Took the day off yesterday so Ron Blarington could show me how it's done. He finished 1-2 and basically showed me how I do it. Maybe we'll both do better today. The NBA is freakin' hard this year.
The Rockets have won 4 in a row, against teams that play no D, but they have played some D, which is a new thing in Houston. The Pelicans stomped the Bucks last night and stomped the Wizards two nights earlier. Over the last 5 games (4-1), the Rockets have given up an average of 102 ppg, scored 112.5. Over their last four (2-2), the Pelicans have scored an average of 121, given up 120. Which team's style will prevail tonight? No idea. But the game should have some pace and Christian Wood and John Wall have been consistent beasts for the Rockets so I'm prop betting them.
The Kings have been playing well recently and the Heat have been decimated by injuries and protocols and have lost 5 in a row. So of course the Heat are 5-point favorites. Sucker bet? Maybe. If Jimmy Butler plays for the first time in 10 games, I might skip this one, but Goran Dragic is out and I like to pick something with decent odds every day. So I'm thinking the Kings will win and keep the game Under 224.5.
The Grizzlies had won 5 in a row but haven't played since Jan. 18. The Spurs have won 3 in a row, played last night, and are only okay. The Grizz are still without Grayson Allen and Jonas Valanciunas. I have no idea what's going to happen in this game, but I refuse to believe it's going to be a thing of beauty so I'm taking the Under.
All wagers and returns based on $10. Please check game time lineups before wagering.
3-pointers: Kings over Heat and Under 224.5 +390 (returns $49.00)
2-pointers: Christian Wood (Rockets) Over 33.5 points, rebounds, assists -105 (returns $19.60)
Free throws: John Wall (Rockets) Over 18.5 points -105 (returns $19.60)
Steals: Grizzlies vs. Spurs Under 219 -109 (returns $19.20)
Winners:
2-pointers: Christian Wood (Rockets) double-double +125 (returns $22.50) Wood finished with 22 and 12 in the Rockets win.
Steals: Clippers vs. Heat Under 219 (alternate line) - 182 (returns $15.50) The 109-105 final is 214.
Losers:
3-pointers: 4-game parlay - Lakers win, Warriors wins, Clippers vs. Heat Under 213.5, Trail Blazers vs Rockets Under 229 +902 (returns $100.20)
Terance Mann (Clippers) Over 17.5 points, rebounds, assists +100 (returns $20.00) Mann finished 12-3-2 for a 17 PRA.
Free throws: Draymond Green (Warriors) Over 7.5 points +113 (returns $22.30) I am clearly horrible at figuring out which Draymond is going to show up. 2 points last night on 1-7 from the field. Yeesh.
$50 wagered (2-3), $38.00 returned.
Day 34: -$12.00
Total: -$218.65 (66-94 off 1605 $10 wagers)