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With so many postponements around the league, you have to wait till closer to tip-off to get an accurate picture of upcoming games, but worst case scenario, MonkeyKnifeFight.com automatically cancels any contest that a player doesn't play in. So far, there IS NOT a complete list of games up on their site for right now, but that is likely to change closer to game time.
Joel Embiid joined a group of superstars that's flourished from the lack of players during this already obscure season, so if you pay attention to lineups and who is available, the lines are going to draw themselves. You can find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter with any questions.
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DAL @ CHA
Luka Doncic (DAL) MORE 29.5 Points - Gordon Hayward (CHA) MORE 21.5 Points
Over the past week, only five players have averaged over 30-points per game. Luka Doncic is on that cusp and facing the rejuvenated Charlotte Hornets. In the previous five games, the Hornets have been one of the sixth slowest paced teams, very similar to the Mavericks. The only problem here, Charlotte doesn't have a defensive playmaker to keep up with the ability of Doncic.
However, they do have Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball to power the offense to try and keep up. Both of these teams are on pace for a low scoring game, but something about how each team is playing and their current rotations says otherwise.
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MIL @ DET
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) LESS 26.5 Points - Jerami Grant (DET) MORE 21.5 Points
Before we count on a blowout, we need to address the Pistons team as a whole. They are among the worst in multiple scoring categories, but recently they have not been playing like the league's worst team. They have been valuing possessions and despite losing, they can keep games fairly close. Jerami Grant is going to keep posting huge games, but the Bucks have so many weapons, Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't need to score 25-points every game like he used to.
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BKN @ NYK
Kevin Durant (BKN) LESS 30.5 Points - Julius Randle (NYK) LESS 24.5
Kevin Durant just carried the Brooklyn Nets to a win Tuesday night versus the Nuggets and if anyone can repeat a 30-plus point performances, it's him. The Nuggets defense is nothing to be amazed by and the Knicks should be much tougher, but recently the Knicks haven't been shooting well, resulting in games pretty much over by the third quarter.
Julius Randle has looked ultimately defeated after his efforts and his last game was a sign of clear disgruntlement with the current Knicks situation. Regardless, the over for this game is relying on a fatigued Nets team playing down to the level of the cross-city counterparts.
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LAL @ OKC
Anthony Davis (LAL) MORE 25.5 Points - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) MORE 21.5
Anthony Davis is always primed to have a big night and when he is playing on the second night of a back-to-back, it's hard to determine exactly what type of scoring effort you are going to get. The Thunder frontcourt is severely lacking talent and running up against Al Horford means Davis has upside. As always, he will need to hit his shots, but seeing how easy it was for the Spurs to penetrate and get to the rim, it'll be impossible for San Antonio to stop both Davis and LeBron James.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming into his own now that he is the lone point guard other than veteran George Hill. He is the main facilitator and now that his role has been established and cemented, his stat line is coming into his own as well. This means that you can basically count on him for 20-points a night, the problem is when the over/under is 21-points. If he has to do more to carry the Thunder Wednesday, which should be the case, 22-points is more than doable.
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POR @ SAC
Damian Lillard (POR) MORE 27.5 Points - De'Aaron Fox (SAC) MORE 21.5
Damian Lillard has been struggling, but anyone watching can see an eruption brewing. Lillard has been attempting to draw fouls, most that go uncalled, but that hasn't stopped his overall aggression. Since C.J. McCollum is playing so well, there is no need for Lillard to try and take over and steal the momentum that McCollum is creating. A big game is coming and the Kings defense has been known to give up points to superstars so there is upside this game.
The Kings aren't nearly as bad now that De'Aaron Fox seems to be full strength, but the team's success relies on how much freedom he has to dribble and operate. If he can get 20 shots up against Portland, he's going to score more than 22 points.
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NOP @ LAC
Kawhi Leonard (LAC) MORE 25.5 Points - Brandon Ingram (NOP) MORE 23.5
Even with the Pelicans defense playing well, it will just force the issue onto Paul George and Kawhi Leonard even more. With Leonard averaging 26-points over the last week and scoring 35-points last game, it's easy to see why his production would worsen. That being said, Leonard is known for stringing together huge games and arguably he's built a personality around his weirdly consistent behavior.
For the Clippers defense and facing Brandon Ingram, it's a slightly different story. You can't ignore the beast we just mentioned that will be one part of the two-headed monster that Ingram will be dealing with. With his new found role in the Pelicans offense this season, 24-points isn't unreasonable, although he'll need to have a decent game against a tough opponent.
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