Celtics -5.5 (alt spread) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boston travels to Orlando for each organization\u2019s second leg of a back-to-back. Even though being the home team is beneficial in the first back-to-back of the year, Orlando actually had more travel than Boston who faced the Heat last night- the Magic were in Atlanta. No time-zone jumps, the travel is not a huge factor, but I\u2019ll rock with the veteran Celtics who know what it takes to win on a short turn around. Also factoring in the Magic\u2019s advantage of being home is null because the Celtics played just down the road last night, C\u2019s beat the Magic – who have gone down to the wire in their first two games which may account for some fatigue for Orlando\u2019s inexperienced group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pacers ML <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indiana and Detroit both had games last night- Pistons got shlacked in NYC and Pacers fought back to lose a close one to San Antonio in Indiana. The Pistons Pacers matchup is in Indiana which will be a huge advantage for the Pacers as they look for their first win of the season. Detroit in their first two games averaged 21 bench points \u2013 depth is an issue. Pacers\u2019 rookie Ben Mathurin is averaging 22.5 in his first two games coming off the bench and the entire second unit is averaging 57.5 points. No travel on the back-to-back, bench depth, and pursuit of their first win will give the Pacers the nod on a matchup most books have as a toss-up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cavs \u20131.5 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After Cleveland’s day off, they meet the Bulls in Chicago who took a tough loss Friday night in Washington. Zach Lavine makes his debut against the Cavs. Garland will miss the game with an eye injury. So, buckle up for a whole lot of Donavon Mitchell PnR. The fresh Cavs and their size will be a handful for the trio of Bulls: Lavine, DeRozan, Vucevic \u2013 who all love to make their honey in the paint and midrange. Vuc has had two blah games, failing to shoot above 40%, against frontcourts much thinner than Cleveland presents. Even if Lavine can make up for the lack of front court production and backcourt playmaking without Lonzo Ball, DeRozan has taken 22.5 shots across his first two games \u2013 two more shots than he did in his career season a year ago. While DeMar is a volume scorer, some fatigue from the burden he\u2019s carried early without Lonzo or Lavine and with Vuc struggling is likely to set in on the back-to-back. Parlaying a Mitchell pts-ast-reb + Cleveland W + UNDER would be a good formula. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bucks -8.5 (alt spread) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milwaukie won 65% of their games a season ago on one day of rest. I like them against anyone when they are fresh \u2013 especially against bottom feeders like Houston. Early in the season, before the ingrown toenail and phantom hamstring injuries impact availability of lower ranked teams\u2019 best players, is a great time to pick an upset. Just don\u2019t waste your time picking against the Bucks. One of the most efficient winning machines, even without Middleton, look for the rested Bucks to make light work of the Rockets. Last night in Houston, the young Rockets showed their inexperience squandering a game late to Ja Morant and company. The quick turnaround trip to Milwaukie won\u2019t be a fun one for the Rockets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heat ML <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miami hosts Toronto for each team\u2019s second game of a back-to-back. On Friday night, Toronto lost a close one in Brooklyn while Miami lost similarly while hosting Boston. Miami is 0-2 and start their season while opening on a 4-game home stand before a west coast trip (they host Toronto again Monday 10\/24.) The travel, competition against the top of the East, and \u2013 Nick Nurse\u2019s special<\/a> \u2013 heavy minutes for the starters all add up for the Heat to get their first win. Miami has questions about front court depth and their lack of offseason moves, but this organization is one of the best in the league. They know they can\u2019t squander all of these home games to start the year before heading out west for a week. Miami gets their first win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mavs ML <\/p>\n\n\n\n