NBA Games Recap Analysis: Point Spread Drama On First Night Back

Busy 9-Game Slate as NBA Returns

Profitable Night for Home Teams

The NBA returned from its mid-season break with a big nine-game slate that saw home teams go 7-2 straight up and 6-3 against-the-spread (ATS). Let’s take a look at our NBA Games Recap Analysis and see what went down around the league.

The Denver Nuggets were one of the few road winners as they stole a 115-109 win in Cleveland over the Cavaliers. The Nuggets remain the top team in the West’s NBA standings and continue to add impressive wins to their resume as they took care of business as 3.0-point underdogs.

The Cavs have been one of the most reliable home teams in the NBA this season, but the Nuggets again held poise in the clutch as they closed out the game on a 14-4 run over the final 5:30 of play. Denver is now 9-5 (64.3%) ATS as underdogs on the season.

The Philadelphia 76ers avoided being another home loser in non-conference action as they rallied from 17 points down to secure a 110-105 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Sixers closed as 4.0-point favorites and somehow managed to cover the spread despite only taking the lead in the final 39 seconds. Philadelphia closed the game on a 10-1 run to improve to a league-best 21-10-1 (67.7%) record ATS.

The Boston Celtics added to their league-best record with a 142-138 OT win on the road to the Indiana Pacers. Despite picking up the win it was the Pacers who covered the spread for bettors, with late money seeing the line drop down to +7.0 for the home side after opening at 8.5-points.

Magic, Raptors, Jazz Hold on For Tense Home Wins

The Orlando Magic managed a 108-106 home win over the Detroit Pistons as they continue their push for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons comfortably covered the 8.0-point spread as they stayed inside the number for the entirety of the fourth quarter.

The Toronto Raptors saw some point spread drama go both ways in their 115-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Toronto had opened as 4.5-point favorites but were bet up to -5.5/6.0 in the hours leading up to tip-off. However, Fred VanVleet was a late out and that number came back down to -4.5 for the home team by tip-off. The Raptors led by double-digits for the majority of the contest but a 9-1 run inside the final 1:45 saw the visitors cut to within one possession.

Gary Trent Jr hit the dagger three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining and the Pelicans were unable to extend the game after Brandon Ingram missed a three-pointer meaning the early and late lines cashed for Toronto, but the top numbers went the way of Pelicans’ bettors.

Meanwhile, Utah Jazz continue to impress as they secured an impressive 120-119 OT win over the OKC Thunder.

The Jazz closed as 1.5-point favorites and despite the memorable win were unable to cover the short spread in this one. Lauri Markkanen went 3-for-3 at the line with 4.7 seconds remaining in OT to steal the win on a dubious call.

Best of the Rest

The LA Lakers continue their push for playoff basketball with an important 124-111 win over a shorthanded Golden State Warriors team.

The Lakers comfortably covered the 6.0-point spread in a wire-to-wire win over their division rivals, who were without Steph Curry or Andrew Wiggins from their rotations.

The Dallas Mavericks were impressive 142-116 winners over the flailing San Antonio Spurs.

The Mavs offense showed why they might be one of the most dangerous units in basketball on a night where they made light-work of a 14.5-point spread.

The Portland Trail Blazers had their own dramas as they spent over 8 hours waiting to take off to Sacramento due to inclement weather. The delay caused the Blazers to rule out star Damian Lillard and Jerami Grant, which in turn saw the line balloon to -11.0 points in favor of the Kings.

Sacramento were comfortably able to cover the inflated number despite a slow start as they ran out 133-116 winners in the front end of a back-to-back for them.

That’s all for our NBA Games Recap Analysis for Thursday’s action. Be sure to check back for more NBA score predictions and recap analysis right here.
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