Jalen Brunson is out for the Knicks which means we’re going to see KAT as the focal point in New York’s offense.
Best Bet
New York Knicks @ Portland Trail Blazers (1:10pm)
Although KAT only averages 26.7 points per game without Brunson this season, we’re looking at a sample size of three games which includes last start against the Kings where he only played 28 minutes due to a blowout and foul trouble – he still scored 26 in this though.
Across the entirety of the season when Towns has played without Brunson on the floor, we see a huge points spike for the big man up 7 points per 36 minutes, which has him scoring 32.3 points per 36 minutes when Brunson is off.
Over the last month, Portland is the fifth easiest team for centres to score against at 12% above average. With Clingan being more of a rim protection big, watch KAT stretch the floor out for the Knicks and do his damage from deep.
SGM – Towns Over 26.5 Points / Hart 8+ Rebounds / Clingan 8+ Rebounds = $4.00
Next Best
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets (1:10pm)
We’ve seen a drop in Julius Randle’s points, but he’s doing plenty of other stuff out on the floor for the Timberwolves – similar to what we saw from him at New York.
Randle has pushed a triple-double in the last three games, and against this Denver Nuggets outfit there’s every chance we see him record his first at Minnesota.
Since returning from injury, Randle averages an RA of 15.4 in five games averaging just 32 minutes over this stretch. With the Nuggets conceding rebounds to power forwards 10% above average and assists at 13%, this is a friendly match-up and a great opportunity for Randle.
SGM – Edwards 25+ Points / Jokic Under 27.5 Points / Randle Over 12.5 RA = $5.25
Value Bet
LA Clippers @ Miami Heat (11:10am)
Understand the Clippers enter this off no rest after a disappointing loss to the Pelicans, but they have a huge opportunity to bounce back against the Heat.
Miami have lost their last four games, including the last three at home, which has included some real bad losses – a Bulls team that trailed by 11 points at ¾, and Charlotte who had won one game from their last 10 entering that contest.
Kawhi is doubtful for the Clippers, but they did beat the Pistons without him recently with Harden going for 50 – could lightning strike twice?
SGM – Clippers +2.5 / Herro 20+ Points/ Harden 25+ Points = $4.20
Thursday NBA Multi
Rockets / Knicks / Clippers +2.5
$4.70
