SIXERS (-1) at PELICANS (240.5), 8 p.m.
Pick: Under 240.5
Yes, the Sixers’ defensive effort was atrocious against the Trail Blazers on Saturday afternoon. But with this total at 240.5 in New Orleans, you have to think about going under just out of principle. Are the Sixers (38-22) really going to get embarrassed defensively again? While it’s happened far too often this season, is it really going to be by a New Orleans team (27-34) that has been in the news for all the wrong reasons thanks to the Anthony Davis saga? Philly has struggled all season away from Wells Fargo Center, which probably explains this line being where it is. You’re probably better off not making a play on the side here. But, all it takes here is one team to be slightly below its average offensively -- or in the Sixers case slightly above their average defensively -- and this game should land under such a high total.
SPURS (+2) at NETS (232.5), 7:30 p.m.
Pick: Nets (-2)
In case you were wondering, it’s not a good time to buy the Spurs right now. San Antonio (33-28) suffered double-digit losses prior to the All-Star break against Sacramento, Golden State, Portland and Utah. The Spurs also narrowly escaped against a putrid Memphis team, 108-107, in their final game before the break. While there’s no shame in losing in Toronto like the Spurs did on Friday by three points, a loss to the Knicks by double digits Sunday night while allowing 130 points confirmed that San Antonio still isn’t right.
The Nets (31-30) nearly stole a game at the River Walk last month losing, 117-114. They now have Caris LeVert back in the lineup and have been scoring a lot since his return, save for last Thursday’s 113-99 loss against Portland. Nonetheless, this line looks to be a little short given San Antonio’s recent struggles and this being the second leg of a back-to-back for the Spurs. We’re on the Nets at home.