Wednesday Night Basketball - Extra

By Divol

Los Angeles Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers

7th January 03:35 GMT
ESPN (03:30-06:00)

I don't get the line here to be honest. Gasol is out, but teams met this season already with Gasol injured and the line was 11.5 points. I mean the only difference is whose season tickets holders can enter for free, so can't understand the 6.5 points gone here.

Lakers are much better the last two games. Good defense, focused as I haven't seen them so far this season.
Clippers struggle against motivated teams. They are a decent team with good roster, but still, Lakers own this team, winning all the last 9 games, all but one higher than the line for today. All four last games that Clippers hosted against the Lakers, they lost by double digits 95 points margin combined.



Pick: Lakers -5, 1.91 – 3.5 units play - Boylesports


Utah Jazz v Memphis Grizzlies



7th January 02:05 GMT

Once again, Utah won all 10 last games between the clubs, winning all last 8 ATS as well. On top of that, the last time teams met, Memphis came to Utah after a win in Portland as well (with Clippers in the middle) and got their ass kicked.

Utah off two home losses and I had to go all the way to 04-05 season to see when it happened last. I mean they did lose three in a row at home, but never one after the other (they lost two, then won on the road and then lost at home again).

Memphis have one of the best frontcourts in the league, but Utah has it as well. But, back court has huge advantage to the Jazz, since Williams will play today (as far as I know).

110 – 91 seems about right for me here.



Pick: Utah -5, 1.91 – 3.5 units play - Bet365


San Antonio Spurs v Detroit Pistons



7th January 01:35 GMT

I believe Pistons will win today. They are a good team and good teams usually find the game to put their A effort. I think that playing the Spurs, where they usually give Spurs a tough time, including last season's win, in a season that was Pistons weakest in years, should do good for them.

Spurs are a bit sick and should cool a bit after ripping the league for a week or so. Before the loss to Toronto, Spurs were with 8 wins in last 9 games, covering 7 of the 8 wins. Spurs aren't that favourites and Pop doesn't want them to be. It was a quick reminder in case anyone forgot what a quality team Spurs after all and now I wouldn't be surprised to see them slow down.

Pop has Dallas and Lakers on deck in the next 6 days. I think NJ and Detroit can easily be a look ahead for him.



Pick: Pistons +10, 1.93 – 3 units play - 10Bet


Orlando Magic v Toronto Raptors



7th January 00:05 GMT

Toronto get Orlando after B2B, while they got a rest themselves. Hedo and Jose should be back and playing and it's the last and the best chance for the Raptors for a win. Raptors are in decent form, while Orlando are in a slump.

Raptors won in Orlando before, so they aren't afraid of the home court and Hedo knows it better than many players even in Orlando. Just a feeling that Raptors won't blow this chance for the W.



Picks:

Raptors +7.5, 1.91 – 2 units play - Bet365

Raptors to win – 3.7 odds – 0.75 unit - Bet365