Tonight’s games feature a ton of star power.
Tonight, the Western Conference Play-In Tournament gets underway. After a weekend of movement in the standings, I’m interested to see if two teams, in particular the Lakers and Pelicans, will tempt the basketball gods by trying to position themselves to avoid a potential matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are really good, but let’s not kid ourselves, any team in the play-in would rather face them over trying to contend with the defending champions.
Let’s assume the Warriors defeat the Kings, both the Lakers and Pelicans should like their chances against them. Sure, the threat of Curry going nuclear exists but both teams would be betting favorites in a home game against the Warriors. In a recent must win game between the Warriors and Pelicans, New Orleans proved to be too much for Golden State. If you’re Lebron, you know Golden State can’t contend with your physicality in a one game sample size. I’ve seen some Laker writers seriously entertain the idea of the Lakers tanking tonight’s game and I can’t say I blame them.
Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans, 7:30 P.M
- Pelicans -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under 224.5 (-110)
I’ll be honest, I just don’t trust the Pelicans. Point Zion should be a nightmare for the Lakers. The combination of Herb Jones and Trey Murphy should give the Lakers trouble on the wing. JV could make life miserable for Anthony Davis in the paint and force him to exert himself on the defensive end. And yet, I’m not buying what they’re selling. In a one game scenario, I’m riding with Lebron. I expect he’ll play downhill and force the Pelicans to defend him without fouling. The Pelicans are front runners and we’ve yet to see them overcome adversity when it counts.
PICK: Lakers Moneyline (+100)
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings, 10:00 PM
- Warriors -2.5 (-112)
- Over/Under 223.5 (-110)
Outside of residents in Sacramento, does anyone want the Kings to advance? I don’t. You don’t. Adam Silver doesn’t. My basketball analysis boils down to …. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ . Playoff basketball is about moments and no one is greater at creating moments that Steph Curry. Sorry Kings fans, the basketball collective is rooting against you tonight.
PICK: Warriors -2.5 (-110)