handicapping tips
The NBA schedule is beginning to take its toll on teams as the league inches toward the All-Star break this weekend. While the league has done a good job spacing out it action, teams do find themselves in tight situations playing back-to-back outings.
For situational sports bettors, these matchups on zero rest can be a goldmine when betting on the NBA odds. We look at the best and worst handicapping tips in the NBA in the second game of back-to-back contests.
Oklahoma City Thunder (5-3 SU, 8-0 ATS)
It would seem that the Thunder have infinite energy when it comes to these games on a quick turnaround, posting a perfect record against the NBA pointspreads when taking the court of the second night in a row. On the season, Oklahoma City holds it own against the spread (35-19 ATS) so this may come to no surprise.
The Thunder have a solid balance on both ends of the court, most notably ranking 10th in points allowed per game. Oklahoma City’s offense has plenty of depth as well, with five players scoring 11 points or more contest and a bench averaging over 39 points per game – about 36% of OKC’s total offensive production. Bettors won’t have to wait too long to jump on the Thunder’s most profitable position, with the next back-to-back situation set for March 4 at Detroit.
Atlanta Hawks (1-9 SU, 2-8 ATS)
The Hawks should shock anyone for showing up as one of the worst bets without rest, especially after posting a 15-40 SU regardless of what the schedule has thrown at them. Atlanta, which is 25-29-1 ATS on the season, is one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, allowing almost 119 points against a night.
The offense doesn’t have the firepower to overcome those defense issues most nights, let alone when they’re sneakers feel like their filled with cement on the second game of back-to-backs. The Hawks recently fell victim to this spot, falling 135-126 to Orlando on Feb. 10 a day removed from a 140-135 overtime victory against New York. Those fading the Hawks in these same spots will need to mark March 26 at Sacramento in their calendars.
Los Angeles Lakers (7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS)
The Lakers have fought their way to the top of the Pacific Division with a 40-12 SU record, going 27-24-1 against the NBA odds in those games. However, unlike most starred-studded teams, LA’s big guns LeBron James and Anthony Davis, aren’t buying into the load management scheme in those tight turnaround spots.
Los Angeles is undefeated when playing on zero rest and have just one mistake against the spread in those rare situations. The Lakers are one of the most balanced teams in the NBA, ranked seventh in scoring and sixth in defense, which means they have options when the legs start to feel heavier. Bettors will need to wait a while for LA’s next back-to-back situation, with the next coming on March 16 at Utah.
–
