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What surprised NFL execs about the draft s 14-pick offensive flurry and what didn t
The NBA play-in tournament is finally here and begins with two intriguing Western Conference matchups Tuesday night. The New Orleans Pelicans host the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by the Golden State Warriors facing the Sacramento Kings on the road in a rematch of their epic first-round series from last season. I'll be watching both games closely, and I have a few betting recommendations for the games.
Trey Murphy III over 18.5 points, rebounds and assists (-130). Murphy has cleared this line in nine of his past 10 games, averaging 12.1 field goal attempts, 10.2 rebound chances and 5.0 potential assists per game over that span. He's in a good spot against a Lakers team that ranks 23rd in points allowed, 18th in rebounds allowed and 25th in assists allowed per game. The host Pelicans will be looking for redemption following Sunday's disappointing performance against the Lakers on their home court.
LeBron James over 44.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-115). It is no secret that James is getting older, and he will not be taking any postseason games lightly. Anthony Davis is banged up, and the Pelicans will be motivated. James could be tasked with carrying the load for the Lakers against New Orleans. He has exceeded this line in three of his past five games.
Draymond Green over 21.5 points, rebounds and assists (-125). Green has eclipsed this line in two consecutive games. After defeating the Kings 4-3 in the first round of last year's playoffs, the Warriors definitely have the psychological edge over the Kings. Green has averaged 9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG and 7.4 APG in 16 regular-season and playoff games against the Kings. Sacramento ranks 26th in points and 28th in assists allowed per game to power forwards.
Projections and Injury ReportsBasketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com.
Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans NBA Play-In - West - 7th Place vs 8th Place 7:30 p.m. Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
Records (Against the Spread) Lakers: 47-35 (38-44-0) Pelicans: 49-33 (43-38-1)
Line: Pelicans (-1.5) Total: 224.5 Money Line: Lakers (+100), Pelicans (-120) BPI Projection: Pelicans by 2.4, straight up 58%, 222.2 total points.
Injury Report: Lakers: Anthony Davis, (GTD - Back); LeBron James, (GTD - Ankle); Christian Wood, (OUT - Knee); Jarred Vanderbilt, (OUT - Foot); Jalen Hood-Schifino, (OUT - Back) Pelicans: None reported
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings NBA Play-In - West - 9th Place vs 10th Place 10 p.m. Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
Records (Against the Spread) Warriors: 46-36 (42-38-2) Kings: 46-36 (43-38-1)
Line: Warriors (-2.5) Total: 223.5 Money Line: Warriors (-140), Kings (+120) BPI Projection: Kings by 0.1, straight up 50%, 215.3 total points.
Injury Report: Warriors: None reported Kings: Malik Monk, (OUT - Knee); Kevin Huerter, (OUT - Shoulder)
