With Walker Kessler still sidelines for the Jazz, a former-Hawk has stepped up in his absence and should produce a nice game against the Spurs.
Best Bet
Utah Jazz @ San Antonio Spurs (12:00pm)
Collins was facing a tough season outlook of playing second fiddle to Kessler, as Utah are less worried about winning games and more about seeing what pieces they can keep and build around as they rebuild. He has made the most of the opportunity presented by Kessler being unavailable.
Collins has got the starting spot the last 6 games in a row, averaging 19.8PPG. He has cleared this line 4/6 with the other two just missing. He has shot 50/40/100% over that period, and he is clearly a focal point for Utah’s struggling offence.
Facing San Antonio in this one we are buoyed by the fact that DPOY favourite Victor Wembanyama will miss this game and J.C will only have to contend with Zach Collins (no relation). Zach is no slouch defensively but has a knee tendinitis issue himself, which could leave our Collins against a third string Centre. I love this line.
SGM – Collins Over 15.5 Points/ Paul 8+ Assists/ Champagnie 10+ Points = $3.50
Next Best
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Toronto Raptors (11:30am)
This bloke is in some form! With Pts + Reb totals of 45, 47 and 43 over his last three games it’s hard to ignore.
Poeltl is averaging 19 FG Attempts over this short period and he is making 70% of those. The Raptors are still riddled with injury and Scottie Barnes is still questionable at best for this one. Over his last ten games he has averaged 18.8 Points and 11.5 Rebounds.
The Raptors are in a similar boat to Utah, where winning games is not necessarily a priority right now. They are 0 – 8 on the road, but to their credit they have been competitive at home with a 3-4 record. I don’t expect them to challenge Minnesota here but if they can push this to a full game, Poeltl will play enough minutes to clear.
SGM – Poeltl 15+ Points/Edwards 25+ Points/Timberwolves Win = $3.50
Value Bet
Orlando Magic @ Los Angeles Lakers (2:30pm)
With all eyes on L.A’s other rookie to start the season some might have missed Dalton Knecht, that was until last game. This year’s Pick 17 went off, drilling 9/12 three pointers and finishing with a career high 37 in 38 minutes.
Granted he was flamethrower hot finishing with 75%FG, I don’t expect him to do that night in, night out. If Rui Hachimura misses again due to an ankle injury, Knecht will keep his starting minutes and his green light to shoot. Over his last four his averaging 24.2 PPG and a staggering 5.25 made threes.
Orlando will definitely have him on their scouting report but with Anthony Davis, Lebron James and Austin Reeves to worry about he should still find plenty of opportunity. He is full of confidence right now and this is a great price for him considering he has cleared this number by 7 and 17 in his last two starts.
SGM – Lakers Win / Knecht 15+ / Davis Over 2.5 Assists = $3.50
Friday NBA Multi
Timberwolves / Lakers / Spurs
$3.13