Welcome to a Money Baller NBA Report for Sunday, December 15. A nice 2-0 on the NBA Cup for Saturday! Let’s keep this run going.
Published: Sunday, December 15, 2024 – 11:00 AM CST
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New Orleans Pelicans @ Indiana Pacers
- Pacers Trends: 9-17 ATS overall, including 2-7 ATS as home favorites.
- Pelicans Trends: 3-10 ATS on the road, struggling to cover.
- Pacers Totals: 17-9 O/U, indicating a tendency for higher-scoring games.
TMB Thoughts: While the trends highlight struggles against the spread for both teams, there’s no compelling angle for a clear play in this matchup. This one’s a pass for us.
Boston Celtics @ Washington Wizards
- Wizards Trends:
- 7-16 1H ATS (2-10 ATS at home).
- 5-18 1H Team Total O/U, including 1-11 at home.
TMB Thoughts: The trends scream to fade the Wizards in the 1H, but situational factors and Baller Systems point to some angles favoring the Wizards. With the Celtics prone to letdowns in similar spots, we’ll take a cautious approach and sit this one out.
New York Knicks @ Orlando Magic
- Magic: 9-1 ATS at home
- Magic: 9-18 1H ATS
TMB thoughts: The Magic continue to thrive ATS at home, showcasing their depth and resilience. However, their 1H struggles and injuries (Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero) are notable. Meanwhile, the Knicks should come out with urgency after their disappointing NBA Cup loss as outright favorites. We’ll back the Knicks 1H -2, capitalizing on the contrast in early-game performance.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ San Antonio Spurs
- Wolves: 7-17 Team Total O/U (3-9 TT O/U on the road
TMB thoughts: The Wolves’ offensive struggles are evident, ranking 20th in Offensive Rating. Both teams play at a slower pace, and Minnesota continues to underperform overall. The Wolves Team Total Under 109.5 stands out as the play here.
Portland Trailblazers @ Phoenix Suns
- Blazers: 7-16-2 1H O/U
TMB thoughts: While the Blazers’ trend toward 1H unders is intriguing, it’s not compelling enough to warrant a bet in this matchup. We’ll stay on the sidelines here.
Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors
- Warriors Trends:
- 6-18 1H Team Total O/U this season.
- 0-4 1H Team Total O/U as home underdogs.
- Mavericks Trends:
- Opponents’ 1H Team Total O/U: 8-17.
TMB Thoughts: The Warriors have been historically slow starters, particularly at home as underdogs. Coupled with the Mavericks’ solid defensive performances in the first half, the Warriors 1H Team Total Under 58 looks like a strong play here.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Lakers
- Grizzlies Trends:
- 19-7 1H ATS (5-1 1H ATS as road favorites).
- Opponents’ 1H Team Total: 8-18 O/U.
- Lakers Trends:
- 1-9 Team Total O/U as underdogs.
- 2-8 1H O/U as underdogs.
TMB Thoughts: The numbers strongly favor fading the Lakers’ offense in the first half. With the Grizzlies excelling defensively and the Lakers consistently falling short of their 1H scoring expectations as underdogs, the Grizzlies 1H ATS -2 (up to -2.5) and Lakers 1H Team Total Under 56.5 are recommended plays. Expect a slow start from the Lakers in this spot.