IT’S a quiet day in the NBA but that doesn’t mean there’s no value to be found for punters.
Let’s take a look at what stands out on today’s slate;
Toronto Raptors @ Oklahoma City Thunder
The Toronto Raptors look to keep their six-game win streak going as they take on the Thunder in Oklahoma.
The Raptors have really turned things up and look to be clicking as a unit. Over their last fortnight they have been a top ten side on both ends of the floor and have been everything we have come to expect from a Nick Nurse coached side.
The length and versatility of this side is what impresses most and has given opponents the most trouble. They create the third most turnovers in the league but more importantly do a good job of converting these opportunities scoring 18.5 points off opponent turnovers per game. Couple this with their relentless efforts grabbing offensive rebounds and pressuring their opponents through second chance points (16.2 points per game) its easy to see why the Raptors are a clear threat in the East.
Pascal Siakam has been a huge part of their recent form and running him at the center position unlocks this team and makes them a big mismatch against sides without traditional centers. Averaging career highs in rebounds and assists this season he has been find production for teammates by making the extra pass and clean the glass at both ends of the floor.
The Thunder come into this one with only three wins in their last ten outings. Oklahoma City have continued to trend in their rebuilding direction and will be without a host of their regular starters, most notably Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Their already thin rotations and roster depth will be challenged against a side that is relentless and provides a host of mismatches in this outing.
OKC rank third last in the league in opponent offensive rebounds allowed which is currently converting to nearly 14 second chance points allowed. This is important because even though OKC trend as a good defensive team (second over the past fortnight) allowing opponents to create second chance opportunities is going to make things very difficult against a side that does it as well as Toronto.
Their last three games against opponents that pressure the offensive glass in a similar manor to the Raptors, OKC has lost by 12,30 and 18 points respectively.
Simply put this matchup would have been a difficult task at full strength, but with the key missing players that the Thunder have to deal with will be too much. This line is very high and it’s a lot of points to buy but this is absolutely the matchup to do such a thing and I expect the Raptors to keep things rolling through this road trip.
Our best bet: Toronto Raptors -10.0 $1.90 at PlayUp
