difficult to beat on side action. With that in mind, here are a few angles on totals that might be worth considering tonight. Get the latest numbers available on the LIVE ODDS page of Sportsbook.com.
Less than two weeks ago, who didn’t want to play the Minnesota Timberwolves, since a relatively easy victory awaited any team that put forth the effort. However, since then the T-Wolves have turned on the switch. Minnesota’s unlikely uprising has coincided with putting the ball in the basket, shooting 50 percent or better in four consecutive games in which they have won and covered. The Timberwolves are on a 6-1 ‘over’ run and as they head to Philadelphia and Minny is 16-9 ‘over’ on the road this season. Sportsbook.com is producing a 205.5 figure on this matchup and Minnesota is 10-2 ‘over’ in a road game where the total is 200 to 209.5 this season.
Any game Indiana is involved in just has the feel of an Over. The Pacers are 25th in points allowed at 104 per game and are average offensively at 99.1 PPG. Oddsmakers have had a good read on Indiana most of the season in the totals category, since they are 29-21-1 UNDER for the year. The Pacers are a 1.5-point home favorite against Chicago tonight with total of 203.5 and are 10-2 ‘under’ as a home favorite of six points or less this season. This Central Division contest also shows the Bulls leaning one way, as they are 8-1 ‘under’ when the total is greater than or equal to 200 this campaign.
Those trying to sell Sacramento and New York as a defensive conflict are simply trying to fool sports bettors. The total is 212.5, which is the lowest in three previous meetings between these teams, all that went below the number. Even with this change of events, eight of the last dozen games between these mediocre teams have gone ‘over’ and the Knicks are 13-3 ‘over’ in February games since last year. However, maybe oddsmakers know something. The Kings are on a three-game Eastern swing, having lost six in a row and are 11-1 ‘under’ after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games. New York allowed 74 points in the first half of its last contest to the Cavaliers, but came back to cover in a loss at Cleveland. The Knickerbockers are 10-1 ‘under’ after trailing in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half over the last three seasons. Maybe this East vs. West affair isn’t as obvious as it looks.
The Utah Jazz have won eight in a row and 12 of 13 to move within two games of division leading Denver. Utah’s offense has been incredibly effective in this stretch, averaging 110.7 points per game and they are 9-4 ‘over.’ The Jazz defeated Denver 116-106 last time out and are 13-4 OVER in road games after scoring 110 points or more. The Clippers can’t possibly keep up with Utah in a high scoring tilt and are 17-7 ‘under’ at the Staples Center this season. Los Angeles lost at Utah in their third game of the season by 13 points and is 9-1 ‘under’ in home games revenging a road loss vs. opponent of 10 points or more this season. Sportsbook.com oddsmakers opened this encounter at 198.5 and NBA totals players have hit it hard, raising it three points.
