All teams have a game under their belt now as we enter Saturday’s 10-game slate. Can the 76ers bounce back from their loss to the Bucks, while who will step up for New Orleans in Dejounte’s absence?
Best Bet
New Orleans Pelicans @ Portland Trail Blazers (1:10pm)
Last season Brandon Ingram benefited the most with Jonas Valanciunas off the floor, even on-court with CJ at point and Zion. Ingram’s usage increased 4% per 36 minutes with his scoring also up 4.6 points per 36 minutes landing him at 27.4 points per 36.
When all four players were on the floor together last season, Ingram incredibly only averaged 17.2 points per 36 minutes – which is probably one of the reasons why New Orleans traded the big JV out to the dumpster fire in Washington. The ball sticks with JV a bit, which makes team dynamics difficult when the ball also sticks with Ingram and CJ.
Ingram’s 33 points in 32 minutes against the Bulls with a sky-high usage suggests this line of 19.5 points is way too low – the Pelicans should smoke the dysfunctional Trail Blazers even without Dejounte Murray, and it’s worth taking BI for 25+ at $3.50 and 30+ at $7.75.
SGM – Pelicans / Ingram 20+ Points / Hawkins 2+ 3PM = $4.00
Next Best
Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks (11:10am)
No adjustment to Coby White’s line despite what we saw in Chicago’s opening game is interesting. Zach LaVine is back for Chicago who consumed majority of the Bulls usage against the Pelicans, while it looks like they’re happy to run more offense through Josh Giddey as well.
Last season White averaged 20.7 points per game without LaVine including a usage bump – in 25 games with LaVine, White only averaged 15.9 points per game.
Although we have to factor DeRozan being out in all this, DeMar still played a lot off the ball. Now it’s Coby that will be doing that in this guard heavy Bulls system.
SGM – White Under 18.5 Points / Giannis 12+ Rebounds / Teent Jr 2+ 3PM = $5.00
Value Bet
Philadelphia 76ers @ Toronto Raptors (10:10am)
With RJ Barrett still out and now joined by breakout candidate Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors might be the worst team in the NBA – or a close second to Washington.
Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown also remain out for the Raptors, which means Davion Mitchell, Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji will start.
The 76ers will be without Embiid and PG again, but they’ve still got enough pieces against opponents like this. Lowry will enjoy retuning back to Toronto after a strong opening game, Drummond will be better for the run and should feast on this Toronto front-court, while Maxey was quiet against the Bucks so don’t be surprised to see him light up here.
SGM – 76ers -4.5 / Yabusele Over 7.5 Points / Drummond 14+ Rebounds = $5.00
Saturday NBA Multi
Hawks / 76ers / Pelicans / Magic
$3.50
