Ricky Dimon
Show Bio
The NBA is back and the association is wasting no time packing the schedule as we come down the home stretch of the regular season. That’s right; don’t confuse the all-star break with being the halfway point. It’s already crunch time. We are in the midst of a stretch of 5 consecutive days with at least 7 games on the slate. Friday’s festivities include a doubleheader on ESPN starting with the Heat visiting the Knicks before the Lakers and Clippers square off in an all-LA showdown.
Let’s take a look at today’s three-team mega parlay.
Suns -9.5 alternate spread (+120)
Mavericks ML (+195)
Lakers ML (-110)
Parlay odds: +1160
For this parlay, we are going with two favorites– one on the money line and one against an alternate spread – and one underdog straight up. Let’s break down each of the three legs one by one.
Phoenix Suns -9.5 alternate spread over New Orleans Pelicans (+120)
The Pelicans were just 1-4 in their last five games heading into the break. Right now they are tied with San Antonio, 1.5 games back of Portland for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. Zion Williamson does not appear to be getting any healthier, and the time off only seemed to add question marks about the state of this New Orleans franchise as a whole. Things may get worse before they get better, even with the addition of C.J. McCollum. A road date with Phoenix on Friday almost certainly won’t help matters.
The Suns picked up right where they left off prior to the hiatus, hammering Oklahoma City 124-104 on the road on Thursday. This spread (-7.5) is low because Chris Paul is sidelined by a thumb injury, but Phoenix inserted Cam Johnson into the starting lineup and barely missed a beat. Don’t be surprised if another double-digit victory is in store.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns
Dallas Mavericks ML over Utah Jazz (+195)
The Jazz are a decent 36-22, but there are some issues in Utah. This team has clearly been surpassed by Phoenix, Golden State, and Memphis in 2021-22 and could even fall to the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference—which would mean going on the road to begin the playoffs. That will become even more of a possibility if the Jazz lose to the Maverick on Friday, so the pressure is on. Joe Ingles is gone, Rudy Gay (knee) is out, and there are reportedly some chemistry problems between Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell (what’s new?!). Dallas has won six of its last seven contests, with only a 2-point loss to the Clippers during this stretch. An upset for Luka Doncic and company is well within reason.
Check out all our NBA previews and picks for Friday
Los Angeles Lakers ML over Los Angeles Clippers (-110)
The Lakers are 0-2 in the head-to-head series, but the most recent meeting earlier this month definitely could have gone either way. Three different Clippers scored at least 20 points en route to a 111-110 victory. All eyes right now are on the Lakers, who need to make a post-ASG run if they want to make the playoffs—or better yet make them without having to battle through a play-in tournament. Anthony Davis is out, but LeBron James is on a roll and a well-rested LeBron is a dangerous LeBron. Following a week off, he should come out like gangbusters and begin the stretch run with a bang. The Clippers are a bit banged up, too, so look for the Lakers to get the job done.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers
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