Christmas Day and eight games later, the NBA is back off and running for the final full week of the year as 14 teams are in action this evening. While things are just as uncertain as they were over the weekend as far as who’s in and who’s out with COVID protocols, the value remains for those willing to dig deep enough.
Let’s take a closer look.
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Leg #1. Bulls -6 | -110 at DK Sportsbook
A once-prominent home team, the Hawks come into this one having lost seven straight at home, including three of four overall. The last time we saw them on the court was Christmas Day, their worst offensive performance of the season, as they scored 87 points on the way to a 101-87 loss.
The absence of guard Trae Young continues to be felt in a big way, and now their second most productive player John Collins entered protocols on Sunday.
Look for an increasingly healthy Bulls team, who have won three straight while scoring no fewer than 113 in any of the wins, to run away with this one early.
Leg #2. Celtics -8.5| -110 at DK Sportsbook
I had the Celtics moneyline and with the points on Christmas Day and felt good about both until well into the fourth quarter. Taking a 12-point lead into the final quarter, the Celtics let the Bucks creep back into and ultimately win the game 117-113.
For the home Timberwolves, a four-game win streak has been met with back-to-back losses to Utah and Dallas as more players enter protocols. As of this morning, eight players are in COVID protocols including key contributors D’Angelo Russel, Anthony Edwards, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Look for the Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, to bounce back in this one.
Leg #3. Nets ML | -170 at DK Sportsbook
Despite being down as many players as anyone due to COVID protocols, the Nets have managed to put together one gritty win after another, winning five of their last six including on Christmas Day at the Lakers. They now bring their 12-3 record against the Clippers, having just played (122-115 win) here at the STAPLES Center on Saturday.
For the home Clippers, the absence of Paul George has sent them into a free fall, as they’ve now lost four of five with more COVID-related issues of their own lingering. With Reggie Jackson and likely Marcus Morris Sr. out again in this one, look for James Harden and Patty Mills to have their way.
Total Odds: +491 at DraftKings Sportsbook
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