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There is a massive NBA slate on tonight with 22 teams in action. The pick of tonight’s games will likely be the second leg of the ESPN doubleheader, as the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Los Angeles Lakers. With the visitors still firmly in the hunt for the top spot in the East, both sides should not lack motivation. Check out our +955 odds same game parlay for the 76ers and Lakers here.
Do not forget to check out our full game previews here. But now let’s check out my player picks below.
James Harden over 23.5 points (-104)
James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers has torched the Los Angeles Lakers in both of his meetings against them this season, with totals of 33 and 36 points, and tonight he looks set to hurt them once more. Over the last 10 games the Lakers are just 27th in defensive rating and 7th in pace of play. That should ensure plenty of made field goals for the visitors. The backcourt pair of Russell Westbrook and Austin Reaves should struggle to cope with Harden’s ability to attack off the dribble and finish through contact. Back him to have another big game as a result.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Lakers.
Rudy Gobert over 12.5 points (-112)
The last time Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz went up against the Boston Celtics he enjoyed plenty of success. Gobert ended up scoring 18 points that night and could be in line for a similar performance tonight. The Celtics have the best defensive rating in the NBA and do a great job of forcing misses from their opponents. That should actually favor Gobert, as he is the league leader among players in second-chance points per game. The more shots his teammates miss, the more chances he get to clean up on the inside. With Robert Williams III listed as probable for the Celtics, there is a chance he will enjoy an even bigger size advantage with Al Horford picking him up. Having hit this line in 5 of his last 6, this looks like a good bet to make.
Jakob Poeltl over 9.5 rebounds (+108)
Over the last 10 games the Portland Trail Blazers are 26th in the league in opponent rebounds per game. I expect Jakob Poeltl to be grabbing most of these tonight. The Austrian center will likely spend the most of his night matched up against Drew Eubanks, a former teammate of his this season. Eubanks gives up a size advantage to the Spurs man, which could prove decisive. The Trail Blazers center is also not someone who stretches the floor, having not made a 3-pointer in the 12 games since joining his new team. With 10 or more rebounds in 4 of his last 6 games, back Poeltl to get it done with a favorable matchup.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers.
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