LeBron James’ departure from the Eastern Conference has opened up that conference more than anyone thought it would. Boston was seen as the favorite to win, but Milwaukee, Toronto, and Philadelphia are the three top teams in the East and all three teams like their chances of winning a conference title for the first time in two decades. The Bucks and Sixers will meet in the game of the day, and the mess that is the Southeast Division will look to continue sorting itself out.
NBA Opening Lines at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks (LAL -4.5, O/U 219)
It’s been a while since this rivalry has meant anything. Two of the league’s most valuable franchises have been stuck in the doldrums for the better part of the last decade, and even LeBron James has been unable to get the Lakers out of their funk. James and the Lakers are favored today, and the total of this game could move upwards as he will likely play more and put on more of a show in one of Los Angeles’ last marquee games of the year.
Charlotte Hornets at Miami Heat (MIA -4, O/U 214)
It’s looking increasingly likely that every team in the Southeast will finish under .500 this year. Miami is currently in first place in the division with a 32-36 record, but Charlotte is just a game back. The Hornets are 10-4 against division opponents this year, and with Miami just 16-20 at home this season, many will like Charlotte in this spot.
Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks (MIL -6.5, O/U 231)
Malcolm Brogdon’s injury is going to hurt the Bucks. Brogdon suffered a minor plantar fascia tear in his right foot in Miami on Friday night, and he will be out for the next six to eight weeks. He is an efficient scorer, but his real value is as a defender. Brogdon is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. With its best defender sidelined for the rest of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs, Milwaukee becomes easier to score on and a little more beatable.
Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons (No Line)
There is no line yet for this game as a number of Toronto’s best players are considered game time decisions. Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, and Fred VanVleet are all listed as questionable to play due to minor injuries, and their presence or absence will affect the line by a few points.
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (ORL -7.5, O/U 226)
This is a tough spot for Atlanta. The Hawks were in Boston yesterday, playing the Celtics in a noon tilt, and they had to fly south about 1000 miles right afterwards to get ready for this game. Even with the early start, fatigue and jet lag is likely to play a factor, and Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce might decide to rest some of his guys since Atlanta has no chance of making the playoffs anyway.
Chicago Bulls at Sacramento Kings (SAC -6.5, O/U 232.5)
If Sacramento was in the Eastern Conference, there’s little doubt the Kings would make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they are in the loaded West, and will be missing out on the postseason unless they make an incredible run over their last 14 games. Sacramento has been one of the most fun teams to watch, and the Kings play at a very fast tempo. Chicago is wont to match the pace, so look for the total to move upward closer to tip.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets (No Line)
This line has a lot of room to maneuver, so books are being cautious. Minnesota has said that Robert Covington, Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague, and Luol Deng are all game time decisions today, and their status will affect the line a little bit. The big shift would be with Houston though. James Harden is considered a game time decision because of a neck injury, and not having one of the contenders for the MVP award will certainly move the number.
Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Clippers (LAC -6, O/U 231)
The Nets are a tough team that has done a good job of keeping games close, but this is a tough spot. They played a physical Utah team last night, and now they have to face one of the most well-coached teams in the NBA. This line could creep upwards too.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go.
Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
