Line Movement Update
As of 12:30 p.m. ET we’ve got plenty of movement on the NBA lines in DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s seven-game slate. Here are a few notable changes:
— The Magic are now favored at -1 after being home underdogs at +3 to open. This is likely with the idea that Joel Embiid may sit out and Ben Simmons just coming back from injury. Plus Philly is on the second of a B2B.
— The Clippers-Rockets O/U has moved from 230.5 points to 233.5 points, so the public is expecting a shootout. It could have something to do with Paul George’s potential return, but also the amount of star power.
— With the anticipation of Anthony Davis sitting out, the Warriors-Lakers spread has moved down significantly. LA is now favored by only 8.5 points after opening at 12-point favorites. I think this bodes well for LeBron James’ stock in fantasy, FWIW. The O/U for LA-GS has also dropped as a result from 224.5 to 220.5. Though, I still think this game could be high scoring.
Editor’s Note: Anthony Davis (ribs, shoulder) has been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Warriors, per Chris B. Haynes.
We’ve got a bit of a light slate on tap for Wednesday given we’re used to more games. But we’ll have to make due with a seven-game slate, granted it could include the return of Paul George.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday that PG-13 is aiming to return from offseason shoulder surgery and make his Clippers (7-3) debut either tonight vs. Houston (7-3) or Thursday against the Pelicans. His return would have huge betting implications for this game, so keep an eye on DraftKings Sportsbook and DK Nation for more updates.
Outside of that, we’ve got three teams on the second night of a back-to-back with the Sixers (6-3), Lakers (7-2) and Trail Blazers (4-6) all in action. It’s worth monitoring Anthony Davis (shoulder), who played Tuesday but could be in line for “load management” tonight.
Speaking of load managing, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are both worth keeping an eye on as the Sixers take on the Magic (3-7) in Orlando. Simmons was able to return from a shoulder injury Tuesday vs. the Cavs. Coach Brett Brown said during pre-game Tuesday that Embiid may be a candidate to sit out tonight in Orlando. If that’s the case, Al Horford would make his return after resting and be in line for big minutes.
Other games worth a look are the Celtics (8-1), who are looking to defend their league-best record against the Wizards (2-6) at home. Boston will be without Gordon Hayward, who is set to miss six weeks due to hand surgery. This should mean more usage for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum will look to bounce back after shooting 1-of-18 from the field vs. the Mavericks, while Brown shined with a 25-11 double-double against Dallas.
Below are point spreads and the over/under for each of the seven games on schedule for tonight:
76ers @ Magic (-1, 204.5), 7:00 p.m.
Grizzlies @ Hornets (-2.5, 221), 7:00 p.m.
Wizards @ Celtics (-8.5, 229.5), 7:30 p.m.
Clippers @ Rockets (-2, 233.5), 7:30 p.m.
Spurs @ Timberwolves (-1.5, 227), 8:00 p.m.
Warriors @ Lakers (-8.5, 220.5), 10:00 p.m.
Raptors @ Trail Blazers (-2.5, 218), 10:00 p.m.
Note: Bets and DFS players will lock at those specific game times. Lines updated as of 12:35 p.m. ET.
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