Filip Tomic
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MLK Day promises to be a good one in the NBA as we have a total of 12 games, starting early at 12:30pm ET. I’m focusing on the 2nd game of the NBA TV doubleheader between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers tipping off at 10pm ET.
Continue reading below to see my same game parlay, but also check our predictions on the side and total for the rest of Monday’s 12 games.
Let’s dive in!
Los Angeles Lakers ML (+172)
Malik Monk to score 20+ points (+132)
Russell Westbrook to record 10+ assists (+230)
Parlay odds: +1316
Los Angeles Lakers ML (+172)
The Lakers need a win badly. They’ve dropped 3 in a row, which has prompted LeBron James to tweet out an apology to the Lakers fans promising they will turn things around soon. Usually, when LeBron promises something he tends to deliver, and why not start tonight against the Jazz? Utah played at Denver last night, so they could be fatigued. The Lakers have an edge over them in the past 10 meetings, winning 6 and covering 7 times. LA has won 12 of their last 18 games played in January as well, and at home they are 14-11 this season, so they aren’t without a chance.
If LeBron delivers a big performance they’re more than capable of knocking off a Jazz team that has lost 4 of its last 5 games. The Lakers have beaten Utah in 5 of the last 7 meetings.
Malik Monk to score 20+ points (+132)
Without a big-time performance from Monk, the Lakers won’t stand a chance. He has averaged 18.6 points per game over his last 10 while shooting 52% from the field and almost 50% from 3-point land, while also making 91% of his free throws. In 6 January games, he has scored 20 or more points 4 times, and if it wasn’t for the 2 bad games against Memphis and Denver his average would be much higher. With AD and Carmelo Anthony out, Monk’s role will be increased once again so I expect him to have a decent number of attempts. Just 2 games ago he dropped 6 threes on the Sacramento Kings, and he could have a similar game against Utah.
Russell Westbrook to record 10+ assists (+230)
As good as Monk has been when it comes to efficiency, Russell Westbrook has been the complete opposite since the new year started. He’s shooting just 32% from the field and 7% (yes, SEVEN percent) from 3-point land. His assist numbers are also down, which explains the massive odds on this bet, but I’m not discouraged at all. Despite all the struggles, he hasn’t forgotten how to play the point-guard role. Just 3 games ago he had 13 assists in a win over Atlanta and tonight against the Jazz the Lakers will depend on him heavily.
Rudy Gobert will be clogging the paint, so the outside shooters for LA will be far more active prompting Russ to get everyone involved. In his last 2 games against Utah, he has had 14 and 13 assists while posting a triple-double in both of those games.
After cashing 2 of our last 3, check out our NBA Monday mega parlay (+1031 odds!)
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