NBA Betting Preview: Day 8
Last updated: Oct 24, 2018, 6:41AM | Published: Oct 24, 2018, 4:44AM
Day 7 of the NBA season is now in the books, and it was oh-so-close to a perfect day for the NBA Betting Preview. New Orleans and the Clippers went Under with ease, Denver blew out the Kings but unfortunately, a Blake Griffin 50-point barrage cost us the Sixers win by a point.
The important thing though is that our season predictions are now in the profit, standing at 7-6 for the season. Day 8 sees a 9-game slate on the cards, with plenty of action to choose from. We'll be focusing on Dallas' visit to Atlanta, the Knicks trip to South Beach, and Charlotte's road game in the Windy City.
Dallas @ Atlanta
This one is all about the battle between young rookie stars Luka Dončić and Trae Young, who will go head-to-head for the first time. The pair were traded for one another on Draft Night, and both have impressed straight out of the gate this season.
These two players' fates will be intertwined for a long time because of that fateful trade, and the beginning of their rivalry officially tips off here.
Key Stats and Trends: Dallas' offense is always fierce under coaching guru Rick Carlisle, but they've been even more impressive than usual. Ranked 3rd - posting 117.2 points per 100 possessions - the question for them is defense (ranked 28th). If DeAndre Jordan can dominate the paint on both ends, it'll go a long way for the Mavericks here.
Dallas have started the season 2-1 ATS while the Hawks sit at 1-2, and the Hawks are ranked top 10 in pace while the Mavs are bottom 10. Whoever controls the flow of the game wins, but I think it'll be Dončić and the Mavs.
Key Play: Mavericks -1.5
New York @ Miami
Two of the NBA's bigger markets meet with both looking for their second win of the season, as the Knicks take on the Heat in South Beach. A Kristaps Porzingis-less New York is struggling without their star man, while the Heat are grinding away as they always do under long-time head coach, Erik Spoelstra.
Neither team has an explosive offense but are built upon a sturdy and stingy defensive system, which should keep the contest close.
Key Stats and Trends: the Knicks are 4-0 ATS to start the season and are turning all of their games into battles for their opponents, whilst the Heat are 1-2 ATS.
The 8.5 point line on offer is too tempting to pass up, and the Knicks should take advantage.
Key Play: Knicks +8.5
Charlotte @ Chicago
The Hornets head to Chicago to take on the Bulls, as Kemba Walker looks to continue his hot start to the season. Zach LaVine has also started the season on fire, scoring efficiently as the Bulls' number one offensive option.
What will be a determining factor for the Bulls as home underdogs, is whether they can defend. There's no question they can put up points, but they're already a bottom 5 defense with little signs of improvement on the roster.
Key Stats and Trends: Charlotte are 12th in both Offensive and Defensive Rating so far, and are a tough, disciplined unit. Chicago are more unpredictable, with a young group capable of scoring but leaking points defensively.
The Hornets are 3-1 ATS to start the season, the Bulls are 1-2 ATS. Charlotte let us down on the road against the Raptors, but look for them to bounce back here.
Key Play: Hornets -3
Season Record: 7-6
