By: Covers Staff
Nov 27, 2017
By: Covers Staff
Nov 27, 2017
The Golden State Warriors could be missing All-Stars Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings because of injuries.
Photo By - USA Today Images
The Golden State Warriors could be missing All-Stars Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings because of injuries.
Photo By - USA Today Images
Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics (-6.5, 199)
Avery Bradley makes his first appearance at the TD Garden since becoming a member of the Detroit Pistons. Boston had to trade Bradley in the offseason to clear cap space for incoming free agent Gordon Hayward. Bradley was a fan favorite in Beantown because of his aggressive defense and his year-over-year improvement on offense.
The Celtics had a better defensive rating and net rating when Bradley was off the court – something Pistons fans are experiencing this season with their new starting shooting guard too. Detroit is allowing 97 points per 100 possessions with Bradley on the bench and 107.2 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor.
NBA commentator, and host of the popular Dunc’d On podcast, Nate Duncan suggested this might be because Bradley is a great on-ball defender but a poor team defender. It’s hard to say the reason.
One thing we do know for sure: the Celtics are very happy with Jaylen Brown – Bradley’s replacement as Boston’s starting two guard. Brown is the C’s second-leading scorer at 15.9 points per game and the club’s net rating is +11.6 with him on the court and -0.9 when he takes a seat.
Pick: Celtics -6.5
Brooklyn Nets at Houston Rockets (-17, 227)
The Nets are kind of like the Eastern Conference version of the Rockets – in terms of playing style. Both teams like to get up and down the court in a hurry. Houston climbed its way up to eighth in team pace rankings after starting the year off middle of the pack, while Brooklyn has been the leader in the category all season.
The Rockets and Nets are also No. 1 and No. 2 in 3-point attempts per game at 44.3 and 33.4. Brooklyn is hoping D’Angelo Russell can become a player in the mold of James Harden – someone who can shoot off the dribble and create easy looks for his teammates. Defensive intensity is about the only thing Russell matches Harden in right now.
Russell remains out but it hasn’t slowed down the offense too much for the Nets. Brooklyn is averaging 110.5 points per game since Russell was put on the shelf with a knee injury.
Pick: Over 227
Yesterday’s picks: 1-1
Season record: 39-39
Total Streaks
*The over is 9-4 in the 76ers’ last 13 games.
*The under is 5-0 in the Pistons’ last five games.
*The under is 5-0 in the Celtics’ last five games.
*The under is 9-2 in the Trail Blazers’ last 11 games.
*The under is 5-1 in the Mavs’ last six games.
*The under is 10-2 in the last 12 matchups between the Lakers and Clippers.
Injury of Note
It’s only the Kings, but the Warriors could be missing three starters on Monday night. Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green are all questionable due to injuries. Durant has missed the Warriors’ last two games because of an ankle injury, Green is iffy because of a foot problem and Curry has an issue with his hand. Making matters worse for Dub Nation, super sub Andre Iguodala is doubtful to play because of a sore knee.
Other injuries to monitor on a busy Monday night in the Association: Sixers rookie sensation Ben Simmons sat out over the weekend because of elbow injury and is questionable to play against the Cavs. Pacers leading scorer Victor Oladipo sat out Saturday against the Celtics and is iffy tonight against the Magic because of a right knee injury. The Knicks could be without their starting two big men on Monday against the Trail Blazers. Kristaps Porzingis and Enes Kanter are both dealing with back injuries.
Ref to Watch
The Orlando Magic are 9-1 against the spread in their last 10 games refed by Brian Forte. He’s part of the three-man crew working tonight’s game against the Pacers.
Trends
*The Magic are 5-18 ATS in their last 23 games against the Pacers.
*The Cavs are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
*The Sixers are 22-8 ATS in their last 30 home games.
*The Celtics are 22-6-1 ATS in their last 29 games overall.
*The Knicks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.
*The underdog is 20-6 ATS in the last 26 games between the Mavs and Spurs.
*The Nets are 5-0 ATS in their last five games.
*The Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.
Covers Consensus
More than 70 percent of Covers contest players expect the Celtics to continue their ATS dominance this season by covering as 6.5-point chalk on Monday against the Detroit Pistons. More NBA consensus picks can be found here.