VegasButcher - NBA
Washington Wizards +7.5
The Wizards have nothing to play for but that doesn’t mean that they’ll ‘let up’ tonight. Wall went on the record to say that “We feel like we owe them from last year”, referring to the fact that IND eliminated Washington from the playoffs last season. Looks like the Wizards will play hard tonight. Indiana is on a 5-game winning streak but those came against CHA, MIA, NYK, DET, and a depleted OKC squad – all are non-playoff teams as of today. Facing a ‘playoff’ opponent tonight won’t be as easy, especially when IND has to cover such an inflated number. Washington was a favorite in all previous 3 meetings this season and now they’re a substantial underdog. I’ll grab the value in this one.
Phoenix Suns +10
The Suns have lost 9 of their last 10 games and will miss the playoffs for the 5th consecutive year. The Clippers have won 13 of their last 14 games, and still have a ‘slight’ chance at the 2-seed (would need the Spurs to lose at home to the Pellies) or at the very least a 3-seed with a win tonight. Seems like two teams going in totally opposite direction, which of course is true. But that’s why this spread is so inflated. With Suns seemingly having nothing to play for, let’s remember that this is their last game of the season. And it will come at home in front of their fans. I’m sure these guys will play hard just for that reason alone. Plus this is their last chance to salvage at least one win from the 4-game series with the Clippers. I’m sure Bledsoe will be plenty motivated against his former team and I believe the rest of the players will be as well. Clippers are on a b2b and playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. Expect a lax defensive effort here as this team is just looking to grab a win, and not make any big ‘statements’. The line is way over-inflated and I’ll grab the value with the home dog.
Washington Wizards +7.5
The Wizards have nothing to play for but that doesn’t mean that they’ll ‘let up’ tonight. Wall went on the record to say that “We feel like we owe them from last year”, referring to the fact that IND eliminated Washington from the playoffs last season. Looks like the Wizards will play hard tonight. Indiana is on a 5-game winning streak but those came against CHA, MIA, NYK, DET, and a depleted OKC squad – all are non-playoff teams as of today. Facing a ‘playoff’ opponent tonight won’t be as easy, especially when IND has to cover such an inflated number. Washington was a favorite in all previous 3 meetings this season and now they’re a substantial underdog. I’ll grab the value in this one.
Phoenix Suns +10
The Suns have lost 9 of their last 10 games and will miss the playoffs for the 5th consecutive year. The Clippers have won 13 of their last 14 games, and still have a ‘slight’ chance at the 2-seed (would need the Spurs to lose at home to the Pellies) or at the very least a 3-seed with a win tonight. Seems like two teams going in totally opposite direction, which of course is true. But that’s why this spread is so inflated. With Suns seemingly having nothing to play for, let’s remember that this is their last game of the season. And it will come at home in front of their fans. I’m sure these guys will play hard just for that reason alone. Plus this is their last chance to salvage at least one win from the 4-game series with the Clippers. I’m sure Bledsoe will be plenty motivated against his former team and I believe the rest of the players will be as well. Clippers are on a b2b and playing their 3rd game in 4 nights. Expect a lax defensive effort here as this team is just looking to grab a win, and not make any big ‘statements’. The line is way over-inflated and I’ll grab the value with the home dog.
