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Eric Moody, ESPN
There are five games to choose from on Tuesday night's NBA slate. But I'm most interested in the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is one of three games left between the two teams competing for the Western Conference's No. 1 seed. Two of the five picks I picked for Tuesday's slate are from this game. Let's begin.
Jamal Murray scored 24.5 points and rebounded.
This game is extremely important as the Nuggets and Timberwolves are the top teams in the Western Conference. Murray is playing well right now. He's cleared that line in eight of his last 10 games. Murray and the Nuggets will face a Timberwolves team in their third game in four nights. He has been above that line in five of the last eight games against Minnesota.
Nikola Jokic, 46.5 points, rebounds, assists or more
Jokic isn't intimidated by Rudy Gobert, so bettors shouldn't be either. Even with Karl-Anthony Towns out, Jokic remains a formidable force. His performance against Gobert speaks for itself, as he has averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in nine games over the past four seasons. Jokic's stability and dominance make him an attractive choice. He has cleared this line in 56% of his games this season.
Zion Williamson, under 37.5 points, rebounds, assists
The Pelicans vs. Nets game totaled 216.5 points. Williamson has been above this line in five consecutive games, but has been below this line in 66% of his games this season. The Nets have been successful in limiting their power forwards this season, ranking first in points allowed per game at that position. He also ranks 14th in rebounds allowed to power forwards and sixth in assists per game.
Fred VanVleet averaged 32.5 points, rebounds and assists.
VanVleet has crossed that line in four of his last five games. The Rockets scored a total of 227.5 points and are 9.5 points favorites against the Wizards in this game. Washington ranks 30th in points allowed per 100 possessions. The Wizards rank near the bottom of the league in points, rebounds and assists per game for point guards. VanVleet cleared this line against Washington on March 14th, and I expect him to do it again Tuesday night.
Victor Wembaneyama, under 39.5 points, rebounds, assists
The Spurs lost by 8.5 points against the Mavericks on Tuesday. Wenbanyama has missed this line in 13 of his last 20 games and 73% of his games this season. The Mavericks may not be considered a defensive powerhouse, but they've done a great job of containing their center field. Despite Wenbanyama's incredible performance this year, the Spurs have been out of playoff contention for quite some time, and I don't expect head coach Gregg Popovich to give him extended playing time. Over the past 20 games, he has averaged just 30.1 minutes per game.
Prediction and injury reporting
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics Injury tally by Rotowire.com.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
7 p.m., Amway Center, Orlando
Recording (spread prevention)
Hornets: 17-51 (27-41-0)
Magic: 40-28 (44-24-0)
line: Magic (-12.5) total: 203.5
Money line: Wasp (+600), Magic (-1000)
BPI prediction: Magic is 13.7, 89% straight up and 224.9 total points.
Reporting an injury:
Hornets: Bryce McGowens (out – knee). Cody Martin, (OUT – Ankle); LaMelo Ball, (OUT – Ankle); Mark Williams, (Out – Back); Seth Curry, (OUT – Ankle); Kai Jones (GTD – Hamstring)
Magic: Not reported
Houston Rockets vs. Washington Wizards
7:30pm Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Recording (spread prevention)
Rockets: 32-35 (36-29-2)
Wizards: 11-57 (30-37-1)
line: Rockets (-9.5) total: 227.5
Money line: Rockets (-450), Wizards (+340)
BPI prediction: Rockets lead by 8 points, shooting 76% straight, 226.9 points total.
Reporting an injury:
Rockets: Cam Whitmore, (out – knee). Alperen Sengun, (OUT – Ankle); Steven Adams (OUT – Knee); Tali Eason (OUT – Lower Leg)
Wizards: Kyle Kuzma (GTD – Shoulder); Deni Avdija, (Out – Knee); Eugene Omoruyi, (OUT – Ankle); Landry Shamet (OUT – Calf); Marvin Bagley III, (Out – Back); Tyus Jones, (OUT – Back); Bilal Koulibaly, (OUT – Wrist); Isaiah Livers (OUT – Hip)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets
8 p.m., Barclays Center, New York.
Recording (spread prevention)
Pelicans: 41-26 (37-29-1)
Net: 26-42 (29-36-3)
line: Pelicans (-7.5) total: 215.5
Money line: Pelicans (-300), Nets (+240)
BPI prediction: Pelicans lead by 6 points, 70% straight, 229.2 total points.
Reporting an injury:
Pelicans: Herbert Jones (GTD – Hip); Dyson Daniels (OUT – Knee)
Nets: Dorian Finney-Smith (GTD – Ankle); Ben Simmons, (Out – Back); Darik Whitehead (OUT – Lower Leg)
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs
9 p.m., Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
Recording (spread prevention)
Mavericks: 39-29 (39-29-0)
Spurs: 15-53 (33-34-1)
line: Mavericks (-8.5) total: 234.5
Money line: Mavericks (-375), Spurs (+295)
BPI prediction: Mavericks lead by 5 points, 67% straight up, 236.0 points total.
Reporting an injury:
Mavericks: Brandon Williams (GTD – Wrist); Dante Exum, (GTD – Foot); Luka Doncic (GTD – Hamstring); Josh Green (OUT – Ankle)
Spurs: Charles Bassey (OUT – knee)
